Opinion Writing Preview Activity

Story 1: "Student sharing, too much change or great opportunity?"

1. Who wrote the story?

It was an Editorial piece.

2. What is their story about?

This story was about the student's opinion of FIT and how their input wasn't 

considered when changes were being made.

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story 

or do a really good job of paraphrasing. The direct opinion was the FIT is helpful, but the way

 it was set up and enforced was not in student interest.

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic? Yes, the article

talked about the valid reasons teachers might've voted to keep it a 2 day system.

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back 

and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support 

your opinion. No, they stated the hypothetical if things were spun a different way.

6. Are there any quotes in the story? No quotes.

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)? 3rd person

Story 2: "The office welcomes the dawn of the technological age"

1. Who wrote the story?

Kelsie Stella

2. What is their story about?

The office has made it possible to get your V.O.E and  apply for a parking permit online.

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story

or do a really good job of paraphrasing. "The goal is to provide easy access to people who are in need of their V.O.E. for driving purposes."

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

Yes, the talked about people without internet access.

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back 

and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. 

Support your opinion. No, it was pretty straight forward.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

Yes, there are quote(s).

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)? 3rd

Story 3: "I scream, you scream.."

1. Who wrote the story?

Nya Martin

2. What is their story about?

It was about Blue Bell's listeria scandal.

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story

or do a really good job of paraphrasing. Their direct opinion of this topic is, "They 

(Blue Bell) made to quick of a return, I think people are still at risk."

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

Kind of, they stated that for Blue Bell lovers this was a "catastrophe."

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back 

and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. 

Support your opinion. No, the incident was Blue Bell has no other way to spin it. There were

 deaths, there are risks.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No quotes.

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)? 1st person

Story 4: "The problem with pep rallies"

1. Who wrote the story?

Annika Holm

2. What is their story about?

Her story is about hoe to improve the school's pep rallies.

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story

or do a really good job of paraphrasing. Annika Holm's direct opinion is that pep rallies have 

evolved into some form of forced chanting in an over crowded gym filled with people who have no 

desire to be there.

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

No

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back 

and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. 

Support your opinion. No, in a way the whole article was about improvements and how if new 

steps and ideas were put in place it would change things (including her opinion).

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No quotes.

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)? 3rd person

Story 5: "A call for athletic equality"

1. Who wrote the story?

Amaya Marquez

2. What is their story about?

The sports that aren't given proper treatment and representation.

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story

or do a really good job of paraphrasing. "I definitely feel like we should get just as 

much attention just like the other sports." -Amaya Marquez

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

No

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back 

and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. 

Support your opinion.

They were kind of wishy washy.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

The author quotes herself.

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)? 1st person

Story 6: "Emotional learning effective?"

1. Who wrote the story?

Melissa Weprin

2. What is their story about?

The SEL method being integrated into freshman Pre-AP Geography.

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story

or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

"SEL is important for students to learn, but a few tweaks to the ways it's taught could

 really make a difference in every wold history student's high school career.

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

Yes, they stated what the other side probably feels as a group.

5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back 

and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. 

Support your opinion.

It was pretty wishy washy, the author droned a bit.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No quotes.

7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)? 3rd person

A. What do you think the major differences between a hard news story and an opinions 

piece? Come up with at least three. Opinion stories are more relatable and easier to identify 

with as a reader. Although that might only be applicable if you agree with it. They are also easier to 

read, they have a more casual writing style. Opinion pieces are more "school lifestyle" and less

 "school."

B. Why do you think there aren't very many photos on this page? There aren't many 

photos on pages 6 and 7 because it's easier to match pictures with facts than it is to match thoughts 

with pictures.

C. What are three topics you think would be good to write an opinions piece on?

Three solid topics to write opinion pieces on is the balance of homework between academic and 
pre-AP classes, the personalities and struggles of certain siblings depending on birth order and
only children, and what circumstances meet justified use of the military.