Opinion Piece Anticipation Guide
Students circle agree or disagree in the “Before Reading”
Before Reading
Agree / Disagree
An opinion piece should have a minimum of 3 paragraphs.
Agree / Disagree
An opinion piece should look at both sides of an issue.
Agree / Disagree
An opinion piece should list as many reasons as you can
think of to back up your ideas.
Agree / Disagree
Start your opinion piece with an interesting opening
sentence and then give the main reasons that support your
opinion.
Agree / Disagree
You should always proof read your opinion piece for spelling
and grammar mistakes.
 An opinion piece should have a minimum of 3
paragraphs.
AGREE / DISAGREE
Agree
Explanation: An opinion piece can have a minimum of
3 paragraphs but can go up to 4 or 5 paragraphs on the
OSSLT (introduction, 3 body paragraphs with separate
reasons supporting your opinion, and a paragraph for
your conclusion)
 An opinion piece should look at both sides of an issue.
AGREE / DISAGREE
Disagree
Explanation: NO! The opinion you express must only
be on ONE side of the issue only (for or against the
topic).
 An opinion piece should list as many reasons as you
can think of to back up your ideas.
AGREE / DISAGREE
Disagree
Explanation: Your opinion piece should have at least 3
reasons to back up your opinion and should give at least
one example for each reason. Don’t just list examples.
Develop your reasons in a logical order and give good
supporting details to explain them.
 Start your opinion piece with an interesting opening
sentence and then give the main reasons that support
your opinion.
AGREE / DISAGREE
Agree
Explanation: Yes you should start your opinion piece
with a general statement about the topic – it could be a
question, it could be an interesting fact or idea. Then
give the main reasons you will use to support your
opinion.
 You should always proof read your opinion piece for
spelling and grammar mistakes.
AGREE / DISAGREE
Agree
Explanation: Yes of course! Along with your ideas, you
will also be evaluated on your spelling, grammar, and
punctuation so spend a few minutes editing your work.
Learning Goal

I can express my opinion on an issue in
a series of paragraphs.
Success Criteria for a Long Opinion
 has an introductory paragraph that includes a clear opinion on
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one side of the issue only (no “fence sitting”)
introductory paragraph includes three supporting details that
explain and prove your opinion
each supporting detail is developed into a separate paragraph
with obvious and concrete examples with explanation
concluding paragraph summarizes the opinion taken and the
supporting details
transition words are used between paragraphs
paragraphs are clearly indicated (indented, skipped lines)
sentences are complete and clear
spelling, grammar and punctuation are accurate
fills the space provided for the response without exceeding the
number of lines
Now try it out!
 Write an opinion piece on the topic:
Should zoos exist?