An article that states a person’s, or a

newspaper’s, opinion on a particular

issue. Basically, it is a persuasive
essay on a researchable topic that has
more than one view point.
o Discuss your opinion on an issue facing your school,
community, or the world
o Persuade the audience (with facts)
o Talk to the reader
- Be careful not to overdo
- Using “I” or “you” in every sentence becomes
repetitious and BORING
1. Hook – Grab the reader’s attention
2. Clearly state opinion on the issue
3. Mention reasons (2-3) that support opinion

1. State reason
2. Include 3 facts that support reason
3. Include a tell more for each fact

1. State reason
2. Include 3 facts that support reason
3. Include a tell more for each fact

1. Restate opinion on issue

2. Restate reasons that support opinion
3. Leave the reader thinking (Persuade them to take action)
“Fine arts are important in the curriculum
because of what they do for learning,” stated HOOK
Patty Taylor, arts consultant for the California
State Department of Education.

In other words, the arts, especially music, should

OPINION
be part of every school’s curriculum at every
grade level.

Music makes students smarter, gives children

something positive to do, and builds self- REASONS
confidence. Most students don’t have a chance
to learn music outside of school, and everyone
deserves that opportunity.

Writing sample courtesy of http://www.thewritesource.com/studentmodels/

The reasons why you are taking your stand become
the body paragraphs.

1) Music makes students smarter.

2) Music gives children something positive to do.

3) Music builds self-confidence.

Support your arguments with facts and tell mores.

Students would be much smarter if they had some music

experience. 1 They would improve their classroom skills, like
paying attention, following directions, and participating without
interrupting. People develop all these skills when they learn
music. 2 Musicians are also better in math, and they get higher
S.A.T. scores. For instance, a study by the College Entrance
Examination Board reported, “Students with 20 units of arts and
music scored 128 points higher on the S.A.T. verbal and 118
points higher in math.”
Writing sample courtesy of http://www.thewritesource.com/studentmodels/
Once again, music is important because it can
REASONS
make children better students, give them
something positive to do, and build their
character.

Unfortunately, the children who need music LEAVE READER

lessons the most usually don’t have access to THINKING
them outside of school.

That is why music should be offered in every

single grade in every school. OPINION

Writing sample courtesy of http://www.thewritesource.com/studentmodels/