Cardinal Ambrozic C.S.S.

OSSLT Preparation

Long Writing Task:

The Series of Paragraphs

Session #2

The Task

You will be required to write a Series of Paragraphs expressing an opinion

on a question provided.

You will write a minimum of 3 paragraphs responding to the question.

Develop your ideas with supporting details (proof, facts, examples, etc.).

Your audience is an adult who is interested in your opinion.

It will look like this:

What is a Series of Paragraphs?

The Series of Paragraphs expresses your opinion and provides reasons,

examples or facts why you hold this opinion. It has:

A clear argument (agree OR disagree- NOT BOTH).

An introduction and conclusion.

A minimum of 3 reasons, examples or facts to support your opinion.

The Series of Paragraphs

Steps for writing a Series of Paragraphs:

1. Plan!

Read the question and choose your stance/opinion. Brainstorm and list three

points (reasons) that support your response. Write down examples/proof that

will support your points.

Hint: You can use the Rough Notes

section to brainstorm. This section is

not evaluated.

Example of Rough Note Organizer

The Series of Paragraphs

2. Write!

• Write an opening paragraph that clearly expresses your opinion. Include at least 3 sentences that provide the reasons that support your opinion.

For example: I agree that cell phones are necessary for teenagers’ lives.

Firstly, teenagers can use their cell phones to complete tasks in school.

Secondly, cell phones can be used to communicate with family and friends.

Finally, cell phones can be used in an emergency. These are the reasons I

believe that cell phones are necessary in teenagers’ lives.

• To support the organization of your ideas, follow a point, proof, and comment series of sentences in your body paragraphs. Use connecting/transitional phrases such as: “This is true because…”; “For this reason I believe…”; or “Obviously, no one could doubt that…”.

• Write a concluding paragraph that connects to the main idea, beginning with words and phrases like “That is why,” “Therefore,” or “To sum it up.”

The Series of Paragraphs

3. Review!

• Review and correct spelling. Make sure to have capitals at the start of all sentences and punctuation (periods, exclamation points, etc.) at the end.

• Make sure that your sentences are connected, and not a series of bullet points.

How will I be graded?

One rubric will be used for

Topic Development.

This is where you want to be.

How will I be graded?

A second rubric will be used for

Writing Conventions.

This is where you want to be.

Example from Previous OSSLTAre today’s famous people good role models for young people?

Code 60: Topic Development

Code 40: Conventions

Watch this ‘think-aloud’:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXIRzg3Xq1Y

Your Turn: Write a Series of Paragraphs

When you are finished, check back to compare your Series of Paragraphs with the exemplars provided.

Code 60: Topic Development

Code 40: Conventions