In this lesson, you will step back and look closely at how an opinion editorial is built from beginning to end. You will revisit key ideas like thesis statement, structure, evidence, and conclusion as you connect them to a global issue you care about. By checking how introductions, body paragraphs, and titles all work together, you will see how a clear framework makes your message stronger. Today’s work will prepare you to write, revise, and polish your own opinion editorial with confidence.
🎯 Learning Goals
By the end of the lesson, you will be able to:
- Identify and describe the main parts of an opinion editorial (introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion, and title) using a given example.
- Explain how a clear thesis statement, arguments, and evidence support the structure of an opinion editorial on a global issue.
- Create a simple structure plan for your own opinion editorial that shows where your thesis, key arguments, and call to action will go.
🧩 Key Ideas & Terms
- Opinion editorial (op-ed) – a short article that shares a writer’s opinion about an important issue and tries to persuade readers.
- Thesis statement – one clear sentence that presents your main opinion about a global issue and hints at your reasons.
- Structure – the way an editorial is organized, usually with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
- Introduction – the opening part that hooks readers, introduces the issue, and states the thesis statement.
- Body paragraph – a paragraph that develops one main argument using evidence and explanation.
- Conclusion – the closing part that summarizes main points, restates the opinion, and may include a call to action.
- Argument – a reason that supports your thesis statement.
- Evidence – facts, statistics, expert opinions, or examples that prove your argument.
- Call to action – a statement at the end that tells readers what you want them to think, feel, or do.
- Title – the headline that introduces your editorial and attracts readers’ attention.
🔄 Quick Recall / Prior Knowledge
Warm up your memory about opinion editorials and your work from previous weeks.
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What global issue did you focus on when you first wrote your thesis statement (for example, climate change, plastic pollution, or global health)?
Show Answer
Your answer should name a specific global issue that affects many people or the planet, such as plastic pollution, climate change, poverty, or another issue you chose before.
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In one sentence, explain what a thesis statement does in an opinion editorial.
Show Answer
A thesis statement clearly presents the writer’s main opinion on the issue and hints at the reasons or arguments that will support it.
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List the three main parts of a typical opinion editorial in order.
Show Answer
The usual order is: introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
📖 Explore the Lesson
Work through each checkpoint in order. Use your notebook for quick notes, mini-plans, and answers before opening the suggested answers.
Checkpoint 1: Why Structure Matters in Opinion Editorials
Mini-goal: Understand how structure helps readers follow your opinion on a global issue.
Imagine walking into a house while it is still under construction. The walls are half built, wires hang from the ceiling, and furniture sits in piles. You might know that the house will be beautiful one day, but right now it feels confusing and unsafe. A poorly structured opinion editorial feels the same way to readers. The ideas might be important, but without a clear structure, they become hard to follow.
When you write about a global issue like climate change or plastic pollution, you often have many ideas. You may want to talk about causes, effects, solutions, and different groups of people. Structure is the plan that organizes all of these ideas into a path. It tells you where to place your thesis statement, which arguments come first, and how you will leave readers with a strong final message.
A typical opinion editorial structure starts with an introduction that grabs attention and presents your thesis statement. Then it moves into body paragraphs, each focusing on one clear argument supported by evidence. Finally, it ends with a conclusion that reminds readers of your main points and calls them to think or act. When these parts are strong and connected, readers can travel smoothly through your text.
As you review structure today, remember that it does not remove your creativity. Instead, structure is like the frame of a house that holds everything together while you decorate it with your own voice, examples, and global concerns.
Mini-summary: Structure gives your editorial a clear beginning, middle, and end so readers can follow your ideas about a global issue without getting lost.
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In your notebook, draw a simple house and label the roof “introduction,” the walls “body paragraphs,” and the foundation “conclusion.” What does this picture remind you about structure?
Show Answer
The picture shows that all parts depend on one another: the roof cannot stand without walls, and the walls need a strong foundation. In the same way, your introduction, body, and conclusion must work together to support your argument.
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Why do you think structure is especially important when writing about complex global issues?
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Global issues have many causes and effects. Clear structure helps readers understand each step of your argument instead of feeling overwhelmed by too much information.
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Write one way that a weak structure could harm even a good thesis statement.
