Writing a series of Paragraphs:
The Opinion Piece/Essay
On the literary test, they’ll ask you to “write a minimum of three (i.e. do 5 paragraphs
if you want to receive more than a barely passing grade) paragraphs expressing an
opinion on the topic below. Develop your main idea with supporting details (proof,
facts, examples, etc.)
• Purpose and Audience: An adult who is
interested in your opinion (Therefore, don’t
write as though you’re speaking to your
friends on the street).
• Length: The line space provided for your
written work indicates the approximate length
of the writing expected (about one page).
• Topic: It will deal with something relevant to
high school students in Ontario.
Question: Should schools ban the sale
of junk food in their cafeterias?
• Step one: Make a “T Chart” outlining the pros
and cons of each side of the argument. There
will be a space on the test for rough notes. It
won’t be graded, so feel free to jot down
whatever comes to mind. Which side of the
argument you choose doesn’t really matter.
What matters is that you select a side that you
can support with sufficient relevant evidence.
It also doesn’t matter what you believe in
your heart, but rather what you can prove.
Sample “T Chart”
For Banning junk food
• Students won’t crash after a
sugar rush in last period (i.e.
energy levels will be higher,
and attention levels would
increase.)
• Students will be healthier
• Obesity rates would fall
• Health care costs would
decrease in the long term
Against Banning junk food
• People should have
freedom of choice
• Junk food is available
elsewhere
• Junk food is a good seller in
school cafeterias
The Introduction
• Your introduction requires three things:
• A general lead: Make a statement that discusses the general idea
of junk food, but doesn’t express your feelings on the issue yet.
• A thesis statement: This is a sentence which expresses where you
stand on the issue. You must pick one side or the other. Do not “sit
on the fence.” Although you may express your opinion using “I”, it
is not necessary.
• A plan of development: You require a sentence or two which
expresses how you plan to support your thesis (i.e. you should list
three points or “proofs” you plan to use to prove your thesis
statement). Do not go into specifics in the plan of development.
Save the explanation for the body paragraphs.
The Body Paragraphs
• Each body paragraph requires the following elements:
• A topic sentence: Simply take one of the “proofs” from the plan of
development and connect it to the thesis statement to inform your reader
of what this paragraph will discuss. (e.g. Schools should ban the sale of
junk food because it will prevent a sugar crash later in the day.)
• Proof: You must then ensure that you explain your proof with examples,
facts, anecdotes, etc.
• Concluding sentence: To end the body paragraph, you require a
concluding/transition sentence. You restate your proof, and inform the
reader of what is to come in your next body paragraph. (e.g. Not only
will the ban of junk food prevent a sugar crash late in the day, but it will
also prevent students from becoming obese.”)
• Note: You only require a concluding sentence after your third body
paragraph because there isn’t another proof to transition to as your
arguments have been stated already.
The Conclusion
• The conclusion is easy since it’s just a mirror image of
the introduction.
• Begin with a phrase like “in conclusion” or “in the final
analysis,” etc.
• You must restate the thesis creatively (i.e. say the same
thing, but use different words).
• You must restate the three proofs.
• Do not bring up any new information in the conclusion
as your arguments must take place in the body
paragraphs.
• You may leave your reader with some ideas for future
thoughts on the subject.