Literacy Blitz: Writing a Series of Paragraphs. The Opinion Essay

Transcription

1 Literacy Blitz: Writing a Series of Paragraphs The Opinion Essay

2 Writing a Series of Paragraphs (a.k.a. The Opinion Essay) Each response must be related to the assigned prompt with a clear and consistent opinion (don t go back and forth between sides). There must be specific supporting details that are thoughtfully chosen (plan this out first so you don t have random points included). The Series of Paragraphs (opinion essay) must be logically organized like you would with an essay: Introduction, Body Paragraphs, Conclusion. As always, each paragraph needs to demonstrate competent control of conventions (syntax, grammar, spelling, punctuation all the stuff that was mentioned yesterday). You will be given one question that requires your opinion. The topic will be one that is current and familiar to teenagers, so you should have no problem forming an opinion on it!

3 Writing a Series of Paragraphs The Opinion Essay On the next slide, you will see an example of what the question for Writing a Series of Paragraphs looks like on the sample online OSSLT. (Have you visited the EQAO website yet? Did you scan the QR code after yesterday s lesson to try out the sample online OSSLT? If not, this is your reminder!) When we get to the next slide, take note of the 4 important highlighted points that can help you get ready for your series of paragraphs writing.

4 Who is your audience? Write in a language that s appropriate. 4 2 Read the topic carefully so you answer properly! Make note of how many paragraphs you need minimum. 1 Is it a good idea for high school students to have a part-time job? 3 Note your character limit (2500).

5 Planning Stage / Rough Notes Before you begin writing, spend approximately 5-10 minutes (max) planning out what you are going to write about. This is where your notepad tool will come in handy. Spend the time at the beginning to help you organize your response and ensure you meet the 2500 character limit (this is just a wee bit longer than a 140 character tweet, isn t it?!) Remember the notepad option that you learned about yesterday? No? Lucky for you, the next slide will refresh your memory!

6 Notepad Tool a Refresher 1 Select the notepad tool on the top right-hand corner of the test. 2 Once you open the notepad tool, use this space to make rough notes to organize your ideas before you begin typing out your answer.

7 (Okay back to ) Rough Notes Things to include: Your position (yes or no) in other words, your opinion 2-3 main points with supporting ideas for each (proof) Once your rough notes are complete in your notepad, you are ready to start the good copy! ***NOTE: This only shows the rough work for the intro and 2 body paragraphs. Yours should also include a 3 rd body paragraph and conclusion.

8 Introduction Paragraph This is just a sample of how to structure your introduction paragraph. However, there are other similar methods you could use instead. Sentence #1 The first sentence should state your opinion. Ex. In my opinion, high school students should have part-time jobs. Sentence #2 The second sentence should briefly state the two or three main points of your opinion essay. Ex. They should have jobs because jobs teach students responsibility, help build team-work skills, and teach the value of money.

9 Body Paragraphs - P-P-A (need a refresher?) When you write your body paragraphs, remember to follow the P-P-A format we looked at yesterday. Since you already wrote out your points and proof in your rough notepad, this part shouldn t take you too long. You just need to add the A analysis part where you will expand and explain how your proof helps support your topic sentence. Remind yourself of the P-P-A format on the next slide

10 P-P-A: Point-Proof-Analysis a Refresher (from yesterday) Think back to your Suzuki English class from grade 9 Point-Proof-Analysis is a great tool to help you structure your paragraphs, so make sure you use this when writing your responses. POINT The first sentence should be a clear topic sentence that tells the reader what the paragraph is about. Use P-P-A! PROOF ANALYSIS Detailed proof (either from the reading selection or your experience) that supports the topic sentence. Expand - you must explain how your proof helps develop your argument and explains your point.

11 Conclusion Paragraph Again, this is just a sample of how to structure your conclusion paragraph. However, there are other similar methods you could use instead. Sentence #1 Sentences #2-4 The first sentence should restate your opinion. Ex. In conclusion, high school students should have parttime jobs. The following sentences should restate the two or three main points of your opinion essay. Ex. Teenagers should have jobs because it teaches them about responsibility and time management. Being employed also exposes them to a variety of personalities and helps them build team-work skills. Lastly, having part-time work lets them learn about the value of money.

12 Writing a Series of Paragraphs A Review The first sentence should state your opinion. INTRO The second sentence should briefly state the three main points of your opinion essay. BODY #1 Point Proof Analysis (Main Point #1) BODY #2 Point Proof Analysis (Main Point #2) BODY #3 Point Proof Analysis (Main Point #3) The first sentence should restate your opinion. CONCLUSION The following sentences should restate the three main points of your opinion essay.

13 Writing a Series of Paragraphs - Tips EQAO suggests a minimum of 3 paragraphs, but try to aim for 4 paragraphs (especially if you have characters left to fill). Make sure you use all 2500 characters (or at least as close to 2500 characters as possible). Writing a Series of Paragraphs - Tips Check over your response when you are finished did you follow the proper P-P-A format? Do you have an introduction and conclusion paragraph? Be sure to use the notepad section to plan your response. This will keep your ideas organized and structured from start to finish. It will also make the writing process easier!

14 On the next several slides, you will be shown examples of both UNSUCCESSFUL (code 10, 20, or 30) and SUCCESSFUL (code 40, 50, or 60) series of paragraphs responses. Take note of what is missing (P-P-A) in some cases, and read through the Annotation for each sample to discover why the response was given that score.

15 Topic Development Example 1 An UNSUCCESSFUL written response Response related to prompt & expresses clear opinion Opinion with supporting details (main points listed) Detailed proof & analysis Evidence of organization (essay structure) Transition between ideas Annotation: The response is related to the prompt and expresses a clear opinion with supporting details (all main points are listed firstly secondly thirdly). Nonetheless, there is insufficient detailed proof and analysis, and the response lacks evidence of organization (essay structure) as well as transitions between ideas. What s the reasoning for this score?

16 Topic Development Example 2 A SUCCESSFUL written response Response related to prompt & expresses clear opinion Opinion with supporting details (main points listed) Detailed proof & analysis Evidence of organization (essay structure) Transition between ideas Annotation: A clear and consistent opinion related to the prompt is developed with sufficient supportive details. The organization is coherent as it demonstrates a thoughtful progression and transitioning of ideas in each paragraph and in written work as a whole. What s the reasoning for this score?

17 Conventions Example 1 An UNSUCCESSFUL response Control is evident in sentence structure & variety Correct punctuation Errors don t distract from overall content Annotation: The response lacks correct sentence structure and demonstrates an incorrect usage of punctuation. Grammar errors distract from overall content. What s the reasoning for this score?

18 Conventions Example 2 - A SUCCESSFUL response Annotation: Control is evident in sentence structure as well as variety in response. Usage of correct punctuation and minimal errors that don t distract from overall content render the response a successful one. Control is evident in sentence structure & variety Correct punctuation Errors don t distract from overall content What s the reasoning for this score?

19 Practice Questions for Home Do teenagers place too much importance on what they wear? Is it important for teenagers to pay attention to world news? Is participation in extracurricular activities an important part of secondary school life? Should any course be compulsory in high school? Should cell phones be allowed in school?

20 So we understand both Open Responses AND Short Writing Tasks from yesterday, and NOW you can add Writing a Series of Paragraphs. Phew! Now it s time for you to explore some more of the online OSSLT sample tests at home and prepare yourself for the test. It is one week away today! (The countdown is on!) Until tomorrow when we ll learn about another OSSLT component...