Writing an OPINION COLUMN

Part 1 of English Exam

Step One: Choose an Appropriate
Topic

1) In the context of the Sec 5 English

exam, this is perhaps the most important
step. If you get off to a good start here
your task becomes much easier and your
chances of success much greater.
 Step 1 continued

2) The key is to read the entire literature

booklet and select a topic that is general
enough to incorporate the specific topics
of several of the articles in the literature
booklet. (e.g. child soldiers or child
labour)
 Step Two: Make an Outline

1) The key to a good opinion column is to

start with a good plan. Without this, your
writing risks appearing random or
incoherent. Plan what you write and
write what you plan is very good advice.
 Step 2 continued
Formulate your MAIN POINT persuasive writing
should always be focused on persuading the reader of
a single point. This is what you want to say about your
topic. (THINK THESIS = What do you want to say ABOUT child labour?)

Your main point/THESIS should be broad enough to

incorporate at least SEVERAL (2-5) supporting reasons.

By replacing the italics in the following statement with

specific details one can arrive at the sort of clear strong
statement required:

Someone should do something about something.

 Step 2 continued
Formulate at least 2-5 REASONS/FACTS in
support of your point In order for your
writing to be persuasive you need to have at
least 2-5 reasons/facts in support of your main
point.

We encourage you to use more than 1 article

in the literature booklet.
 Step 2 continued

Select the external SOURCES you will

cite. Either select quotes that will
support each reason or make brief notes
on the information you will paraphrase.
 Quoting vs. Paraphrasing

In either case, because this is not an essay or a

research paper, you do not include a
bibliography. Instead you acknowledge the
source right in the text.

For example: According to the article Saving

the Child Soldiers by Bill Smith
 Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing should be used when
summarizing or describing the central aspect
of a text. Paraphrasing is more common in
opinion column writing.

For example: In the play An Enemy of the

People, Henrik Ibsen explores the theme of
power vs. truth
 Quoting
Quotes should only be used when there is something
specific about the authors words you need to reveal to
your reader. This could be a precise statistic or a very
specific phrase.

For example: One of the most enjoyable aspects of

Vonneguts writing is the creativity and humour of his
figurative language. For example in describing the
effects of ethical birth control pills in Welcome to the
Monkey House, Vonnegut writes, Most men said their
bottom halves felt like cold iron or balsa-wood. Most
women said their bottom halves felt like wet cotton or
stale ginger ale.
 Step Three: Write Rough Copy

Use your outline and the sample

structure below to draft your rough copy.
 Step Four: Self-Edit For Spelling

Read your rough draft and circle every

word about whose spelling you are
unsure. Then verify in the dictionary.
Watch the there/their/theyre.
 Step Five: Self-Edit For
Punctuation

Reread your article specifically

focusing on the punctuation. Check
the end of each sentence; check for
comma use; check for apostrophes.
 Step Six: Self-Edit For Paragraphing

Look at your longer paragraphs. Is

there any point where you begin on
a new topic? If so indicate with an
arrow that a new paragraph should
start.
Step Seven: Self-Edit For Grammar

Check your verb and tense

agreement.
Step Eight: Write Your Good Copy
 Sample Structure
Headline (Title) - Try to use some alliteration

By-line your name

Lead (hook) A shocking stat or a rhetorical question works well.

- Creatively introduce your topic

- Clearly present your main point (50)

Present your background facts that establish the main issue. Use resources if
possible.
(150-250)
Write about YOUR OPINION on the facts you have included (start with a strong
stance). Comment on each fact. These are your key arguments.
Transition in to a personal experience (optional). (250-350)
Conclude by creatively restating your main point

Finish with a statement linking to your lead ( a CALL to ACTION works well). (50)
Headline / By-line / Lead (50 words)
Information/Background
(150-250)
Opinion + Personal
Experience
(250 -350)
Closing + Call-to- Action
(50)
 A few other points to consider...
Use literary devices (similes, metaphors,
hyperbole) to emphasize your point and make
your voice livelier.
You may choose to use columns in your
editorial, if you wish. This makes it look more
like a newspaper column. This is OPTIONAL.
Another visual convention of article writing is
PULL QUOTES when you highlight an
important quotation in your text by making it
bigger, and darker.