Writing a series of Paragraphs: The Opinion Piece/Essay

On the literary test, they’ll ask you to “write a minimum of three (i.e. do 5 paragraphs if you want to receive more than a barely passing grade) paragraphs expressing an opinion on the topic below. Develop your main idea with supporting details (proof,

facts, examples, etc.)

• Purpose and Audience: An adult who is interested in your opinion (Therefore, don’t write as though you’re speaking to your friends on the street).

• Length: The line space provided for your written work indicates the approximate length of the writing expected (about one page).

• Topic: It will deal with something relevant to high school students in Ontario.

Question: Should schools ban the sale of junk food in their cafeterias?

• Step one: Make a “T Chart” outlining the pros and cons of each side of the argument. There will be a space on the test for rough notes. It won’t be graded, so feel free to jot down whatever comes to mind. Which side of the argument you choose doesn’t really matter. What matters is that you select a side that you can support with sufficient relevant evidence. It also doesn’t matter what you believe in your heart, but rather what you can prove.

Sample “T Chart”

For Banning junk food• Students won’t crash after a

sugar rush in last period (i.e. energy levels will be higher, and attention levels would increase.)

• Students will be healthier• Obesity rates would fall• Health care costs would

decrease in the long term

Against Banning junk food• People should have

freedom of choice• Junk food is available

elsewhere• Junk food is a good seller in

school cafeterias

The Introduction• Your introduction requires three things:• A general lead: Make a statement that discusses the general idea

of junk food, but doesn’t express your feelings on the issue yet.• A thesis statement: This is a sentence which expresses where

you stand on the issue. You must pick one side or the other. Do not “sit on the fence.” Although you may express your opinion using “I”, it is not necessary.

• A plan of development: You require a sentence or two which expresses how you plan to support your thesis (i.e. you should list three points or “proofs” you plan to use to prove your thesis statement). Do not go into specifics in the plan of development. Save the explanation for the body paragraphs.

The Body Paragraphs• Each body paragraph requires the following elements:• A topic sentence: Simply take one of the “proofs” from the plan of development

and connect it to the thesis statement to inform your reader of what this paragraph will discuss. (e.g. Schools should ban the sale of junk food because it will prevent a sugar crash later in the day.)

• Proof: You must then ensure that you explain your proof with examples, facts, anecdotes, etc.

• Concluding sentence: To end the body paragraph, you require a concluding/transition sentence. You restate your proof, and inform the reader of what is to come in your next body paragraph. (e.g. Not only will the ban of junk food prevent a sugar crash late in the day, but it will also prevent students from becoming obese.”)

• Note: You only require a concluding sentence after your third body paragraph because there isn’t another proof to transition to as your arguments have been stated already.

The Conclusion

• The conclusion is easy since it’s just a mirror image of the introduction.

• Begin with a phrase like “in conclusion” or “in the final analysis,” etc.

• You must restate the thesis creatively (i.e. say the same thing, but use different words).

• You must restate the three proofs. • Do not bring up any new information in the conclusion as

your arguments must take place in the body paragraphs. • You may leave your reader with some ideas for future

thoughts on the subject.