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A weak structure could hide or confuse the thesis, repeat ideas, or mix arguments together so that readers no longer see the main point clearly.
Checkpoint 2: Looking Closely at Introductions and Thesis Statements
Mini-goal: Review how strong introductions lead to clear thesis statements.
The introduction is the doorway to your editorial. If the doorway is narrow, dark, or unclear, many readers will simply turn away. A strong introduction does three main jobs: it grabs attention, introduces the global issue, and presents your thesis statement. The thesis statement is the central idea that guides every other part of the editorial.
Attention can be captured in different ways. You might begin with a short story about a community affected by your issue, a surprising statistic, or a thought-provoking question. This “hook” should connect directly to the issue, not to something random. After the hook, you briefly show readers how the local example fits into a bigger global pattern. For example, you might say that the problem appears not only in one town, but in many cities and countries.
Then you arrive at your thesis statement. At this level, a strong thesis usually has three qualities: it is clear (readers know exactly what you think), specific (it names the issue and your focus), and argumentative (it can be agreed or disagreed with). Compare these two sentences:
1) “Plastic is bad for the environment.” 2) “Governments and companies must work together to reduce plastic production and improve waste management to protect oceans and future generations.” The second sentence is a stronger thesis because it shows what should happen and who should act.
Mini-summary: A strong introduction guides readers from a hook to a clear, specific thesis statement that tells them what you believe about a global issue.
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Look back at your earlier thesis statement. Is it clear, specific, and argumentative? Which quality needs the most improvement?
Show Answer
Many learners discover that their thesis is clear but not specific enough. They may need to name the issue more narrowly or show more clearly what change they want.
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Rewrite this weak thesis to make it stronger: “Climate change is a big problem.”
Show Answer
Possible answer: “World leaders must commit to reducing carbon emissions and supporting renewable energy so that climate change does not destroy vulnerable communities.”
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In one sentence, explain why the thesis statement should appear in the introduction, not only at the end.
Show Answer
Readers need to see the thesis early so they can understand how each body paragraph and piece of evidence supports the main opinion.
Checkpoint 3: Building Body Paragraphs with Arguments and Evidence
Mini-goal: Review how each body paragraph supports the thesis with one clear argument and evidence.
Body paragraphs are the heart of your opinion editorial. Each one should develop a single main argument that supports your thesis. When body paragraphs are well designed, readers can see the steps of your thinking: first reason, second reason, maybe a third, and sometimes a short counterargument.
A strong body paragraph usually follows this pattern: topic sentence, explanation, evidence, and short link back to the thesis. The topic sentence introduces the argument, such as “First, plastic pollution destroys marine life and harms fishing communities.” The explanation adds more detail and helps readers picture the problem. Then you bring in evidence, such as a fact, statistic, expert quote, or real example. Finally, you show how this evidence proves your argument and supports your thesis.
When you choose evidence, think about quality instead of quantity. One strong statistic from a reliable source can be more persuasive than many weak statements from unknown places. Also, make sure your evidence is connected to a global scale. If you mention a local story, explain how it reflects a larger worldwide pattern.
To keep paragraphs organized, avoid mixing many different arguments in one place. If you find that your topic sentence mentions one idea but your evidence shows a different idea, you may need to split the paragraph or adjust the topic sentence.
Mini-summary: Each body paragraph should focus on one argument, supported by clear explanation and strong evidence that connects back to the thesis and the global issue.
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In your notebook, write a topic sentence for a body paragraph about one effect of your chosen global issue.
Show Answer
Example: “First, plastic pollution harms marine animals that mistake plastic for food, which then affects the people who depend on fishing for their living.”
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List two possible types of evidence you could use to support that topic sentence.
Show Answer
Possible evidence: a statistic about how many animals are harmed each year, and a quote from a marine scientist or local fisher describing the impact.
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Why should each body paragraph focus on only one main argument?
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Focusing on one argument keeps the paragraph clear and allows you to explain and support it fully so readers do not get confused.
Checkpoint 4: Ending with a Strong Conclusion and Call to Action
Mini-goal: Understand how conclusions bring the whole editorial together and move readers to respond.
Many writers spend most of their energy on introductions and body paragraphs and then quickly close with a short sentence like “That is why this issue is important.” However, a strong conclusion is your last chance to leave a clear impression. It should not simply repeat the introduction; it should show what readers can remember and do after reading.
