Opinion Paragraphs

When writing an opinion paragraph, I should only include arguments that support my opinion/ my position.

• TRUE

• FALSE

If you cannot think of at least ______ good reasons to support the idea in the topic sentence, then it is probably not a good topic sentence for an opinion paragraph.

• 2

• 1

• 5

Why can't a topic sentence be a fact? Explain in your own words.

Children who have a cell phone can call for help in an emergency. Also, they can always communicate with their parents. Finally, cell phones help children stay in contact with friends. For these reasons, when possible, children should have a cell phone.

What is the best topic sentence?

• There are many types of cell phones.

• Cell phones help children call friends and parents.

• Having a cell phone can help children in several ways.

Walking is the best exercise. First, walking is free, so people don’t need to buy a gym membership to do it. Secondly, a person can walk wherever they live. Third, studies show that walking outside not only burns calories but also helps a person feel happy and optimistic. ________________________________. What is the best conclusion sentence?

• For these reasons, walking is an excellent form of exercise.

• In conclusion, walking does not cost any money.

• In summary, many people love to walk.

Children should not play video games. First, children should be active, so playing outside is better than playing video games. Secondly, many video games are violent. However, many video games are not violent. Finally, time spent playing video games could be spent reading or spending time with friends and family. In conclusion, many activities are better for children than playing video games.

Which detail sentence does NOT belong in this paragraph?

• Secondly, many video games are violent.

• However, many video games are not violent.

• Finally, time spent playing video games could be spent reading or spending time with friends and family.

To start out a paragraph, we should use a...

• ... transitional phrase.

• .... comma.

• .... conclusion.

What is the main purpose of an opinion paragraph?

• To inform the reader about a topic

• To entertain the reader with a story

• To persuade the reader to agree with a viewpoint

• To describe a process in detail

Which of the following is a key component of an opinion paragraph?

• A detailed list of facts

• A clear thesis statement

• A humorous anecdote

• A historical background

In an opinion paragraph, what should the concluding sentence do?

• Introduce a new argument

• Summarize the main points

• Provide a counterargument

• Include a quote from an expert