OPINION ESSAY OUTLINE
5-7TH GRADE
PARAGRAPH 1
Introduction – introduces the reader to the topic and states the main argument
a)
Hook/Attention Getter – A sentence or group of sentences that make the
reader interested in reading the essay. Examples include: a cool fact, a question,
a short story, and quote/ famous saying
b) Intro information – basic information given to the reader so that they may
understand the topic.
c) Your Opinion – this one-sentence statement tells your opinion, and 3 reasons
supporting it
PARAGRAPHS 2-4
Body Paragraphs – each body paragraph is about a different reason listed in the main
idea. The body paragraphs are the “meat” of the essay, making up a large portion of it.
Body paragraphs mainly consist of a topic sentence and details that support it.
a) Transition – a word, phrase, or sentence that helps the essay proceed from
one idea/one paragraph to the next smoothly and concisely.
b) Topic Sentence – tells a reason that supports your opinion
c) Details/Evidence -- Facts or examples that are used to prove your
opinion. This is so you can properly persuade your reader that what you are
saying is true. Your details can come in the following forms…
· Examples
· Facts/research
· Scenarios (detailed descriptions of situations)
· Summaries of events (in real life or in books)
· Quotes
d) Explanation – an explanation of the details and how it proves that your
opinion is true. A successful explanation must link the details/evidence and the
opinion you are making together. Be detailed and thorough in explaining your
ideas. Connect the dots for the reader.
**Body paragraphs should be ordered carefully. The 1st body paragraph should provide
your 2nd most convincing reason. The 2nd (middle) body paragraph should provide your
weakest reason. You 3rd and last body paragraph should provide your strongest reason.
PARAGRAPH 5
Conclusion Paragraph – summarizes the whole essay to refresh the reader’s memory of
what they just read.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Transition
Restates the opinion and reasons
Revisit ideas stated in previous paragraphs
Thoughtful comments to end the essay. Why should readers bother reading your
essay? Why are your topic or ideas important?
To add
emphasis:
o in fact
o of
course
o truly
o even
o indeed
Transition Words for Opinion Writing
To show cause
To show an
To show one
and effect:
example:
idea is
o as a result
o for
different from
o it follows
example
another:
that
o for
o however
o consequently
instance
o yet
o therefor
o this can be
o but
o so
seen
o even
o eventually
o specifically
though
o to
o despite
illustrate
o although
o namely
o in contrast
o in spite
o on the one
hand/on
the other
hand
o some
people
say/other
people say
o regardless
To add information or
show similarity
between ideas:
o additionally
o in addition
o as well as
o besides
o also
o another
o likewise
o furthermore
o first of
all/secondly/thir
dly
o to begin with
o finally