Literacy Blitz:

Writing a Series of ParagraphsTHE OPINION ESSAY

Writing a Series of Paragraphs

(a.k.a. The Opinion Essay)

Each response must be related to the assigned prompt with a clear and consistent opinion (don’t go back and forth between sides).

There must be specific supporting details that are thoughtfully chosen (plan this out first so you don’t have random points included).

The Series of Paragraphs (opinion essay) must be logically organized like you would with an essay: Introduction, Body Paragraphs, Conclusion.

As always, each paragraph needs to demonstrate competent control of conventions(syntax, grammar, spelling, punctuation – all the stuff that was mentioned yesterday).

You will be given one question that requires your opinion. The topic will be one that is current and familiar to teenagers, so you should have no problem forming an opinion on it!

• On the next slide, you will see an example of what the question for Writing a Series of Paragraphs looks like on the practice OSSLT.

• (Have you visited the EQAO website yet? Did you scan the QR code after yesterday’s lesson to try out the practice OSSLT? If not, this is your reminder!)

• When we get to the next slide, take note of the 4 important highlighted points that can help you get ready for your series of paragraphs writing.

Writing a Series of Paragraphs – The Opinion Essay

Is it a good idea for high school students to have a part-time job?

3

1

2

4

Who is your audience? Write in a language that’s appropriate.

Read the topic carefully so you answer properly!

Make note of how many paragraphs you need minimum.

Note the length

of your answer.

Remember to fill

in all the lines.

Planning Stage / Rough Notes

Before you begin writing, spend approximately 5-10 minutes (max)

planning out what you are going to write about.

This is where your “ROUGH NOTES” section will come in handy.

Spend the time at the beginning to help you organize your

response and ensure you have enough information to fill in all the

required lines.

Introduction Paragraph

This is just a sample of how to structure

your introduction paragraph. However, there are other similar

methods you could use instead.

Sentence#1

The first sentence should state your opinion.

Ex. In my opinion, high school students should have part-time jobs.

Sentence#2

The second sentence should briefly state the two or three main points of your opinion essay.

Ex. They should have jobs because jobsteach students responsibility, help build team-work skills, and teach the value of money.

Body Paragraphs - P-P-A (need a

refresher?)

When you write your body paragraphs, remember to follow the P-P-A format we

looked at yesterday.

Since you already wrote out your points and proof in your rough notes, this part

shouldn’t take you too long. You just need to add the “A” analysis part where you

will expand and explain how your proof helps support your topic sentence.

Remind yourself of the P-P-A format on the next slide…

P-P-A: Point-Proof-Analysis – a

Refresher (from yesterday) Think back to your Suzuki English class from grade 9…

Point-Proof-Analysis is a great tool to help you structure your paragraphs, so make sure you use this when writing your

responses.

POINT The first sentence should be a clear topic sentencethat tells the reader what the paragraph is about.

PROOF Detailed proof (either from the reading selection or your experience) that supports the topic sentence.

ANALYSIS Expand - you must explain how your proof helps develop your argument and explains your point.

Use P-P-A!

Conclusion Paragraph

Again, this is just a

sample of how to

structure your

conclusion

paragraph. However,

there are other similar

methods you could

use instead.

Sentence#1

The first sentence should restate your opinion.

Ex. In conclusion, high school students should have part-time jobs.

Sentences#2 - 4

The following sentences should restate the two or three main points of your opinion essay.

Ex. Teenagers should have jobs because it teaches them about responsibility and time management. Being employed also exposes them to a variety of personalities and helps them build team-work skills. Lastly, having part-time work lets them learn about the value of money.

Writing a Series of Paragraphs – A

Review

INTRO

The first sentence should state your opinion.

The second sentence should briefly state the three main points of your opinion essay.

BODY #1 Point Proof Analysis (Main Point #1)

BODY #2 Point Proof Analysis (Main Point #2)

BODY #3 Point Proof Analysis (Main Point #3)

CONCLUSION

The first sentence should restate your opinion.

