In this final lesson, you will bring together everything you have learned about facts, opinions, and textual evidence to write a short opinion piece. You will choose a clear claim, think about your readers, and plan a simple structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion. You will then use quotation, paraphrase, and summary, supported by signal phrases and explanations, to make your stance convincing and honest. By the end of the lesson, you will have a polished opinion editorial that shows both strong thinking and careful writing.
🎯 Learning Goals
By the end of the lesson, you will be able to:
- Plan a short opinion editorial with a clear claim, supporting reasons, and a simple introduction–body–conclusion structure.
- Integrate at least two pieces of textual evidence (quotation, paraphrase, or summary) into your own writing using signal phrases and explanation.
- Revise and edit a draft opinion piece to improve coherence, veracity of information, and correct attribution to sources.
🧩 Key Ideas & Terms
- Opinion editorial (op-ed) – A short article expressing the writer’s point of view on an issue, aiming to persuade readers.
- Claim – The main opinion or stance that your piece argues for.
- Reason – A statement that explains why your claim makes sense or should be accepted.
- Textual evidence – Information from a text used to support your claim (quotation, paraphrase, or summary).
- Quotation – Exact words from a source, copied with quotation marks and proper attribution.
- Paraphrase – A restatement of a source’s idea in your own words with similar length and detail.
- Summary – A shorter restatement of a longer text keeping only the main idea and key points.
- Audience – The group of people you imagine reading your opinion editorial.
- Coherence – The logical, easy-to-follow flow of ideas within a paragraph or whole piece.
- Veracity – The truthfulness or accuracy of information used in a text.
🔄 Quick Recall / Prior Knowledge
Look back at what you learned in Days 1–3. These ideas will guide your writing today.
-
How did you distinguish fact from opinion in an opinion editorial?
Show Answer
Facts could be checked in reliable sources like reports or expert statements, while opinions expressed judgments or beliefs using value words (for example, “should,” “best,” “worst”) or personal viewpoints. -
What are the three main ways of presenting textual evidence?
Show Answer
Quotation (exact words with quotation marks), paraphrase (restated in your own words but similar length), and summary (shortened version of the main idea and key points). -
In Day 3, what did you learn about connecting evidence to your claim?
Show Answer
After giving evidence, you should always explain it with commentary that shows how it supports your claim, using transitions and phrases like “This shows that…” or “This means…”. -
Why must you mention your sources when using someone else’s ideas?
Show Answer
To avoid plagiarism, respect the original author, and help readers see that your statements are supported by credible information, not just personal opinion.
📖 Explore the Lesson
Checkpoint 1 – Knowing Your Task and Audience
Mini-goal: Understand what you are being asked to write and who you are writing for.
Before writing, you need to be clear about the task. Today, the task is to write a short opinion editorial—not a story, not a dialogue, and not a list of facts. Your goal is to express a claim about an issue and support it with reasons and textual evidence. Typical issues might include online learning, social media use, health myths, school rules, or local community concerns. Choose a topic that matters to you so your voice will sound more natural and engaged.
You also need to think about your audience. Are you writing as if your readers are classmates, teachers, parents, or community members? The answer affects the words you choose and the tone you use. For example, if you imagine writing for students, you might use school-based examples and a friendly tone. If you imagine writing for local leaders, you might use more formal language and clear suggestions for action.
Good writers show respect for their audience. This means you avoid insulting language and unfair generalizations. Instead, you provide clear explanations, fair reasons, and honest evidence. When you respect your audience, they are more likely to listen to your viewpoint—even if they do not fully agree with you at first.
Real-life tie-in: When you talk to a younger sibling, you adjust your words so they can understand. When you talk to a teacher, you may speak differently. Writing an opinion editorial works in the same way: you shape your explanation to fit the people you hope to reach.
Mini-summary: Knowing your task (a short opinion editorial) and your audience (who will read it) helps you choose topics, examples, and language that make your message clearer and more persuasive.
-
If your topic is “health myths online,” who might be two possible audiences for your opinion piece?
Show Answer
Examples: fellow students who read health posts, or parents and teachers who guide students about online information. -
Why is it helpful to imagine a real audience instead of writing “to everyone”?
Show Answer
Because a specific audience helps you choose examples, tone, and vocabulary that match their needs and interests, making your writing more focused and effective. -
Give one way you might change your writing if your audience is school administrators instead of classmates.
Show Answer
You might use a more formal tone, include clearer suggestions or policies, and rely on stronger data or reports to support your points.
Checkpoint 2 – Planning the Structure of Your Opinion Editorial
Mini-goal: Create a simple outline with an introduction, body, and conclusion.
