WHAT IS AN OPINION PARAGRAPH?

An opinion paragraph expresses the writer's opinion. A good wrier will include not only opinions, but also facts to support his or her opinions. For example, if a writer says "Smoking should not be allowed anywhere," the writer must give reasons for this opinion. One reason could be a fact, such as "Thirty thousand people died in the United States and Canada last year because of lung cancer -- a known result of smoking." This fact supports the writer’s opinion.

An opinion paragraph

• gives the writer's opinions about a topic
• interprets or explains facts
• is often about a controversial issue
• makes the reader think
• considers both sides of an argument

SAMPLE OPINION PARAGRAPH

Always Coca-Cola

No matter how much money Pepsi spends on advertising. Coke will always be better in my opinion. Some people say that the two drinks are the same, but I think Coke is much better. First of all, it is not as sweet as Pepsi. It has just the right amount of carbonation, or fizz. In addition, the packaging of the product is unique but simple. Even if Michael Jackson went on television and tried to convince me about the greatness of Pepsi, it would not change my mind. For me, it's "always Coca-Cola."

ANALYZING EXAMPLE OPINION PARAGRAPHS

Paragraph 1

This paragraph is about assisted suicide, a controversial topic that many people are discussing nowadays. Before you read the paragraph, discuss these questions with your classmates:

1. Do you believe that terminally ill people have the right to end their lives?
2. Do you think that there should be laws to stop people from killing themselves if they are in pain? Why or why not?

Now read the paragraph and answer the questions below it.

Dying with Dignity

Studies show that there has been an increase in the number of people who support "medicide," which happens when people with terminal diseases choose to end their lives rather than continue living. One common argument for this growing support is that people should not be forced to continue living if they are in severe pain and cannot live with this constant pain. A second reason is that staying in the hospital for a long time often causes a financial burden on the family. Terminally ill people often worry about the hardship that they will cause their families. Finally, people who are dying sometimes lose hope. Even if they are alive, they can often only lie in bed, and for some people, this is not "life." While many people believe that medicide is an "unnatural way to die" and should remain illegal, sick people should certainly have the right to end their lives if they want.

1. What is the topic sentence?

2. In your own words, what is "medicide"? (Do not look back at the paragraph.)

3. List three reasons that people choose medicide.        
4. Part of one sentence does not express the author's opinion. What is it?
5. What is the author's opinion about medicide?
6. What is your reaction to this paragraph? Do you agree or disagree with the author’s opinion? Why or why not?

Answers

1. 1. 1. 1. Studies show that there has been an increase in the number of people who support "medicide," which happens when people with terminal diseases choose to end their lives rather than continue living.
         2. Answers will vary.
         3. People cannot live with pain.
         4. Many people believe that medicide is an "unnatural way to die" and should remain illegal.
         5. The author is in favor of medicide.
         6. Answers will vary.

Paragraph 2

This paragraph deals with a current controversial issue -- school uniforms. Before you read the paragraph, discuss these questions with your classmates:

1. Have you ever worn a school uniform?
2. Do you think wearing uniforms is a good or a bad idea?
3. What is the best type of uniform for female students? For male students?

Now read the paragraph and answer the questions below it.

School Uniforms Should Receive an A+

School uniforms should be mandatory for all students for a number of reason. First, they make everyone equal. In this way, the "rich" kids are on the same level as the poor ones. In addition, getting ready for school can be much faster and easier. Many kids waste time choosing what to wear to school, and they are often unhappy with their final choices. Most important, some studies show that school uniforms make students perform better. Many people might say that uniforms take away from personal freedom, but I believe the benefits are stronger than the drawbacks.

1. What is the author's opinion about school uniforms?
2. The author gives three reasons to support his opinion. What are they?
3. The paragraph states that some people don't agree with school uniforms. What is their main reason?

Answers

1. 1. 1. 1. The author thinks mandatory school uniforms are a good thing.
         2. Everyone will be equal. Getting ready for school will be easier. Students will perform better at school.
         3. School uniforms take away personal freedom.

INCLUDE AN OPPOSING OPINION

In a good opinion paragraph, the writer

• states an opinion about a topic.
• provides supporting sentences with factual information.
• briefly mentions one opposing point of view. This is called the counterarguement.
• refute the counterargument in one or two sentences.
• finish the paragraph with a concluding sentence that restates the topic sentence and/or offers a solution.

Remember: Most of your supporting sentences will agree with your opinion of the topic. However, it is a good idea to include one opposing point in the paragraph.