Writing a Series of Paragraphs
(Opinion Writing)
Series of Paragraphs
(5 paragraph format)
Introduction Paragraph
Body Paragraph #1
Body Paragraph #2
Transition
Word
Transition
Word
Transition
Word
Body Paragraph #3
Conclusion Paragraph
Transition
Word



Although the test says “minimum of
three paragraphs” infer this to mean
three BODY paragraphs
Therefore, include an introduction
AND a conclusion with your three
body paragraphs
That makes FIVE paragraphs total

Topic:
“Are cell phones necessary in
teenagers’ lives?”

Length: Approximately 2 pages- write on
every line (do not skip a line) and do your
best to fill all the space given
1.
Read all instructions carefully
2.
Read the topic carefully


3.
Identify all terms
Focus on qualifying words like “most”,
“best”, “necessary”, “required”; these words
should determine your opinion and be
used in your paragraphs
Form an opinion about the topic

Brainstorm ideas about your topic in the Rough
Notes section of your booklet
(Nothing you write in this space will be scored)

Select the side you will have the most to say about

List reasons (supports) for your opinion as well as
details, examples or facts to back them up

Identify which of these supports is the weakest,
second strongest to strongest

Formulate your THESIS statement- the sentence
that goes at the end of the introduction that states
whether (or not) you AGREE with the question, and
outlines possible reasons why
 Cell
phones are necessary
(opinion) in teenagers’ lives
because they help keep them
safe (paragraph1), they are a
useful tool for organization,
(paragraph 2) and they allow
them to stay connected to their
friends and family. (paragraph 3)

Decide on the format of your answer
 Which of your reasons will you list first, second and
third- each general reason will become an entire
paragraph


Write your paragraphs in the third personavoid “I think” or “I believe” as it is stronger to
avoid using your own voice
Decide on how to write your introduction- an
interesting way to hook your readers

Introduction Paragraph
 Write a topic sentence- explain the topic or provide a
definition if needed
 Include an opinion statement (thesis)- state your opinion
about the topic and list your 3 supports

Transition Word
 Move your reader from your introduction to your first
support by using words like: “first”, or “to begin”

Body Paragraph #1
 Explain the weakest of your three supports
 Include examples and specific details to emphasize your
explanation
 Explain how your support backs up your opinion

Transition Word
 Move your reader from the first body paragraph to the
next support by using words like: “secondly”, “also”, or
“next”

Body Paragraph #2
 Explain the second strongest of your three supports
 Include examples and specific details to emphasize
your opinion
 Explain how your support backs up your opinion

Transition Word
 Move your reader from the second body paragraph to
the third support by using words like: “thirdly”, “also”,
or “finally”

Body Paragraph #3
 Explain the strongest of your three supports
 Include examples and specific details to emphasize
your opinion
 Explain how your support backs up your opinion

Transition Word
 Move your reader from your last body paragraph to
the conclusion by using words like: “in conclusion”,
“to summarize” or “overall”

Conclusion Paragraph
 Re-state or re-word your opinion statement (thesis)
 Summarize your supports
Review and edit all parts of your work
 Check to make sure you kept to your
original opinion


Check to see that you have responded
to the topic fully and accurately

Make sure your response is properly
organized

Correct any grammar, spelling, and
punctuation errors