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Opinion Writing

Unit Plan

Opinion Writing

Objectives

In this unit, students will learn about the attributes of opinion writing. Students will:

  • understand and implement the distinctive techniques for opinion writing.
  • recognize the differences between facts and opinions and how/when they should use them.
  • consider the audience to whom they want to communicate their opinion.
  • determine how to choose a position and take a stand on an issue.
  • clearly support their position with research and details.
  • develop a strong, clear, claim or position statement especially focused on their opinion.
  • write an opinion essay based on logical reasons, supported by fact-based research.

Essential Questions

How do grammar and the conventions of language influence spoken and written communication?
How do strategic readers create meaning from informational and literary text?
How does a reader know a source can be trusted?
How does interaction with text provoke thinking and response?
What is the purpose?
What is this text really about?
What makes clear and effective writing?
What will work best for the audience?
Who is the audience?
Why do writers write?
  • Why do writers write? What is the purpose?
  • What makes clear and effective writing?
  • Who is the audience? What will work best for the audience?
  • How do grammar and the conventions of language influence spoken and written communication?

Related Unit and Lesson Plans

Related Materials & Resources

The possible inclusion of commercial websites below is not an implied endorsement of their products, which are not free, and are not required for this lesson plan.

Materials haven't been entered into the unit plan.

Formative Assessment

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    Performance Assessment:

    For final assessment, have students work independently on revising their papers. The final revision will count as the end-of-unit assessment.

    Materials:

    To grade the final draft, use the PSSA Scoring Guide (LW-5-1_Opinion Scoring Guidelines 5.pdf) or the rubric below.

     

    Performance Assessment Scoring Rubric:

     

    Points

    Criteria

     

     Claim

    Support for Claim

    Organization

    Conventions

     

    3

     

    A claim is made and fully explained.

     

    Many instances of logical reasoning and facts support the claim.

     

    The paper is organized logically and effectively, from claim through the body, to conclusion.

     

     

    Correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation are used.

     

    2

     

    A claim is made with limited explanation.

     

    Some logical reasoning or facts support the claim, but may be weak.

     

    The paper is mostly organized, but not in the most logical and effective way.

     

    Mostly correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation are used, but some errors exist.

     

     

    1

     

    A claim is buried, confused, or unclear.

     

    One or two logical reasons or facts are given, but they are weak, irrelevant, and/or confusing.

     

     

    The paper is mostly disorganized, illogical, or ineffective.

     

    Enough errors exist to create a distraction or misunderstanding.

     

    0

     

    No claim is made.

     

    No convincing reasons or research are given.

     

    The paper is wholly aimless and disorganized.

     

    Numerous errors exist, making the paper difficult to read.

     

Final 06/14/2013
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