Even a short opinion editorial benefits from a clear structure. Think of your piece as a small house with three main parts: an introduction that welcomes the reader, a body that presents your reasons and evidence, and a conclusion that leaves a strong final message.
In the introduction, you usually do three things: hook the reader with a short, interesting opening; give a little context about the issue; and state your claim. A hook might be a surprising fact, a short scenario, or a strong but clear opinion. The claim should be one sentence that tells the reader exactly what you believe or what you think should be done.
The body is where you provide your reasons and textual evidence. In a short piece, you might have one or two body paragraphs. Each one can focus on a single reason, supported by at least one quotation, paraphrase, or summary plus your explanation. The conclusion briefly restates your claim, reminds readers of your main reasons, and may include a call to action or a final thought about the importance of the issue.
Real-life tie-in: When you argue for something important at home, you usually introduce the issue, give reasons, and end with a hopeful or firm statement. You are already using structure in your speech; now you will bring it into your writing.
Mini-summary: A well-planned opinion editorial has an introduction that states the claim, a body that supports it with reasons and evidence, and a conclusion that leaves a clear final message.
-
What are the three main parts of a short opinion editorial?
Show Answer
Introduction, body, and conclusion. -
What important sentence usually appears in the introduction?
Show Answer
The claim (or thesis) that states your main opinion or stance on the issue. -
Name one thing you can do in the conclusion besides repeating your claim.
Show Answer
You can give a call to action, suggest a next step, or leave readers with a strong final thought about why the issue matters.
Checkpoint 3 – Writing an Engaging Introduction and Clear Claim
Mini-goal: Draft an introduction that hooks readers and clearly states your position.
A strong introduction invites readers into your piece and helps them understand why they should care. One simple pattern is: hook, context, claim. A hook might be a question (“Have you ever shared a post without checking if it was true?”), a brief scenario (“Imagine a student trying a dangerous ‘health tip’ from social media.”), or a striking fact from a reliable source. After the hook, give a little context about the issue—what is happening, who is affected, or why it has become a problem.
Then present your claim. This sentence should be specific and arguable. Instead of writing, “Dengue is bad,” you might write, “Schools should regularly teach students how to spot false dengue information online.” This version tells readers what you want schools to do. It also prepares you to provide reasons and evidence in the body.
As you write, remember that your introduction does not need to be long. Four or five well-chosen sentences can be enough for a short opinion editorial. Focus on clarity and impact: you want your readers to feel ready to follow your argument.
Real-life tie-in: When you tell a story to friends, you start in a way that makes them want to listen, not walk away. The same is true in writing; a thoughtful beginning encourages readers to pay attention to your ideas.
Mini-summary: An engaging introduction uses a hook and context to lead to a clear, specific claim that guides the rest of your opinion editorial.
-
Which of these is a stronger claim? “Dengue is dangerous” or “Students should learn how to check dengue posts before sharing them.” Why?
Show Answer
The second is stronger because it is specific and suggests an action (students should learn how to check posts), making it easier to support with reasons and evidence. -
Give one example of a hook you might use for a piece about online misinformation.
Show Answer
Example: “Have you ever believed a health tip from social media, only to discover later that it was false?” -
Why should an introduction for a short piece stay fairly brief?
Show Answer
Because you need space for reasons and evidence in the body, and a short piece can be introduced clearly in just a few focused sentences.
Checkpoint 4 – Building the Body with Reasons and Textual Evidence
Mini-goal: Develop body paragraphs that use quotation, paraphrase, and summary with explanation.
The body of your opinion editorial is where you prove your claim. Each body paragraph should focus on one main reason. Start with a sentence that names that reason, and then add textual evidence to support it. This evidence may come in the form of a quotation, a paraphrase, or a summary. Use signal phrases such as “According to…” or “A recent report shows that…” to introduce your sources.
After giving evidence, always follow with an explanation. Ask yourself, “What does this detail show?” and “How does this support my claim?” Then write one or two sentences to answer these questions. This is where you use your own voice to connect facts to opinions and show your thinking. Without this explanation, readers may not see the connection between your evidence and your claim.
In a short piece, two to four pieces of strong evidence may be enough. Avoid repeating the same idea many times. Instead, choose varied support: a statistic, a quotation from an expert, and perhaps a summary of a short report. Use transitions like “for example,” “in addition,” or “as a result” to guide readers through your reasoning.
Real-life tie-in: When you try to convince someone in conversation, you usually say, “Because…” and then give examples or information. In writing, your “because” appears through reasons and textual evidence plus explanation.
