W24D1 Writing

Introduction

Just like informational or narrative writing, opinion essays must have an effective introduction. Effective means that the introduction is interesting and clearly tells the reader or audience the writer’s opinions and main reasons for supporting the writer’s opinion. 

To remember the parts of the introduction to an opinion essay, think HOP! 

 

Hook, Opinion, and points

HOP Handout Download HOP Handout

Practice Finding the Parts of An Opinion Essay Introduction

Here is the writer’s opinion: Students should be allowed to have extra PE every school day.

Here are the writer’s three strong points or reasons:

    1. Students can reduce the risk of diseases like heart disease and diabetes. 
    2. Focus will be better during class.
    3. Physical activity builds stronger bones and muscles.

Look at the first example of an introductory paragraph to this opinion essay and then answer the questions below. 

Less than 25% of all school age children get the minimum amount of physical activity each day in order to stay healthy! That means that only one out of every four kids gets enough exercise! In my opinion, students should be allowed to PE every school day. Kids need PE everyday because they will reduce their risks of diseases like heart disease and diabetes, focus better in class, and have overall healthier bodies with stronger bones and muscles.

Alternative Introductions

This same introduction could use a critical thinking question as a hook:

Did you know that only one out every four kids gets enough physical activity to stay healthy and strong?  In my opinion, students should be allowed to PE every school day. Kids need PE everyday because they will reduce their risks of diseases like heart disease and diabetes, focus better in class, and have overall healthier bodies with stronger bones and muscles. 

 

The same introduction could use a descriptive beginning to paint a picture for the reader:

Imagine a world where children weren’t allowed to play or have PE in school. Gone are the sounds of laughter, and instead, there are only sickly children too weak to go to school or enjoy life. In my opinion, students should be allowed to PE every school day. Kids need PE everyday because they will reduce their risks of diseases like heart disease and diabetes, focus better in class, and have overall healthier bodies with stronger bones and muscles.

In Your Journal: Describe which hook you like best and why.

 

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