1. Literacy Test Preparation
Writing a Series of Paragraphs
(Opinion Writing)

2. Series of Paragraphs (5 paragraph format) Introduction Paragraph
Body Paragraph #1
Body Paragraph #2
Body Paragraph #3
Conclusion Paragraph
Transition Word

3. Series of Paragraphs Clarification:
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

4. “Are cell phones necessary in teenagers’ lives?”
Example:
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

5. What to do BEFORE you write:
Read all instructions carefully
Read the topic carefully
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

6. 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

7. Example thesis:
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)

8. Writing a series of paragraphs
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 person- avoid “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

9. 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

10. Transition Word Body Paragraph #2
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
Move your reader from the second body paragraph to the third support by using words like: “thirdly”, “also”, or “finally”

11. Body Paragraph #3 Transition Word Conclusion Paragraph
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

12. Edit your work 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