The following sentences should restate the three main points of your opinion essay.

Writing a Series of Paragraphs - Tips

Be sure to use the “ROUGH

NOTES” section to plan your

response. This will keep your

ideas organized and

structured from start to finish. It

will also make the writing

process easier!

Writing a Series of

Paragraphs - Tips

Make sure you write on

ALL the lines – you can

lose marks for answers

that are too short, or

answers that are too

long!

Check over your response

when you are finished – did

you follow the proper P-P-A

format? Do you have an

introduction and

conclusion paragraph?

EQAO suggests a

minimum of 3

paragraphs, but try to

aim for 4 paragraphs

(especially if you have

lines left to fill).

On the next several slides, you will be shown examples of both UNSUCCESSFUL

(code 10, 20, or 30) and SUCCESSFUL (code 40, 50, or 60) series of paragraphs

responses.

Take note of what is missing (P-P-A) in some cases, and read through the ‘Annotation’

for each sample to discover why the response was given that score.

Topic Development Example 1 An UNSUCCESSFUL written response

What’s the

reasoning

for this

score?

Annotation: The response is related to the prompt and expresses a clear opinion with supporting details (all main points are listed – firstly…secondly…thirdly). Nonetheless, there is insufficient detailed proof and analysis, and the response lacks evidence of organization (essay structure) as well as transitions between ideas.

Response related to prompt & expresses

clear opinion

Opinion with supporting details

(main points listed)

Detailed proof & analysis

Evidence oforganization (essay

structure)

Transition between ideas

Topic Development Example 2 A SUCCESSFUL written response

What’s the

reasoning

for this

score?

Response related to prompt & expresses

clear opinion

Opinion with supporting details

(main points listed)

Detailed proof & analysis

Evidence of organization (essay

structure)

Transition between ideas

Annotation: A clear and consistent opinion related to the prompt is developed with sufficient supportive details. The organization is coherent as it demonstrates a thoughtful progression and transitioning of ideas in each paragraph and in written work as a whole.

Conventions Example 1 An UNSUCCESSFUL response

What’s the

reasoning

for this

score?

Control isevident insentence

structure &variety

Correct

punctuation

Errors don’t distract from

overallcontent

Annotation: The response lacks correct sentence structure and demonstrates an incorrect usage of punctuation. Grammar errors distract from overall content.

Conventions Example 2- A SUCCESSFUL response

What’s the

reasoning

for this

score?

Control isevident insentence

structure &variety

Correct

punctuation

Errors don’t distract from

overallcontent

Annotation: Control is evident in sentence structure as well as variety in response. Usage of correct punctuation and minimal errors that don’t distract from overall content render the response a successful one.

Practice Questions for Home

Do teenagers place too much importance on what they wear?

Is it important for teenagers to pay attention to world news?

Is participation in extracurricular activities an important part of secondary school life?

Should any course be compulsory in high school?

Should cell phones be allowed in school?

This week, we’ve looked at and reviewed 3 major components of the OSSLT:

Tuesday – The News Report

Wednesday – Short Answers and Multiple Choice

Thursday – Writing a Series of Paragraphs

Now, it’s time for you to do some more exploring and practicing on your own before next

Thursday’s test!

Don’t forget to visit https://goo.gl/58coL1 or scan the QR code to see some practice OSSLT and do

some more reviewing on your own.

Final Words

1) Get a good night’s rest on Wednesday night.

2) Ensure you know what time you are writing and what room you are writing in. Check the

lists that will be posted up in the cafeteria and learning commons next week.

3) Go to the bathroom and get a drink BEFORE you enter the room.

4) Read through all questions carefully.

5) If you are unsure of an answer, skip to the next question. At the end, go back and review

your answers and make sure to go back to any questions that were left unanswered.

6) Relax! Take deep breaths! Be calm!

7) GOOD LUCK! We believe in you!