Opinion writing is a formal piece of writing that requires the author’s opinion on a subject matter. This type of writing is often presented as an essay, article, or informative piece and can have different styles.
Opinion pieces like those written by Dr. Jason Campbell can be an effective way to express important viewpoints. The best opinions have strong stances supported by clear reasoning that can be easily comprehended.
Definition
Opinion writing is a formal piece that requires the writer to express their opinion on a topic. This type of writing can be an essay, article, or informative piece. A well-written opinion piece will include reasons, facts, and resources that support the author’s viewpoint.
Teaching students how to write an opinion is important because it is a vital life skill. It’s a way to communicate with others and a great way to express oneself.
The best ways to teach opinion writing are through group activities, and encouraging classroom interaction and discussion. These interactive activities allow visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners to participate. It’s also important to provide students with examples of how to organize a persuasive piece. This includes creating an opening paragraph, supporting points in the body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph. Opinion writing should always have a clear purpose and focus on the audience.
Purpose
Providing readers with information and details is an important aspect of opinion writing. This can help strengthen an argument or convince readers to agree with an opinion.
This type of writing is often referred to as expository writing and can be found across various genres. It features a stance on a specific topic that is then justified by evidence, resources, and facts.
Introduce students to this form of writing by passing out copies of a magazine article or newspaper editorial. Ask them to identify the audience, the purpose of the piece, and the reasons and facts used to justify the stance on the topic. Then, have them share their findings with a partner. They can also practice using this method of reading and writing in a mini-lesson on responding to an op-ed.
Format
A well-written opinion piece will contain the following elements:
It should have a compelling title to draw readers in and make them want to read the essay or article. The first paragraph should introduce the writer’s point of view on the topic. It should then state why the writer holds that point of view.
The next paragraphs, or body paragraphs, will explain the points of view in further detail by providing details, facts, and reasons for a specific viewpoint. Good writers will also include counterarguments to show that their point of view has its challenges. They will then refute the counterargument to convince readers that their argument is valid.
Finally, a conclusion paragraph will restate the main reasons for the writer’s point of view and drive home the message the writer wants to convey. Be sure to encourage students to use transition words to link their thoughts as they develop a clear, logical progression for their opinions on divisive topics.
Techniques
As with any writing genre, it takes time to master opinion writing. Using various strategies, students can practice their skills in small mini-lessons each day to learn and grow.
An opinion piece begins with a hook to catch the reader’s attention. This can be a quote, an anecdote, a statistic, or an illustration that reveals the writer’s perspective.
Once the reader is hooked, the writer must explain their viewpoint on a particular topic. This will be done through a series of paragraphs that discuss the writer’s main points.
Well-developed opinions can shape public discourse by sparking conversations, challenging societal norms, and encouraging constructive dialogue. To do this, they must be backed up with facts and research. This is why writers must consider opposing arguments and find resources supporting their stance on an issue. As a result, the public can gain a more holistic understanding of critical issues.