Mini-summary: Strong body paragraphs present clear reasons, support them with well-introduced textual evidence, and explain how that evidence proves the claim.
-
Why should you always explain your evidence instead of just listing it?
Show Answer
Because explanation shows how the evidence supports your claim and helps readers follow your thinking, not just your sources. -
Name one signal phrase you can use to introduce a summary of a report.
Show Answer
Examples: “A recent report explains that…” or “Research from the health department shows that…”. -
Give one reason you might use more than one type of textual evidence in a single piece.
Show Answer
Using different types (quotation, paraphrase, summary) gives variety, allows you to highlight key words, and lets you control length and tone while still supporting your claim strongly.
Checkpoint 5 – Writing a Strong Conclusion and Call to Action
Mini-goal: Finish your opinion piece with a clear, memorable closing.
The conclusion is your last chance to leave an impression on your readers. It should not introduce new reasons or new evidence. Instead, it should bring your main points together and remind readers why your claim matters. One simple pattern is: restate your claim in fresh words, summarize your two or three strongest reasons, and end with a call to action or a final thought.
A call to action is a sentence that invites readers to do something, such as “Students should…” “Parents can…” or “Schools must…”. It should be realistic for your audience. For example, you might ask classmates to double-check posts before sharing, or urge school leaders to include critical reading lessons in health classes.
You can also end with a thought-provoking statement or question that connects back to your hook. If you began with an example of someone being harmed by false information, you might end by asking, “How many more students must be misled before we take this problem seriously?” Such endings help readers see that the issue is not just an English activity but a real concern in daily life.
Real-life tie-in: Many speeches end with a strong call to action (“Let us act now…”). In writing, a good conclusion lets your words echo in the reader’s mind even after they close the page.
Mini-summary: A strong conclusion restates your claim, highlights key reasons, and ends with a realistic call to action or a lasting thought that connects to the real world.
-
Why should you avoid introducing new evidence in your conclusion?
Show Answer
Because the conclusion is for wrapping up your argument, not starting new points that you do not have space to explain fully. -
Give one example of a call to action related to online misinformation.
Show Answer
Example: “Before you share any health post, pause and check at least one trusted source so you do not spread misinformation.” -
How can you connect your conclusion back to your hook?
Show Answer
You can mention the scenario, question, or fact from your introduction again and show how your suggestions or claim respond to that opening idea.
Checkpoint 6 – Revising for Clarity, Veracity, and Attribution
Mini-goal: Review and improve your draft so it is accurate, honest, and easy to follow.
Writing does not end when you put the last period; revision is a key part of the process. During revision, you read your draft with fresh eyes and ask three big questions: “Is my message clear?”, “Is my information accurate?”, and “Did I give proper credit?” These questions help you improve coherence, veracity, and attribution.
For clarity, check if each paragraph has one main idea and if transitions guide the reader smoothly. If a sentence feels confusing, rewrite it in simpler language. For veracity, make sure your facts are correct and that you did not exaggerate or misrepresent information from your sources. If something seems doubtful, check the original text again or remove that detail.
For attribution, check that all quotations have quotation marks and that all paraphrases and summaries clearly mention the source. Ask yourself: “Could a reader tell which ideas are mine and which ideas are borrowed?” If the answer is no, add signal phrases and clarifying words like “The article explains…” or “One study shows…”. These small changes protect you from plagiarism and make your writing more trustworthy.
Real-life tie-in: When you share important news with family or friends, you may say, “I read in the news that…” or “The doctor said…” to show where the information came from. Doing the same in your writing is part of being a responsible communicator.
Mini-summary: Revision helps you polish your opinion editorial so that it is clear, truthful, and honest about where its ideas and information came from.
-
What is one question you can ask to check the clarity of your piece?
Show Answer
Sample: “Can someone who has not studied this topic understand my main point and reasons easily?” -
How can you check the veracity of the facts you included?
Show Answer
By going back to the original sources, confirming dates and numbers, and avoiding details that you cannot verify. -
Why is clear attribution important for your readers?
Show Answer
It shows which ideas are from sources, builds trust, and lets readers judge the strength and reliability of your evidence.
💡 Example in Action
-
Example 1 – Claim and Outline
Topic: Online health posts in social media.
Draft a claim and a simple three-part outline (introduction, body, conclusion).Show Answer
Sample claim: “Schools should train students to question health posts on social media before believing or sharing them.”
Sample outline:
Introduction: Hook about a student who believed a false health post; brief context about health information online; claim sentence.
Body: Reason 1 – many students rely on social media for health tips (with statistic or quotation); Reason 2 – training improves students’ ability to reject false information (with paraphrased study); explanation of how schools can respond.
