Unit 9, Homework 1 (Due: 6/3)

Please write an opinion paragraph for next class. This will be your final draft so make sure to proofread and edit your work at home. When you write, keep these points in mind:

• Choose a topic you are interested in or a topic you want to know more about. 
• You can have any opinion you want, but you must use facts and examples to back up your opinion. 
• Do not copy from the internet. You can use the internet for research, but you should take general notes and then use these notes when you write your paragraph. 
• Try to have three points to support your opinion. 
• Try to include a counterpoint (other side's opinion) and a refutation. 

When you proofread, look for the following things: 

Content and Organization

Directions—The student has followed the directions and included the necessary items.

Format—The paragraph is indented, written in 12 point font and double spaced with all appropriate information.

Title—The paragraph has an appropriate title. P.21

Topic—The topic is interesting for the reader. The idea is neither too general nor too specific. P. 47

Organization—The paragraph is logically organized. The writer uses words that helps the organization.

Topic Sentence—The topic sentence is clear and has good controlling idea.

Supporting Details—All sentence relate to the topic and support the topic. Many of the readers’ questions are answered.

Concluding Sentence—The concluding sentence brings the paragraph to a logical conclusion.

Length—The paragraph is the appropriate length, not too short and not too long.

Grammar and Mechanics

?—All sentences and phrases are understood.

Articles—Articles are properly used.

Capitalization—All appropriate letters are capitalized. P.228

Conjunctions—All conjunctions are used appropriately.

Missing Words—There are no missing words in the text.

Person Agreement—The writer uses a consistent person and rarely changes.

Plurals—Student uses singular or plural form for count and non-count nouns.

Pronouns—All pronouns are clearly understood and not overused.

Punctuation—Every sentence has correct punctuation (periods, commas, etc.).

Unnecessary Words—All words are necessary and contribute to the understand of the text.

Verb Form—The correct verb form is used.

Word Choice—The correct word is used.

Word Form—The correct form of the word is used.