A typical conclusion has three parts. First, it briefly summarizes your main arguments in fresh words. Second, it restates the thesis in a powerful way, reminding readers of your central opinion. Third, it may include a call to action, which invites readers to take steps such as supporting a policy, changing a habit, or sharing information with others.
When your editorial discusses global issues, your call to action can connect local and global levels. For example, you might ask your school community to reduce single-use plastic and also encourage leaders to support international agreements. This shows that ordinary people and decision makers both have roles in solving the problem.
The tone of your conclusion should be hopeful but realistic. You want readers to feel that change is possible, not that the problem is too big to face. You might end with a strong image, a short quote, or a vision of what the future could look like if your suggestions are followed.
Mini-summary: A good conclusion gathers your main points, restates your thesis, and leaves readers with a clear and realistic call to action about the global issue.
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Think about your chosen global issue. What is one realistic action your target readers could take?
Show Answer
For example, readers could reduce plastic use, join a clean-up drive, write to local officials, or share reliable information about the issue.
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Why should the conclusion use fresh words instead of copying the thesis sentence exactly?
Show Answer
Fresh words keep readers interested and show that you can express your main idea in different ways while keeping the meaning the same.
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In your notebook, write one sentence that could serve as a call to action for your editorial.
Show Answer
Example: “We must stop treating our oceans as trash bins and demand that leaders act now to control plastic waste before it is too late.”
Checkpoint 5: Titles and How Structure Guides the Reader
Mini-goal: See how a good title and a clear structure help readers understand your message before they even start reading.
Before readers see your introduction, they usually see your title. A strong title gives a quick preview of the global issue and your opinion. It should be short, clear, and powerful. Some titles are action-oriented (“Turn Off the Plastic Tap Now”), some are questions (“Is Plastic the New Poison?”), and some are benefit-driven (“Cleaner Oceans, Safer Futures”). Whichever style you choose, the title should match the structure and tone of the editorial that follows.
Think of the title as a sign on the front of your “editorial house.” The introduction is the doorway, the body paragraphs are the rooms, and the conclusion is the back door where readers exit. If the sign says “Kitchen,” but the doorway opens into a bedroom, readers will feel confused. In the same way, if your title promises one thing but the structure of your editorial talks about another, readers may stop trusting your writing.
When you plan or revise your structure, check the connection between your title, thesis, and main arguments. Ask yourself: “Does my title clearly hint at the thesis?” and “Do my body paragraphs actually support what the title promises?” If not, you may need to adjust either the title or the structure.
Today’s lesson does not require you to finalize your title, but you should begin to think about how titles and structure work together. This will help you later when you refine your thesis, arguments, and evidence.
Mini-summary: A good title, clear thesis, and well-organized structure all point in the same direction so readers always know what your editorial is about and why it matters.
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Look at your current thesis statement. Write one possible action-oriented title based on it.
Show Answer
Example: If your thesis is about stricter rules for plastic, an action-oriented title could be “Stop the Plastic Flood: Strengthen Laws Now.”
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Why should a title usually be under about twelve words?
Show Answer
Short titles are easier to read, remember, and share. They quickly tell readers the main idea without overwhelming them.
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In your notebook, sketch a tiny diagram that links “Title → Introduction → Body → Conclusion.” What does this arrow chain remind you to check?
Show Answer
It reminds you to check whether all parts of the editorial are connected and point to the same main message about the global issue.
💡 Example in Action
Study these worked examples to see how structure and key elements appear in real editorial pieces. Do not copy them; use them as models.
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Identifying the Parts of an Editorial
Read this short outline:
Title: “Turning the Tide on Plastic: A Global Commitment”
First sentence: “Every year, millions of tons of plastic enter our oceans, choking marine life and threatening coastal communities.”
Last sentence: “If leaders and citizens act together now, we can protect our oceans and secure a safer future for the next generation.”
Task: Name the section of the editorial where each part belongs.Show Answer
The title is the headline. The first sentence belongs in the introduction as a hook. The last sentence belongs in the conclusion as a final message and part of the call to action.
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Evaluating Thesis Statements
Which of these is a stronger thesis for an editorial on plastic pollution?
