Minds On
What is an opinion paragraph?
Think of a time when you had a discussion with someone where you disagreed on a topic. Think of the reasons why you felt you were right. Try to imagine why the other person felt that they were right. An opinion is a personal feeling or view about something. People have different opinions on a variety of topics.
An opinion paragraph is an opportunity for writers to share how they feel about an issue and to support their opinion with examples and details.
Student Tips
Parts of a paragraph
Before we examine what an opinion paragraph is, let’s first review the basic parts of a paragraph. Check out the following video on what makes a good “hamburger” paragraph.
Example
What makes an opinion paragraph unique? Your opinion paragraph will follow the same structure as the perfect hamburger paragraph. What makes an opinion paragraph special is that it is focused on the writer’s views on a specific topic.
Complete the Opinion Paragraph Example in your notebook or use the following fillable and printable document to help you understand opinion writing.
While completing the example, label the given paragraph with these characteristics:
- Topic statement with the writer’s opinion
- Three reasons that support the opinion
- Concluding statement that summarizes the opinion
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access the Opinion Paragraph Example.
Action
Planning your paragraph
There are many things in our lives that we may have an opinion about and many reasons to support that opinion.
Brainstorm
Brainstorming
Use the Brainstorming Template below to write down topics that you care about. Try to think of at least one reason and one example why you feel strongly about the topic.
Complete the Brainstorming Template in your notebook or use the following fillable and printable document to help you choose topics.
| Topics I Care About | One Reason to Support my Opinion | One Example to Support my Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Example: Dogs are the best kind of pet to have. | Example: Dogs are loyal to their owners. | Example: Dogs wait by the door for their owners to come home. |
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access the Brainstorming Template.
Supporting your opinion
Examine your list and select one of the topics. Make sure that it is a topic that you really care about and that you have several reasons to support your opinion. Use the Opinion Writing Planner to write down these reasons.
Consolidation
Drafting and editing
Now that you have planned your paragraph, you are ready to begin writing your draft! Try using the following transition words to improve your writing.
Complete the Paragraph Writing Template in your notebook or use the following fillable and printable document to help you write your draft.
Press the Activity button to access the Paragraph Writing Template.
Activity (Open PDF in a new tab)
Student Tips
Transition words
| Emphasis | Addition | Comparison | Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| indeed | and | like | first/firstly |
| also | too | as if | second/secondly |
| of course | also | as…as | third/thirdly |
| certainly | or | equally | finally |
| especially | as well as | similarly | at this time |
Self and peer-editing
Writers read their writing over and over to see if they can make it even stronger. Try and make your writing as clear as you can. Once you have completed your self-edit, if possible find a partner, and have them help you with a peer edit using the Self and Peer-Editing Checklists.
You can also complete this activity in your notebook.
Press the Activity button to access the Self and Peer-Editing Checklists.
Activity (Open PDF in a new tab)Knowing how to clearly state your opinion and give details to support your ideas will help you influence others and raise awareness on issues that are important to you.
Reflection
How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity? Which of the next four sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.
I feel...
Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.