OSSLT 2015
Prep Session 3
(Writing a Supported Opinion Essay)
Thursday,
March
26th,
2015,
8:45a.m. 12:30p.m
Supported Opinion Essay
An opinion piece is a multi-paragraph
response to a question which takes a
specific stance on a topic.
DO NOT USE “I” OR “In my opinion”
Write in the THIRD PERSON VOICE
What to do before you write?
 Read the INSTRUCTIONS carefully
 Read the TOPIC carefully
 Form an OPINION
 BRAINSTORM ideas for your topic
List REASONS (supports) for your
topic and EXAMPLES and FACTS to
back them up
Series of Paragraphs
(5 paragraphs format)
Introduction Paragraph
Transition
Word
Body Paragraph #1
Transition
Word
Body Paragraph #2
Body Paragraph #3
Transition
Word
Transition
Word
Conclusion Paragraph
Credits: Candice Lande)
Introduction Paragraph
 Write a topic sentence…explain the topic
 Include an opinion statement (thesis) …state your
opinion about the topic and list your 3 supports
Transition Word (e.g. “first”, “firstly”, or “to begin”)
Move the reader from your introduction to your first support
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
Transition Word (e.g. “secondly”, “also”, or “next”)
Move the reader from the first body paragraph to the
next support
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
Transition Word (e.g. “thirdly”, “also”, or “finally”)
Move the reader from the second body paragraph to the
third support
Body Paragraph #3
 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
(e.g. “in conclusion”, “to summarize” or “overall”)
Move the reader from your last body paragraph to the
conclusion
Conclusion Paragraph
 Re-state or re-word your opinion statement (thesis)
 Summarize your supports
Success Criteria
Code 60
-
Code 50
- Response is related to the prompt
- Clear and consistent opinion is developed
- Sufficient and specific supporting details
- The organization is logical
- Response is related to the prompt
- Clear and consistent opinion is developed
- Sufficient supporting details BUT not specific
- Organization is mechanical and lapses do not distract from
the overall communication
Code 40
Code 30
Response is related to the prompt
Clear and consistent opinion
Sufficient and specific supporting details
Coherent and thoughtful progression of ideas
- Related to the prompt and expresses a clear opinion
- Insufficient or vague supporting details
- Connection of the details to the opinion is not always clear
- Evidence of organization but lapses distract from the
overall communication
Code 20
The response is related but only part of it expresses an
opinion
OR
- The response is related to the prompt, and expresses and
supports and opinion, but the opinion is unclear or
inconsistent.
-Insufficient supporting details and Repetitious
Code 10
The response is related to the prompt but does not
express and opinion
OR
Expresses an opinion but with no supporting details or
details unrelated to the opinion
Off Topic
The response is OFF topic
Illegible
The page is illegible or irrelevant to the prompt
Blank
Pages are blank and nothing written or drawn in the space
provided
Hints to encourage
student success:
* Fill in all lines
- but do NOT go over…this will = a Zero mark
* Answer all stuff
- in complete sentences…guess if you have to!
* Mark up the pages
– highlight and identify the 5WH in all reading
selections
* can't Edit enough!
(Credits: Candice Lande)
What can I do to
prepare for the test?
1.
Complete practice activities and
questions
2. More practice:
www.fmss.ca....Student Life….OSSLT
3. Attend OSSLT workshops tomorrow in
room 222 at lunch.
4. Attend upcoming workshops after school
during the 1st week of March
Credits:
-Dana Sheahan – Principal, Fletcher’s Meadow SS
-Created by: Siobohn Catalano, Fletchers Meadow