Conclusion: Restate claim; remind readers of dangers of false health posts; call to action for schools and students to practice critical reading. -
Example 2 – Integrating a Quotation
Source sentence: “A recent survey found that more than half of students get their health information from social media.”
Write one sentence that uses this as evidence in your own paragraph.Show Answer
Sample: “According to a recent survey, ‘more than half of students get their health information from social media,’ which means that wrong posts can easily mislead young people about serious illnesses.” -
Example 3 – Paraphrase with Explanation
Source idea: Students who learned how to check sources were better at rejecting false news about diseases.
Write a paraphrase and an explanation sentence.Show Answer
Sample paraphrase: “One study showed that after students were taught how to evaluate sources, they were less likely to believe fake news about illnesses.”
Sample explanation: “This suggests that if schools add source-checking lessons to their health classes, students will be better protected from dangerous health myths online.” -
Example 4 – Drafting a Conclusion
Claim: “Students should double-check health posts before sharing them.”
Write a two-sentence conclusion that restates the claim and includes a call to action.Show Answer
Sample: “Online health posts can help or harm, depending on whether they are true. Before you share any health advice, pause, check a trusted source, and protect your friends from dangerous misinformation.” -
Example 5 – Revising for Attribution
Original sentence: “Many young people now use social media as their main source of health news.”
It came from a health report, but the sentence does not show that. Revise the sentence to add clear attribution.Show Answer
Sample revision: “A recent health report explains that many young people now use social media as their main source of health news.”
📝 Try It Out
Complete these tasks in your notebook. Then compare your work with the suggested answers to revise and improve.
-
Choose one issue related to information and media (for example, fake news, online bullying, or health myths). Write a clear claim about that issue.
Show Answer
Sample claims: “Students should report online bullying instead of staying silent,” or “People should verify health tips online before trying them.” -
Identify your main audience for this claim (for example, classmates, parents, teachers, or local officials). Explain why you chose them.
Show Answer
Sample: “My audience is my classmates because they are the ones most often reading and sharing posts in our group chats. They can directly apply the suggestions I give.” -
Write a short introduction (3–4 sentences) for your opinion editorial that includes a hook, context, and your claim.
Show Answer
Teacher checks. Look for a clear hook, some background about the issue, and a specific claim sentence. -
From any reliable text you have (book, module, or article), copy one factual sentence that could support your claim. Then turn it into a quotation with a signal phrase.
Show Answer
Sample: “The article from our health module states that ‘dengue cases increase sharply during the rainy months,’ showing that students must take warnings seriously.” -
Using the same source, write one paraphrase and one short summary related to your issue.
Show Answer
Teacher checks. The paraphrase should keep the idea with similar length but different wording; the summary should be shorter and focus on the main point. -
Draft one body paragraph (4–6 sentences) for your opinion editorial. Include at least two pieces of textual evidence and underline them.
Show Answer
Teacher checks. Evidence should be correctly introduced and connected to the claim with explanation. -
In the same body paragraph, circle the sentences that explain your evidence. If there is no explanation, add one sentence.
Show Answer
Explanations should show how the evidence supports the claim, using phrases like “This shows that…” or “This proves that…”. -
Write a two- or three-sentence conclusion for your opinion editorial that restates your claim and includes a call to action.
Show Answer
Teacher checks. Look for a fresh restatement of the claim, a quick reminder of why the issue matters, and a realistic call to action for the chosen audience. -
Reread your draft. Make a checklist with at least four questions you will use every time you write an opinion piece with textual evidence.
Show Answer
Sample checklist questions: “Is my claim clear and specific?” “Are my reasons directly connected to the claim?” “Did I give credit for all ideas from sources?” “Did I explain how each piece of evidence supports my opinion?” -
Swap drafts with a partner (or imagine a partner) and write a short feedback note: one strength of the piece and one suggestion for improvement.
Show Answer
Teacher guidance: Encourage respectful, specific feedback such as “Your hook is very engaging” or “You might add one more explanation sentence after this quotation.”
✅ Check Yourself
Answer these items to review how to write an opinion editorial using textual evidence.
-
(Multiple Choice) Which sentence is the best example of a claim for an opinion editorial?
a. Many students use phones every day.
b. Phones are part of modern life.
c. Schools should teach students how to use phones responsibly during class time.
d. Phones have screens and apps.
Show Answer
Correct answer: c. It states a clear, arguable opinion and suggests an action. -
(Multiple Choice) Which is the best hook for a piece about fake news?
a. Fake news exists.
b. Many people read news.
c. “Have you ever shared a post and later discovered it was completely false?”
d. Social media is popular.
