By Classroom Resources

LESSON 1: Introduction
Essential Questions

• What is an opinion?

• What is opinion writing?

• Where do we see examples of opinion writing

in our everyday lives?
 DISCUSS: What is an Opinion?
“A view or judgment formed about something, not
necessarily based on fact or knowledge.”
-Dictionary.com

“A belief based on experience and on seeing certain

fact”
-Merriam Webster
DISCUSS: What is Opinion Writing?
Opinion writing is writing that tries to convince or
persuade a reader of an opinion or belief.

You are taking a position for or against something.

On your Opinion Writing Handout…
Make a list of examples of
opinion writing in everyday
life. Come up with as many
examples as you can.

Be prepared to share!
DISCUSS: What did you come up with?
Some Examples…

• Billboard
• Book or movie review
• Commercial or advertisement
Opinion Writing can have many purposes.
Support a cause

“Please donate
money to save the
whales!”
Opinion Writing can have many purposes.
Create change

“We should have

better lunches in
the cafeteria!”
Opinion Writing can have many purposes.
Call people to action

“Vote for
Edward!”
 Opinion Writing can have many purposes.
Get someone to agree with you

“The best
kind of candy
is chocolate!”
LESSON 2: Parts of Opinion Writing
Essential Questions

• What are the parts of an opinion essay?

• How is an opinion writing piece organized?

Parts of Opinion Writing Essay
Introduction

Body Paragraphs

Conclusion
 Paragraph 1: Introduction
• “Hooks” the reader in

• States a thesis or claim statement

that acts as a roadmap for the
essay

• Serves as an overview for what

the essay will be about
 Paragraphs 2-4: Body
• Three body paragraphs

• Start with one major reason to support the thesis.

• Include several supporting details or examples

that support the main idea.
 Paragraph 5: Conclusion
• Sums up the essay

• Restates the thesis or claim statement that acts as

a roadmap for the essay
On your Opinion Writing Handout…
We use search engines everyday to find quick
information. Are they making us less smart?
Read these two works of opinion writing on
both sides of the argument.

As you read:
1.Draw a box around the introduction and
conclusion.
2.Highlight the main reason given for each
body paragraph.
3.Underline the one supporting example or
detail that supports each reason.
On your Opinion Writing Handout…
Explain your opinion on whether
Google is making us less intelligent.
Write one paragraph.

Be prepared to share!
 LESSON 3: Choosing a Topic
Essential Questions

• What makes an essay topic successful?

• How can we select effective topics for our

opinion essays?
 DISCUSS: What makes an opinion essay topic successful?

You have strong feelings about your topic.

You have prior knowledge on your topic.

You can easily find support for your arguments.

On your Opinion Writing Handout…
Brainstorm at least six different
topics that you would be
interested in writing an opinion
essay about.

Be prepared to share!
DISCUSS: What did you come up with?
Some Examples…
• Should students wear uniforms to school?
• Should students be paid for their grades?
• Should students be allowed to use
smartphones in school?
• How much homework should be given
daily?
• Should smoking be banned in public?