State Your Opinion, Please!

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

Read over the questions below and think about whether or not you have an opinion on any of these topics.

• Which is the better comic universe: Marvel or DC Comics?
• Is black a color or just no color?
• Is there life on other planets?
• Is it worth it to keep Daylight Saving Time?
• Which makes better pets: dogs or cats?
• Should teachers assign less homework?
• What's the best breakfast cereal?

You might have strong opinions on some of these topics (or all of them!), but having an opinion is just the start! To really convince others, you need to present your reasons clearly and back them up with solid examples.

Here's where the Oreo cookie comes in. No, not for snacking — although that's a bonus! — but as a graphic organizer to help you remember how to write a strong opinion piece.

Look at an example of an opinion paragraph using the OREO approach.

The best breakfast cereal, in my opinion, is plain Cheerios. I have three reasons for thinking so. First, they are among the most nutritious cereals, with only two grams of sugar and no artificial flavors or colors. Other cereals have a lot of sugar. For example, Froot Loops has 12 grams of sugar in one serving. And where do you think all those bright colors come from? They are artificial colors. Just look at the ingredients label, and you'll see red 40, yellow 5, blue 1, and yellow 6.

Second, I've been eating Cheerios since I was a baby. Although you may not think that's an important reason, it highlights this fact: Cheerios are so wholesome and tasty that many grew up eating them and continue to do so all their lives. A website review of Cheerios reads, "Since I was a young boy, I loved Cheerios. I have eaten them for every lunch since the age of 11. At the ripe age of 67, I always keep them in my car just in case I need a quick pick-me-up. My grandkids love them too. Every year I fill their stockings with Cheerios. They love it! Thank you, Cheerios!"

Finally, of course, is the taste. Some may call them plain. But there's a rich, almost nutty flavor to their oaty-crunchy goodness. You can add some fruit--bananas or berries are good--if you want a little more flavor. You can't beat yummy Cheerios with milk on them for breakfast or eaten plain for a snack!

Break down this essay to see how it follows the Oreo model.

Expressing your opinion this way is pretty simple.

Now, one last point about opinion writing. Look back at the sample paragraph.

• Do you see the words in bold?

These are called transition words. They connect related ideas and help writers maintain the flow of their writing. Here are some examples and how they can be used.

Introducing a Reason

• first
• second
• third
• next
• finally

Giving an Example

• for example
• for instance
• in fact
• in addition

Conclusion

• in conclusion
• to sum up
• lastly
• finally

Now that you know how to use the OREO method and transition words, move on to the Got It? page and practice what you've learned!