FORMING AND
SUPPORTING AN OPINION
OSSLT PREP WEEK 1
2012
OSSLT WRITING TASK
O An opinion piece is a series of paragraphs that is
meant to convince the reader that what you
think, or your position, is reasonable.
O An opinion piece is used to take a position and
make an argument. Proof or examples must be
provided to support their position.
O Students will be asked to write an opinion piece
on a specific topic.
OSSLT WRITING TASK
Is it fair for schools to restrict the kinds of foods children may
bring to school in their snacks and lunches?
THE FORMULA
What do YOU
think about this
topic?
Choose a side.
Make a T-Chart to
organize your
thoughts.
Convince the
reader with at least
two reasons using
explanations and
examples!
STEPS FOR WRITING AN
OPINION PIECE
1. Read the topic question and consider the
possible positions that could be argued.
2. Complete a table or T-chart to list the reasons for
choosing that position.
 The reasons will become the MAIN IDEAS of each
body paragraph
 The supporting facts, proof and examples are the
supporting details for the argument.
3. Select the position that can best be supported.
4. Write a series of paragraphs with a clear thesis
and well supported reasons (examples, proof).
OPINION PIECE: T-CHART
TOPIC
I agree with this because …
DECISION
I disagree with this because …
GRAPHIC ORGANIZER
Introduction:
(Clearly stated opinion)__________________________________________________________
First,_________________________________________________________________________
Second,_______________________________________________________________________
Third, ________________________________________________________________________
Body Paragraph – One for each supporting detail
Reason _______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
First Supporting Detail __________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Second Supporting Detail _________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Explanation ___________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Concluding Paragraph
(Restate opinion using different words) Clearly _______________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
(Briefly review your two reasons) __________________________________________________
OSSLT SCORING RUBRIC
Code 10
The response is
related to the
prompt but does
not express an
opinion.
Code 20
Code 30
Code 40
Code 50
Code 60
The response is
related to the
prompt, but only part
of the response
expresses and
supports an opinion.
The response is
related to the prompt
and expresses a clear
opinion.
The response is
related to the
prompt. A clear and
consistent opinion is
developed.
The response is
related to the
prompt. A clear and
consistent opinion is
developed.
The response is
related to the
assigned prompt. A
clear and consistent
opinion is developed.
There are insufficient
and/or vague
supporting details or
the connection of the
details to the opinion
is not always clear.
Sufficient
supporting details,
however only some
are specific.
Sufficient specific
supporting details.
Sufficient specific
supporting details that
are thoughtfully
chosen.
The organization is
logical.
The organization is
coherent
demonstrating a
thoughtful
progression of ideas.
Or
Or
The response
expresses an
opinion with:
No supporting
details or unrelated
details.
There is no evidence
of organization
The response is
related to the
prompt.
Expresses and
supports an opinion
The opinion is unclear
or inconsistent.
There are insufficient
supporting details:
too few or
repetitious.
Limited evidence of
organization.
There is evidence of
organization, but
lapses distract from
the overall
communication
The organization is
mechanical and any
lapses do not
distract from the
overall
communication
STUDENT CHECKLIST
Content
 Main idea clearly stated in opening paragraph to indicate
position
 Each paragraph beginning with a topic sentence
 Each paragraph contains a reason to support position and
two supporting details
 Concluding paragraph summarizes position
Organization
 Introduction, Body and Conclusion included
 Clearly marked paragraphs
 Transition words and phrases to link ideas
 Correct grammar spelling and punctuation
 Complete sentences
 Appropriate tone
KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER
O You need to have five paragraphs in total
(introduction, 3 body paragraphs, and a
conclusion)
O Read over your work and make any changes
or corrections neatly
O Be sure your writing or printing is readable
O You do not get to use any graphic organizers
on the day of the OSSLT so learn to use the
blank space in the test booklet “Rough
Notes”
CONSOLIDATION
CONSOLIDATION
O Complete the following section in your
practice booklets
O Section VI (Writing a Series of Paragraphs)
O When finished, complete STUDENT
CHECKLIST and leave inside booklet
O Hand in booklet to be evaluated