Opinion Piece Anticipation Guide Students circle agree or disagree in the “Before Reading” Before Reading Agree / DisagreeAn opinion piece should have a minimum of 3 paragraphs. Agree / DisagreeAn opinion piece should look at both sides of an issue. Agree / DisagreeAn opinion piece should list as many reasons as you can think of to back up your ideas. Agree / DisagreeStart your opinion piece with an interesting opening sentence and then give the main reasons that support your opinion. Agree / DisagreeYou 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 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?