Writing a Proper Opinion Paragraph

Purpose of a Formal Paragraph

to offer a concise and structured argument that proves a thesis which is supported by evidence and
explanations of said evidence

Ok, but what is an argument??
Think of it this way...you are persuading your reader to believe something (that something is your argument)
You tell your reader what they are to believe in your thesis statement
You then support your thesis using proof and explanations
This all comes together into an overall argument

Dont use any person pronouns (no I; no you).
o REMEMBER... the reader knows that the paragraph is expressing your opinion, so there is NO
NEED TO SAY In my opinion or I believe

All language is to be formal
o no slang or language that is too casual... you are NOT having a conversation with your peeps,
o no short forms for words


Follow the checklist below

Paragraph Outline Checklist
1. Topic sentence(s) Introduce the topic and state your thesis (opinion that you will prove in the
paragraph) 1-2 sentences
2. First Point Start with a transition word or phrase and then in your own words, state the first overall
idea or point that supports your opinion. 1-2 sentences
3. First Proof Introduce proof or an example that proves the point you said you would argue length
may vary
4. First Explanation Make the connection for your reader between the point and the proof. Clearly
explain how the example proves your point /opinion 2-3 sentences
5. Transition word or phrase to connect your two points 1 sentence or phrase
6. Second Point Start with a transition word or phrase and then in your own words, state the second
overall idea that supports your opinion. 1-2 sentences
7. Second Proof Introduce proof or an example proves the point you said you would argue length
may vary
8. Second Explanation Make the connection for your reader between the point and the proof. Clearly
explain how the example proves your point /opinion 2-3 sentences
9. Third Point Start with a transition word or phrase and then in your own words, state the first overall
idea or point that supports your opinion. 1-2 sentences
10. Third Proof Introduce proof or an example that proves the point you said you would argue length
may vary
11. Third Explanation Make the connection for your reader between the point and the proof. Clearly
explain how the example proves your point /opinion 2-3 sentences
12. Transition word or phrase that smoothly moves into your conclusion 1 sentence or phrase
13. Conclusion Summarize the main points of the paragraph and explicitly make a connection back to
your thesis (Use different words than you did in your original thesis but keep the idea the same) 1-2
sentences