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Supported Opinion Paragraph

Purpose for Writing
To state an opinion and provide evidence to support it
To persuade your

audience of your

point of view

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Paragraph Format—You need…

A topic sentence which states your opinion
At least 3 sentences with supporting details and explanations that back up your main reason
A concluding sentence that restates your opinion using different wording, and summarizes the main ideas in the supporting sentences

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Topic Sentence

State your opinion clearly
Include the reason that you feel the way you do
Example: I think uniforms should be worn in high school because they reduce anxiety about

clothes.

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Supporting Details…

Can include facts, statistics, quotations, anecdotes, examples etc.)

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Linking Words…

To begin with, first of all, second, third, finally, in conclusion
These words help to signal the reader that you are making a new point or that you are ending your paragraph by summarizing everything you have said

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Structure

Topic Sentence—state opinion

First of all + main reason + 1^st supporting detail with explanation

Second + main reason + supporting detail with explanation

Third + main reason + supporting details with explanation

Concluding Sentence—restate opinion in different words and summarize supporting ideas

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Example

I believe that physical education should be mandatory in school as it promotes healthy living. First of all, physical education promotes healthy living by increasing fitness levels. As you become more fit, your strength and endurance improves. Secondly, physical education leads to a healthier life because it encourages students to think about making better food choices such as increasing the fruits and vegetables in their diet. Thirdly, physical education promotes healthy living because exercise helps reduce stress which makes it easier to do well at school. In conclusion, high schools should make phys ed a requirement because it can really help students become stronger and healthier both physically and mentally.

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Writing Steps

Brainstorm your ideas—use brainstorming map

Topic—your opinion + reason

Supporting detail

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2. Paragraph Outline

Topic Sentence (state your opinion related to the topic

______________________________________________________________

First of all… + main reason + 1^st supporting detail with explanation

______________________________________________________________

Second…+ main reason + 2^nd supporting detail with explanation

______________________________________________________________

Third…+ main reason + 3^rd supporting detail with explanation

______________________________________________________________

Concluding sentence (restate your topic sentence in a different way and summarize supporting details.
(In conclusion…) ______________________________________________

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3. Good Copy

Type good copy, double spaced

ii. Give your paragraph a title

Submit with English Dept. Title Page

Peel District School Board