Writing a Series of Paragraphs Expressing an Opinion

Writing a Series of Paragraphs Expressing an OpinionDetails express your opinion on a topic given to you

two lined pages are given for your series of paragraphs – you should aim to write approximately this much

divide your work clearly into at least three

paragraphs: introduction, body and conclusion

You will be given a rough notes section that will not be marked – use this to organize and plan your writing

Tips: Read the topic question and decide what position you will take in your

response. You MUST argue only one side of the issue. Clearly state your opinion/thesis (this is your overall argument) in the

first paragraph. In the body paragraph(s), state a main point and supporting details

(proof, example, fact) that support your overall argument. Provide multiple main points in the body of your series of paragraphs

that support your opinion Each body paragraph should be several sentences long. Paragraph divisions must be clear – indent or leave an extra line

between paragraphs In the concluding paragraph, summarize your opinion. Check for correct spelling, grammar and punctuation (conventions will

be marked).

Writing a Series of Paragraphs Expressing an Opinion

Writing Rubric for a Series of Paragraphs Expressing an Opinion

CodeCode DescriptorDescriptor

00

Nothing written in the space providedNothing written in the space provided

Response is illegible, off topic or irrelevant to the promptResponse is illegible, off topic or irrelevant to the prompt

1010 The response is related to the prompt but does not express an The response is related to the prompt but does not express an opinion. opinion.

OR OR

The response expresses an opinion with no supporting details or The response expresses an opinion with no supporting details or provides details unrelated to the opinion. provides details unrelated to the opinion.

There is no evidence of organization. There is no evidence of organization.

2020 The response is related to the prompt, but only part of the response The response is related to the prompt, but only part of the response expresses and supports an opinion. expresses and supports an opinion.

OR OR

The response is related to the prompt, and expresses and supports The response is related to the prompt, and expresses and supports an opinion, but the opinion is unclear or inconsistent. There are an opinion, but the opinion is unclear or inconsistent. There are insufficient supporting details: too few or repetitious. There is limited insufficient supporting details: too few or repetitious. There is limited evidence of organization.evidence of organization.

3030 The response is related to the prompt and expresses a clear The response is related to the prompt and expresses a clear opinion. There are insufficient and/or vague supporting details opinion. There are insufficient and/or vague supporting details or the connection of the details to the opinion is not always or the connection of the details to the opinion is not always clear. There is evidence of organization, but lapses distract from clear. There is evidence of organization, but lapses distract from the overall communication.the overall communication.

4040 The response is related to the prompt. A clear and consistent The response is related to the prompt. A clear and consistent opinion is developed with sufficient supporting details, however opinion is developed with sufficient supporting details, however only some are specific. The organization is mechanical and any only some are specific. The organization is mechanical and any lapses do not distract from the overall communication. lapses do not distract from the overall communication.

5050(this is a (this is a

pass)pass)

The response is related to the prompt. A clear and consistent The response is related to the prompt. A clear and consistent opinion is developed with sufficient specific supporting details. opinion is developed with sufficient specific supporting details. The organization is logical. The organization is logical.

6060 The response is related to the assigned prompt. A clear and The response is related to the assigned prompt. A clear and consistent opinion is developed with sufficient specific consistent opinion is developed with sufficient specific supporting details that are thoughtfully chosen. The supporting details that are thoughtfully chosen. The organization is coherent demonstrating a thoughtful progression organization is coherent demonstrating a thoughtful progression of ideas. of ideas.

Writing Rubric: Continued

Use of Conventions Rubric in the Series of Paragraphs Expressing an Opinion

CodeCode DescriptorDescriptor

BB Blank: nothing written in the space providedBlank: nothing written in the space provided

II Response is illegible, off –topic, or irrelevant to the promptResponse is illegible, off –topic, or irrelevant to the prompt

1010 Insufficient evidence to assess conventions OR errors in Insufficient evidence to assess conventions OR errors in conventions interfere with communicationconventions interfere with communication

2020 Errors in conventions distract from communicationErrors in conventions distract from communication

3030(this is a (this is a

pass)pass)

Errors in conventions do not distract from communicationErrors in conventions do not distract from communication

4040 Control of conventions evident in written workControl of conventions evident in written work

This is what the Series of Paragraphs will look like on the test.

Practice: Using the prompt below, practice writing your two page Series of Paragraphs

Task: Write a minimum of three paragraphs expressing an opinion on

the topic below. Develop your main idea with supporting details (proof,

facts, examples, etc.).

Purpose and Audience: an adult who is interested in your opinion

Length: The lined space provided for your written work indicates the

approximate length of the writing expected.

Topic: Do teenagers place too much importance on what they wear?

Sample answers: Code 10 in writing

Sample answer:

Code 30 in writing

Sample answer: Code 50 in writing

Extra Help? March Break Camp I Can – March 16-18 at

DSSS. Cost is $10. See Ms. Stokes in the Student Support Office for sign-up, fee payment, questions.

Literacy Counting on You classes – Mondays after school started this week. See Ms. Stokes to sign up.

Visit eqao.com for sample tests and extra practice.