A. “Plastic pollution is a big problem in the world.”
B. “Governments and companies must reduce single-use plastics and invest in better waste systems to protect the oceans and the people who depend on them.”
Explain your choice.Show Answer
Statement B is stronger because it is specific (single-use plastics, waste systems, oceans, affected people) and clearly states who must act and how.
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Body Paragraph Example
Topic sentence: “First, plastic pollution harms marine animals in ways that also threaten human food supplies.”
Evidence: “A recent study reports that over 700 marine species have been affected by plastic waste.”
Task: Add an explanation sentence that links the evidence to the argument.Show Answer
Sample explanation: “When fish and other sea creatures swallow plastic, they may die or become unsafe to eat, which endangers communities that rely on fishing for food and income.”
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Conclusion and Call to Action
Draft conclusion sentence: “We cannot ignore this problem anymore.”
Task: Improve this sentence to make it a clearer call to action.Show Answer
Possible improvement: “We must demand stronger laws, support cleaner habits, and work together so that plastic no longer poisons our oceans and our future.”
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Checking Title and Structure Match
Title: “Ban Single-Use Plastics to Save Our Seas”
Thesis: “While recycling is helpful, only strict limits on single-use plastics and better waste systems will truly protect our oceans from plastic pollution.”
Task: Explain why this title and thesis fit well together.Show Answer
They match because both focus on single-use plastics and ocean protection. The title gives the main action (“ban single-use plastics”), and the thesis explains it in more detail with reasons.
📝 Try It Out
Use your notebook to answer these tasks. Then compare with the suggested answers.
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Draw a simple diagram of an opinion editorial with three boxes labeled Introduction, Body, and Conclusion. Under each box, write one sentence describing its purpose.
Show Answer
The introduction hooks readers and presents the thesis, the body explains reasons with evidence, and the conclusion sums up the ideas and leaves a clear final message or call to action.
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Take your own thesis statement from Week 7 and check if it clearly names the issue and your opinion. Rewrite it once to make it stronger.
Show Answer
Your revision should be more specific and clearly show what should change and who should act. It should avoid vague words like “bad” or “something.”
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Write one possible hook (story, question, or statistic) for an introduction about your chosen global issue.
Show Answer
The hook should connect directly to your issue, such as a short scene of how people are affected or a number that shows how large the problem is.
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Choose one argument that supports your thesis. Write a topic sentence for a body paragraph about that argument.
Show Answer
The topic sentence should state one clear reason, such as “First, plastic pollution harms coastal communities that depend on fishing and tourism.”
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List two different types of evidence you could use to support that topic sentence.
Show Answer
Possible evidence: a statistic from a scientific report, a quote from an expert or affected person, or a real example of damage to a local area.
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Write a short sentence that could appear near the end of a conclusion and serve as a call to action.
Show Answer
Example: “We must act now by reducing plastic use and pressuring leaders to create stronger environmental laws.”
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Create one action-oriented title for your editorial idea.
Show Answer
Example: “Cut Plastic, Save Our Seas Now.” Your own answer should feature a strong verb and a sense of urgency.
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Create one question title for the same idea.
Show Answer
Example: “Will We Let Plastic Choke Our Oceans?” The title should invite readers to think deeply about the issue.
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Create one benefit-driven title for the same idea.
Show Answer
Example: “Cleaner Seas, Safer Lives for All.” This shows a positive outcome if your opinion is followed.
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On a separate page, make a mini plan with four lines: Title, Introduction idea, Body arguments, Conclusion idea. Fill in each line with phrases or short sentences.
Show Answer
Your mini plan will be personal, but it should clearly connect your title, thesis, main reasons, and call to action into one structure.
✅ Check Yourself
Answer these items to check your understanding of structure and key elements in opinion editorials.
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Multiple-choice: Which sentence best describes a thesis statement?
a) A funny story at the beginning of your editorial.
b) A list of all the sources you used.
c) The central idea that states your opinion on the issue.
d) A summary of other people’s opinions.Show Answer
The correct answer is c).
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Multiple-choice: Which option shows the correct basic structure of an opinion editorial?
a) Title – conclusion – introduction – body
b) Introduction – body paragraphs – conclusion
c) Body paragraphs – title – conclusion
d) Hook – call to action – thesisShow Answer
The correct answer is b).
