OSSLT Module 3: Opinion Essay Workshop

Now we are getting into the "big" task of the OSSLT! You are going to take a stand and defend it. The goal isn't just to say what you think—it's to convince your reader that you are right.

1. The Prompt (15 Minutes)

Your topic for this module is a classic Ontario debate: "Should high schools have a mandatory dress code?"

2. Planning the "Hamburger" (1 Hour)

  • We are learning to organize our thoughts before we write.
  • Head over to Canva and search for a "Persuasive Writing Map" or "Essay Planner."
  • You need three solid reasons for your opinion.
    • Example: If you agree, one reason might be "Focus on learning." If you disagree, one reason might be "Freedom of expression."
  • I can identify specific examples for each of my three reasons.

3. Playing "Devil's Advocate" with AI (1 Hour)

Before you write your full draft, let's test your logic.

  • Go to your AI assistant and say: "I am writing an essay arguing that [your position]. My three reasons are [list your reasons]. Can you act as a 'Devil's Advocate' and tell me what someone might say to disagree with each point? This will help me make my argument stronger."
  • Use the AI's feedback to add "counter-arguments" to your plan. This shows the marker that you've really thought this through!

4. Writing the Essay (2.5 Hours)

  • I can use transition words like "furthermore," "consequently," and "in contrast" to link my paragraphs.
  • Write your introductory paragraph (state your opinion clearly!), your three body paragraphs, and a conclusion that reminds the reader why your view is the best one.
  • Reassuring Tip: You don't need to be a world-class expert on dress codes. The markers are looking for how well you organize your thoughts and use evidence. You've got this!

5. Submission

Download your Canva planning map and your final Google Doc (include the screenshot of your AI chat at the bottom). Submit them to Google Classroom.

Assessment

What to Turn In

  • 📤

    Google Doc containing:

    • An outline or "Hamburger Map" of your arguments
    • The full Opinion Essay (approx. 400-500 words)
    • A screenshot of your AI "Devil's Advocate" chat session

Learning Goals

We are learning to:

  • 🎯

    Develop a clear position on a prompt and support it with three distinct reasons

  • 🎯

    Organize ideas into a coherent multi-paragraph essay with a clear beginning, middle, and end

  • 🎯

    Evaluate arguments for logical consistency and strength using AI feedback

Success Criteria

I can:

  • ✅

    formulate a clear opinion and support it with relevant and sufficient evidence

    Expectations: W1.1, W1.2, W1.3
  • ✅

    organize my ideas into a logical sequence using effective transition words

    Expectations: W1.5, W2.1, W2.2
  • ✅

    refine my writing to ensure my voice is persuasive and my grammar follows Canadian conventions

    Expectations: W3.1, W3.4, W3.7

Rubric

Category Level 4 Level 3 Level 2 Level 1
Knowledge/Understanding
How well does the student demonstrate an understanding of the opinion essay structure (intro, body, conclusion)?
 Demonstrates thorough knowledge of essay structure and persuasive forms Demonstrates considerable knowledge of essay structure Demonstrates some knowledge of essay structure Demonstrates limited knowledge of essay structure
Thinking/Inquiring
How effectively does the student develop and support their arguments with logical evidence?
 Arguments are insightful, highly logical, and supported by compelling evidence Arguments are clear and supported by considerable evidence Arguments are general and supported by some evidence Arguments are weak or lack sufficient evidence
Application
How well does the student use AI to identify weaknesses in their argument and make improvements?
 Uses AI feedback with a high degree of effectiveness to significantly strengthen the essay Uses AI feedback with considerable effectiveness Uses AI feedback with some effectiveness Uses AI feedback with limited effectiveness
Communication
How effectively does the student use transitions and Canadian spelling to ensure a smooth flow of ideas?
 Communicates with a high degree of clarity; flow is seamless and spelling is perfect Communicates with considerable clarity and flow Communicates with some clarity; flow may be disjointed in places Communicates with limited clarity
Knowledge/Understanding
Criteria: How well does the student demonstrate an understanding of the opinion essay structure (intro, body, conclusion)?
Level 4

Demonstrates thorough knowledge of essay structure and persuasive forms

Level 3

Demonstrates considerable knowledge of essay structure

Level 2

Demonstrates some knowledge of essay structure

Level 1

Demonstrates limited knowledge of essay structure

Thinking/Inquiring
Criteria: How effectively does the student develop and support their arguments with logical evidence?
Level 4

Arguments are insightful, highly logical, and supported by compelling evidence

Level 3

Arguments are clear and supported by considerable evidence

Level 2

Arguments are general and supported by some evidence

Level 1

Arguments are weak or lack sufficient evidence

Application
Criteria: How well does the student use AI to identify weaknesses in their argument and make improvements?
Level 4

Uses AI feedback with a high degree of effectiveness to significantly strengthen the essay

Level 3

Uses AI feedback with considerable effectiveness

Level 2

Uses AI feedback with some effectiveness

Level 1

Uses AI feedback with limited effectiveness

Communication
Criteria: How effectively does the student use transitions and Canadian spelling to ensure a smooth flow of ideas?
Level 4

Communicates with a high degree of clarity; flow is seamless and spelling is perfect

Level 3

Communicates with considerable clarity and flow

Level 2

Communicates with some clarity; flow may be disjointed in places

Level 1

Communicates with limited clarity

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