Show Answer
Correct answer: c. It is specific, interesting, and invites the reader to think. -
(True/False) The body of an opinion editorial should present reasons and textual evidence that support the claim.
Show Answer
True. -
(True/False) The conclusion is the best place to introduce new evidence that you forgot to mention earlier.
Show Answer
False. New evidence should appear in the body, not in the conclusion. -
(Short Answer) What are two things an effective introduction should include besides the claim?
Show Answer
A hook to catch the reader’s interest and some context or background information about the issue. -
(Multiple Choice) Which sentence uses a quotation with a signal phrase?
a. “Students should be careful online.”
b. The article says “students should be careful online.”
c. The article says that students should be careful online.
d. According to the article, “students should be careful online.”
Show Answer
Best answer: d. It has a clear signal phrase and quotation marks. -
(Multiple Choice) Which option shows the correct order of a basic opinion editorial?
a. Claim → conclusion → introduction
b. Introduction → body → conclusion
c. Conclusion → introduction → body
d. Evidence → claim → random details
Show Answer
Correct answer: b. -
(Short Answer) What is one reason you should think about your audience before writing?
Show Answer
Because knowing your audience helps you choose the right tone, examples, and level of explanation so your message is clearer and more persuasive. -
(Short Answer) How can you show veracity in the information you use?
Show Answer
By checking facts with reliable sources, using up-to-date information, and avoiding details that you cannot confirm. -
(True/False) If you paraphrase a sentence in your own words, you no longer need to mention the source.
Show Answer
False. You must still give credit because the idea comes from the source. -
(Multiple Choice) Which conclusion sentence includes a realistic call to action?
a. “That is all I can say about fake news.”
b. “Everyone should agree with me.”
c. “Next time you see a shocking post, stop and check a trusted source before you share it.”
d. “Fake news is bad.”
Show Answer
Correct answer: c. It invites readers to take a specific action. -
(Short Answer) What is one sign that a paragraph has good coherence?
Show Answer
The ideas are organized logically, and transitions help the reader move smoothly from one sentence to the next. -
(Multiple Choice) Which of the following best describes a call to action?
a. A question about the past
b. A request or suggestion for what readers should do next
c. A list of definitions
d. A summary of the author’s life
Show Answer
Correct answer: b. -
(Short Answer) Why is revision important after writing a first draft?
Show Answer
Because revision lets you improve clarity, check facts and sources, fix errors, and strengthen your explanation of evidence. -
(Reflection Item) In one or two sentences, describe one thing you now do differently when you write opinions because of this week’s lessons.
Show Answer
Sample: “Now I always add evidence from reliable sources and explain it instead of just writing what I feel. This makes my opinion pieces clearer and more convincing.”
🚀 Go Further (optional)
-
Mini Editorial Publication – Compile class opinion editorials into a simple digital or printed “Opinion Journal” for your section.
Show Answer
Teacher guidance: Ask learners to choose their best piece, revise it once more, and submit. Arrange the works by topic, add a table of contents, and let students read each other’s editorials. -
Peer Editing Workshop – In pairs or small groups, exchange drafts and use a checklist focused on claim, evidence, explanation, and attribution.
Show Answer
Teacher guidance: Provide a simple rubric or checklist. Model how to give kind, specific feedback, and allow time for writers to revise based on suggestions. -
Evidence Upgrade – Ask learners to replace at least one weak or unclear piece of evidence in their editorial with a stronger quotation, paraphrase, or summary from a more credible source.
Show Answer
Teacher guidance: Guide students to identify what makes a source credible (author, date, evidence, purpose). Compare “before and after” versions to see how the change strengthens their work. -
Real Audience Sharing – Choose a small group of opinion pieces to share with a real audience, such as another class, parents, or school leaders.
Show Answer
Teacher guidance: Help students prepare to read or display their work. Invite the audience to respond or ask questions, emphasizing respectful discussion about evidence and opinions. -
From Writing to Action – After writing about an issue, plan one realistic action the class can take related to the topic (for example, a poster campaign about checking sources).
Show Answer
Teacher guidance: Let learners brainstorm and vote on one action connected to their editorials. Support them in planning and carrying out the chosen action, linking writing to real-world change.
🔗 My Reflection
Notebook prompt:
Look back at your opinion writing from the start of the quarter and compare it with the piece you wrote this week. In 6–8 sentences, describe how your use of evidence, explanations, and structure has changed. Which new habit are you most proud of, and how will you use it in other subjects or in real-life communication?
No comments:
Post a Comment