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Short answer: What is the main job of the introduction?
Show Answer
It grabs the reader’s attention, introduces the global issue, and presents the thesis statement.
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Multiple-choice: Each body paragraph should mainly focus on:
a) A single argument supported by evidence.
b) As many ideas as possible.
c) Only personal stories with no facts.
d) A list of questions with no answers.Show Answer
The correct answer is a).
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Short answer: Give one example of a type of evidence you can use.
Show Answer
Examples include facts, statistics, expert opinions, research findings, or real-life examples.
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Multiple-choice: Which part of the editorial usually contains the call to action?
a) Title
b) Introduction
c) Body paragraph 1
d) ConclusionShow Answer
The correct answer is d).
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Multiple-choice: Which title is action-oriented?
a) “Is Plastic Really a Problem?”
b) “The Story of Plastic.”
c) “Stop the Plastic Flood Now.”
d) “Some Thoughts on Plastic.”Show Answer
The correct answer is c).
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Short answer: Why should a title match the thesis and structure of your editorial?
Show Answer
Because the title promises readers a certain topic and angle; if the inside does not match, readers may feel confused or misled.
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Multiple-choice: Which sentence best describes evidence in an editorial?
a) Feelings about the issue.
b) Facts, statistics, or quotes that support your argument.
c) The conclusion of the editorial.
d) The title and subheadings.Show Answer
The correct answer is b).
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Short answer: What is one danger of having body paragraphs with no clear topic sentence?
Show Answer
Readers may not understand the main point of the paragraph, and the ideas can feel mixed or confusing.
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Multiple-choice: A conclusion that only repeats the introduction word for word is:
a) Strong and memorable.
b) Boring and less effective.
c) Required in all editorials.
d) The best way to end any text.Show Answer
The correct answer is b).
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Short answer: Write one transition phrase you can use to begin a new body paragraph.
Show Answer
Examples: “Another reason is that…,” “In addition…,” or “Furthermore…”.
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Multiple-choice: Which pair of words best describes the tone you should aim for when writing about a serious global issue?
a) Rude and sarcastic
b) Calm and hopeful
c) Confused and playful
d) Angry and carelessShow Answer
The correct answer is b).
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Short answer: Why is it helpful to think about structure before you start drafting the full editorial?
Show Answer
Because planning the structure helps you organize ideas, choose where to put your thesis, arguments, and call to action, and makes drafting faster and clearer.
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Reflection check: In one or two sentences, explain which part of the editorial structure (introduction, body, or conclusion) you feel most confident about and which part you want to improve.
Show Answer
Your answer will vary, but it should name one strong area and one area for growth, helping you focus in the next lessons.
🚀 Go Further
Use these optional activities for enrichment or extended class work.
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Find a real opinion editorial online (with your teacher’s guidance) and label its introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
Show Answer
Teacher guidance: Ask learners to underline the thesis statement, circle topic sentences, and box the call to action to make structure visible.
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Rewrite the introduction of your editorial twice: one version starting with a story and another starting with a question. Compare the effect.
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Teacher guidance: Guide learners to discuss which version feels more persuasive for their target readers and why.
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Create a color code for your own draft plan: one color for thesis, another for arguments, and another for evidence. Use it to mark your notes.
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Teacher guidance: Encourage learners to notice if any color is missing (for example, many arguments but little evidence), then plan to balance their structure.
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In pairs, exchange thesis statements and give each other one suggestion to make the thesis more specific or more argumentative.
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Teacher guidance: Provide feedback stems such as “You could make this stronger by naming…” or “Maybe say who should act by…”.
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Design a small “editorial structure checklist” card to keep in your notebook for future writing tasks.
Show Answer
Teacher guidance: The checklist can include items like “clear thesis,” “one argument per paragraph,” “evidence explained,” “call to action,” and “title matches message.”
🔗 My Reflection
Notebook task: In 6–8 sentences, reflect on what you learned about structure today.
- Which part of the editorial structure do you understand best now, and why?
- Which element (thesis, arguments, evidence, conclusion, or title) still feels challenging?
- How will a clear structure help you write a stronger opinion editorial on your chosen global issue in the next lessons?
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