Opinion Essay: Prewriting

The first step in writing is having something to write about. Your students will need to choose a topic and plan their essay before they are ready to write.

1. Find a Subject

	If you do not have an assigned subject, you can find one using the "Basics of Life List." Watch the prewriting tutorial for more information on the "Basics of Life List."

2. Select a Topic

	Use a cluster to narrow your general subject to a specific topic. Watch the prewriting tutorial for more information on clusters.

3. Write an Opinion Statement

	Write a sentence that names your topic and gives your opinion about it.

4. Gather Supporting Reasons

	Use a supporting reasons table to gather supporting reasons for your opinion.

5. Brainstorm Objections

	Use an objections chart to consider and answer objections to your opinion.

6. Outline Your Essay

	Write your opinion.
	List main reasons that support the essay's focus.
	Write a topic sentence for each main reason.

	Write supporting details for each main reason.
	List objections.
	Give a response to each objection.

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Opinion Essay • Prewrite • Write • Revise • Edit

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