Objective: In this lesson, you will learn how to express ...



Objective:

In this lesson, you will learn how to express personal ideas and opinions in a variety of ways.

Before You Begin

Have you ever taken a test on which you were asked to write your opinion on a certain topic? If so, you might have been nervous about your response since there is no right or wrong answer to an opinion question. Thought must go into writing an opinion and expressing personal ideas about topics, because the writing must be well-supported.

Writing Opinions

There are certain times when writing or expressing an opinion is not appropriate. In other places, opinions may be required. Here are a few important guidelines for expressing opinions and personal ideas.

When you write an opinion, make sure that your thinking is logical and that your point makes sense. An opinion must be supported by evidence that has led you to your position. It must be reliable enough to withstand scrutiny from any audience. It is extremely important that your opinions and ideas are believable.

Organizing Your Writing

To make your opinions and ideas believable, you should organize your writing, support it with facts and details, and present your points so strongly that no one can dispute them or question your opinions. This is easier said than done. To accomplish this, you must be familiar with the subject, have researched it thoroughly, and present an argument that could persuade others to think as you do. Outline your opinion writing in this format:

1. Determine your purpose and make sure it is stated in the opening paragraph or topic sentence.

2. Gather all the necessary information on the topic.

3. Focus on a central theme or point that you feel strongly about and center the rest of the paper around that theme.

4. Make sure to define any unfamiliar terms.

5. Explain why the reader should believe or agree with you. Tell the reader why your opinion is valid and why your evidence is trustworthy.

6. Anticipate objections or arguments related to your opinion and build responses to that opposition into your writing.

7. Do not make the reader feel he or she must absolutely accept your opinion. Let the reader know there are other opinions that may dispute yours, but that yours is as valid as others.

8. If you find information that disputes your opinion, try to find weaknesses in the argument and include those findings in your paper.

9. Conclude by restating the original claim or point and urge your reader to agree with you.

Every writing situation will be different depending on your purpose. Sometimes you may write a simple opinion in response to a question such as, "What is your favorite color and why?" At other times, the writing may be more structured, and you may need to research the topic to make sure you are not presenting false information. Some of these situations would include writing a letter to the editor of a newspaper, writing an opinion-based report about a historical event, or giving a presentation on your research of a particular topic.

Opinions and personal ideas may also be used when writing journal entries, stories, or poetry, because these types of writing are more personal and may be shared with a very selective audience. It is important to know your audience and purpose when deciding how to present your opinions and ideas.

Opinion and Fact

It is important to know the difference between opinion and fact as you write about your personal opinion and ideas. An opinion is a view or belief held by an individual. A solid opinion is based on fact, but it is not considered a fact. A fact is a specific statement that can be proven true. Look at the following example of the difference between opinion and fact.

Opinion: My dog Barney is the best dog in the world. He is absolutely wonderful.

Fact: My dog Barney is a brown dachshund that was born on February 1.

Remember that you must feel strongly about your opinion if you are going to write about it. Do not be afraid to voice your opinions and ideas, no matter how different they may seem. Expressing your opinions and ideas is one of the main freedoms you have as an individual, and it is important that you exercise that freedom. Write what you truly believe and then find facts to support it.

Let's practice what we have learned.

In the following sentences, write "F" if the sentence expresses a fact or "O" if it expresses an opinion.

1. Our football team will play a game next

2. I really like the red color on the team

3. I know we will win the game if John can pass the

4. The new football field is finally

5. The football coach has won many games at our school.

6. We're number one!

7. The seventh grade has the best football players in the school.

8. Our school colors are red and

9. The mascot of our school is a black bear.

10. Our school will be undefeated in football this season.

Writing Strategies

Make sure your paper has a thesis sentence or topic sentence that states your opinion. Organize your facts and supporting information around that statement. Close your argument by restating that point in your closing paragraph or concluding sentence. Here are a few things to avoid when writing opinions and personal ideas:

1. Avoid fuzzy thinking. Make sure thoughts are planned out and presented in a clear, concise manner.

2. Avoid statements that jump to conclusions. Do not mislead your reader.

3. Avoid statements that exaggerate facts or lead the reader to make false assumptions.

4. Do not write statements that appeal only to the reader's emotions and are not based on factual information.

5. Do not stretch the truth or write about partial truth. Write only the whole truth.

6. Include only information that will make a strong argument for your case. Do not use information that may weaken your opinion.

If written correctly and used in the appropriate situations, opinion writing can be fun and challenging. It is also an effective way to express yourself. When you see an opinion question on a test, make sure you are prepared and remember the guidelines for good opinion writing.

An Assignment for Your Student Writing Portfolio:

Select an issue that is important to the students in your school. Write a letter to the editor of your school newspaper expressing your opinions and personal ideas on the issue and providing evidence to support your writing.

Begin writing here:

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download