<p>Expressing An Opinion Writing Template</p><p>You have been asked to write an opinion piece but you have no idea where to start. Here is a step-by-step recipe for “opinion piece success.”</p><p>1. Identify what it is you will be writing about. Your teacher may have selected a topic for you, or perhaps you have been given a choice. Either way, identify the main point of view in one or two sentences below.</p><p>2a. Brainstorm and list 5 - 10 possible ideas that support the opinion you recorded above. Do not evaluate whether it is a strong point or not, just get the ideas flowing. </p><p>2b. Circle the three most convincing ideas. You should choose ideas that you can best support with facts.</p><p>3. The following is a writing template that will help you complete your opinion piece. The typed prompts will help guide you in organizing your thoughts. Fill in the blanks with comments and details so that when you are finished, your SERIES OF LINKED PARAGRAPHS (minimum of three) is organized and complete. </p><p>My Opinion Piece</p><p>Introduction Paragraph</p><p>______is a very interesting topic. In my (identify the topic) opinion, ______(state your position on the topic)</p><p>______</p><p>______for three reasons. Firstly, ______</p><p>______. (state your first reason or arguement)</p><p>Secondly,______(state your second reason or argument)</p><p>______. Finally, </p><p>______(state your third reason or argument)</p><p>______. </p><p>Supporting Paragraph One</p><p>Firstly, ______(expand your explanation of the first reason or argument)</p><p>______. For example, ______(provide one or two specific examples </p><p>______or pieces of evidence to support argument 1) ______. Also ______</p><p>______(add additional points if you can)</p><p>Supporting Paragraph Two</p><p>In addition, ______(expand your explanation of the second reason or argument)</p><p>______. For example, ______(provide one or two specific examples </p><p>______or pieces of evidence to support argument 2)</p><p>______</p><p>______. The opinion is further supported by ______</p><p>______(add additional points if you can)</p><p>______.</p><p>Supporting Paragraph 3</p><p>Finally, ______(expand your explanation of the third reason or argument)</p><p>______. For example, ______(provide one or two specific examples </p><p>______or pieces of evidence to support argument 3)</p><p>______. ______(add additional points if you can)</p><p>Concluding Paragraph</p><p>In conclusion, ______</p><p>______(restate your opinion and the three supporting reasons or arguments)</p><p>______</p><p>______. Therefore, ______</p><p>______(Make a final comment, a recommendation or suggestion) </p><p>______</p><p>______. Congratulations! You have just successfully completed one of the major components of the Literacy Test!!!</p>