SERIES OF PARAGRAPHS EXPRESSING AN OPINION

OLC

What is a S.O.P?

A series of paragraphs, is a way of expressing your opinion FOR OR AGAINST a given topic.

It is approximately 5 paragraphs in length.

Must have a clear: beginning, middle and end.

You must support your position with STRONG EXPLANATIONS AND EVIDENCE e.g. quotes, facts

Structure

Your 5 paragraphs are comprised of:

An introduction that includes a thesis statement – identifies what you will be arguing/addressing and why

(PARAGRAPH 1)

A body of 3 paragraphs that will discuss 3 different points that support your ideas (with evidence)

(PARAGRAPHS 2,3,4)

Conclusion, that summaries your argument and links to your thesis statement

(PARAGRAPH 5)

The Introduction (1st paragraph)

Includes:

A reference to the title of the text & author you will be writing about (In the screenplay Warrior…)

A reworded sentence that describes the topic of the essay (I agree/disagree that….)

A statement of what you will address or the points you will make in your essay (thesis) (For these reasons…)

Body (Paragraphs 2-4)

The body of an essay will comprise of 3 separate paragraphs. Each one discussing a different idea that you have about the topic.

In each paragraph you: 1. Introduce your point

2. Provide some supporting evidence – quotes, facts, figures

3. Explain how your evidence proves your point4. Link to next paragraph

When it comes to writing the body paragraphs of your essay, use the following:

T = topic sentence (one sentence that introduces the topic of this paragraph)

E = example (can be a quote or other factual info that supports the point you are trying discuss in this paragraph)

E = explanation (where you explain the significance of your quote and how it relates to the topic)

T = tie-up (a one sentence wrap up and link to the content of the next paragraph).

The T.E.E.T method

Topic: “Discuss the effects of drinking while driving on young adults”

Body paragraph 1:

T – Drinking while driving causes drivers to suffer from blurred vision.

E- Approximately 100 people a year die because of the actions of drunk drivers

E- This negatively impacts our society because the victims can sometimes be young families and even children

T – Blurred vision through alcohol abuse is one consequence but it can also lead to impaired judgment.

Example

The conclusion

This is your final paragraph and your last chance to reinforce what ideas you have discussed.

In your conclusion:

Refer back to the topic and thesis statement Re-list the points you made in the body of your

essay Close with a final statement that makes it clear

that what you have said is valid and leaves a lasting impression.