An article that states a person’s, or a
newspaper’s, opinion on a particular
issue. Basically, it is a persuasive
essay that offers a solution to a
problem.
o Discuss your opinion on an issue facing your school,
community, or the world
o Persuade the audience (with facts)
o Talk to the reader
- Be careful not to overdo
- Do not use the pronoun “I”,
- Use 3rd person, “we”
1.
2.
3.
4.
Hook – Grab the reader’s attention
Present the problem or situation
Take a stand on the issue! (For or Against?)
Mention reasons (2-3) that support opinion
1. State reason
2. Include 2-3 facts that support reason
3. Elaborate on each fact
1. State reason
2. Include 2-3 facts that support reason
3. Elaborate on each fact
1. State reason
2. Include 2-3 facts that support reason
3. Elaborate on each fact
1. Restate opinion on issue and reasons that support it
2. Leave the reader thinking (Persuade them to take action)
“Fine arts are important in the curriculum
because of what they do for learning,” stated
Patty Taylor, arts consultant for the California
State Department of Education.
In other words, the arts, especially music, should
be part of every school’s curriculum at every
grade level.
Music makes students smarter, gives children
something positive to do, and builds selfconfidence. Most students don’t have a chance
to learn music outside of school, and everyone
deserves that opportunity.
Writing sample courtesy of http://www.thewritesource.com/studentmodels/
HOOK
OPINION
REASONS
The reasons why you are taking your stand become
the body paragraphs.
1) Music makes students smarter.
2) Music gives children something positive to do.
3) Music builds self-confidence.
Support your arguments with facts and elaborate.
Students would be much smarter if they had some music
experience. 1 They would improve their classroom skills, like
paying attention, following directions, and participating without
interrupting. People develop all these skills when they learn
music. 2 Musicians are also better in math, and they get higher
S.A.T. scores. For instance, a study by the College Entrance
Examination Board reported, “Students with 20 units of arts and
music scored 128 points higher on the S.A.T. verbal and 118
points higher in math.”
Writing sample courtesy of http://www.thewritesource.com/studentmodels/
Once again, music is important because it can
make children better students, give them
something positive to do, and build their
character.
Unfortunately, the children who need music
lessons the most usually don’t have access to
them outside of school.
That is why music should be offered in every
single grade in every school.
Writing sample courtesy of http://www.thewritesource.com/studentmodels/
REASONS
LEAVE READER
THINKING
OPINION