Content

Overview | Expectations | Content | Assignment |

Content

So far in this unit you have had an opportunity to read a couple of opinion pieces and to familiarize yourself with the structure of this form of writing. Now it’s time to learn how to develop and organize your ideas before writing a first draft of an opinion piece.

Using the following graphic organizer is a great strategy to help you organize all the information and ideas in order to write a well-developed and clear series of paragraphs expressing an opinion.

Check it out!

Graphic Organizer for Writing a Series of Paragraphs to Express an Opinion

Take a side on the issue and write a statement with “yes” if you agree or “no” if you disagree.

Go to Paragraph 2

Go to Paragraph 3

Go to Concluding Paragraph

Check connection
to Introduction

Adapted from Think Literacy: Subject Specific Examples English, Grades 10-12, p. 44.

Using a graphic organizer

Check out the following example to see how the graphic organizer is used.

Step 1: Introductory Paragraph

First, you must decide if you agree or disagree with the question.
Then, you must write a Yes statement (if you agree) or a No statement (if you disagree). This is called the Thesis Statement.
Finally, you must support the thesis statement with two good reasons.

Take a side on the issue and write a statement with “yes” if you agree or “no” if you disagree.

Step 2: Paragraph Two

You must write reason one (as stated in the thesis statement) as the topic sentence.
You must write two good examples to prove reason one. Write each of these examples as a statement.

Step 3: Paragraph Three

You must write reason two (as stated in the thesis statement) as the topic sentence.
You must write two good examples to prove reason two. Write each of these examples as a statement.

Step 4: Concluding Paragraph

You must restate the thesis statement.
Then, summarize the supporting reasons. The summary must be 1-2 sentences.

Rounded Rectangle: Restate Thesis Statement: Teenagers can definitely make a difference when it comes to saving the environment because they can take action in their schools. Teenagers can also help out in their communities. Every little bit counts when it means saving our planet.

If you think you’re ready to organize your own ideas, move on to the assignment. If not, review the graphic organizer as many times as you need to before moving on.

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Overview | Expectations | Content | Assignment

Unit 5: Prove your point

Activity 3: Organize your ideas

Content

Check it out!

Graphic Organizer for Writing a Series of Paragraphs to Express an Opinion