Hifumi's Study Notes

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Hifumi's Study NotesnotesenglishOpinion Essay

Opinion Essay ​

Tags
en
sec/5
cegep/1
cegep/2
Word count
445 words
Reading time
3 minutes

In MLA format

Structure ​

4-5 paragraphs

  • Introduction
  • 3 Bodies
  • Conclusion

Introduction ​

Hook ​

First sentence of the introduction

  • Interesting, captivating
  • Specific, clearly linked to the thesis

Types:

  • Rhetorical question
    • Often a moral dilemma
  • Bold statement
    • Simple
    • May be controversial
  • Fact / statistics
  • Quote
  • Anecdote
    • Not recommended
    • Must be shocking or relatable

Ideas:

  • Explain the subject's importance
  • Sec carefully use personal stories

Fennel ​

Alternative first sentence of the introduction
Broad statement on the topic

Transition ​

Optional identification of the author and work (otherwise in the thesis)
Optional brief summary of the text

Thesis ​

Sec last sentence of the introduction that states the theme (opinion on the topic) and the arguments
Cegep last sentence that states the theme and opt. arguments

  • Specific
  • Debatable
  • Has potentially significant implications
  • Supported by evidence
  • Single idea
  • No summary; prefer thematic interpretation
  • Sec only one side of the argument, i.e. no opposite perspective

Body Paragraph ​

Sec 3 per essay, 2 per essay for ministry exam
Cegep 3-4 per essay

Cegep organized by:

  • Literary device
    • E.g. two paragraphes on symbolism and characterization
  • Character
  • Scene
  • Etc.
  • Cegep/1 acknowledge counterarguments but do not justify them; no counterargument paragraph

Topic Sentence ​

First sentence of a body paragraph that states its topic (part of thesis)

  • Not a question
  • Cegep contains the aspect that assembles the arguments

Supporting Details ​

Sentences in a body paragraph that justify, explain and bolster the topic

Types:

  • Analysis
  • Example
  • Data
  • Quote
  • Explain the quotations

Closing Sentence ​

Last sentence of a body paragraph that rewords the argument

  • Explicitly connects to the theme
  • Cegep only necessary when the topic sentence is somewhat lost, otherwise needlessly repetitive

Conclusion ​

Thesis (restated) ​

First part of the conclusion that rewords and expands the thesis

  • Cegep suggest significance of the thesis
    • Consider implications
    • Evaluative claim allowed
    • Further questions

Clincher ​

Last sentence of the conclusion that echoes the hook

  • Do not give extra argument

Tips ​

  • Do not use 1st person
  • Reflect the author’s opinion on the topic
  • Use precise expressions
    • Avoid overstatement and oversimplification
    • No "this" as pronoun
    • No "directly relates"
  • Use rich vocabulary
    • By extension
    • Microcosm, testament
  • Sec firm, engaging and convincing
  • Sec addresses to the audience
  • Cegep ==no comparison with real life==
  • Link close reading with the big picture

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