Essay Mastery: Learn How to Write a Strong Opinion Essay! (Live Class)
What's included
4 live meetings
3 in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Homework is assigned after each lesson and should take no more than 20 minutes to complete. Students will be presented with a writing assignment that will be due one week after the end of Lesson 4 (that last lesson). They will be writing their own opinion essay on volcanoes and the assignment will be in Google Slides. They will use the articles provided (in the Homework section) to research and gather evidence to support their position. After I receive your student's essay, it will be reviewed and sent back to you with feedback. Your student will then receive a certificate of completion for finishing this course!Grading
After I receive your student's essay, it will be reviewed and sent back to you with feedback. Your student will then receive a certificate of completion for finishing this course.Class Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
Beginner - Intermediate Level
Join us for an exciting 4-week journey where you'll master the art of expressing your thoughts in style! 🚀 In this course, we'll dive into the world of opinion writing, where every idea is like a superpower waiting to be unleashed. Each week, we'll gather to explore new techniques, share experiences, and have a blast with words. IMPORTANT: This is a live 4-week class that meets once a week. If you're interested in the flex-version of this class (more flexibility to attend class as anytime), you can find that class under my class listings "Essay Mastery: Unleash Your Voice and Write Impressive Essays (Self-Paced)". Week 1 kicks off with the secrets of opinion essays - what makes them tick and how to brainstorm like a pro. You'll craft your very own thesis statement that's sure to grab attention! In Week 2, we'll build the perfect paragraph using the legendary "Hamburger" model. Trust me, it's not just about food - it's about making your writing irresistible! Week 3 is all about the thrill of avoiding plagiarism. We'll teach you how to gather evidence like a detective, sprinkle in some quotes, and give credit where credit's due. No plagiarism villains allowed! During our last class (Week 4), you'll receive an assignment to apply what you just learned on a real-world topic! You get to write an opinion essay about the impact of social media on youth and whether or not young people should be allowed to use it. Dive into research, write your own essay, and submit your masterpiece within a week. You'll even get a certificate of completion for finishing your paper! But wait, there's more! 🎉 This course is perfect for 9-13 year old's eager to learn how to write essays. But if you're younger or older, no worries! You're more than welcome to join in and learn how to write regardless of age! So, if you're ready to turn your thoughts into magic on paper, join us!
Learning Goals
Students will learn:
- What makes an opinion essay unique
- How to brainstorm topics by thinking of their intended audience
- How to develop ideas that are convincing, believable, and backed by research
- How to develop a thesis statement that supports their position on a topic
- The structure of the 5-part "hamburger paragraph"
- That writing paragraphs requires gathering evidence and citing that evidence
- About direct quotes, paraphrasing, in-text citations, and a reference list
- What not to include in opinion-essay writing
- How to use an outline to develop the 5-paragraph "hamburger essay"
- To apply what they learned by submitting their own opinion essay after the course
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction to Opinion Essays
Understand the distinction between opinion essays and other forms of writing/Step-by-step guide to the brainstorming process/Craft a strong thesis statement that reflects the writer's position
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Structure and Development
Explore the structure of an informative paragraph/Learn the "Hamburger" model for paragraph development/Apply the structure to the essay as a whole
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Avoiding Plagiarism
Recognize the dangers of plagiarism/Learn techniques for gathering evidence ethically/Incorporate direct quotes and paraphrasing effectively/Learn about in-text citations and reference lists
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Crafting the Perfect Opinion Essay
Understand the structure of an opinion essay (introduction, body, conclusion)/Utilize outlines to organize ideas effectively/Identify and eliminate common mistakes and colloquialisms/Learn about the final writing assignment: crafting an opinion essay on volcanoes using provided articles for research
45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Supply List
A link to Google Docs will be provided to access the homework for each lesson.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
We will refer to three articles sourced by ReadWorks.org during lesson 4. Students will use these articles to research and gather evidence to support their position in their essay.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree from Regent University
Hello! My name is Veronica and I'm a mother of four children, wife, and teacher. After graduating from college in 2016, I worked in communications and marketing for two years. After having my third child, I branched out into teaching where I discovered the opportunity to educate children through online ESL teaching! Since 2019, I've been teaching ESL online to students ages 4-15. I'm TEFL and TESOL certified, worked as both a substitute teacher and paraprofessional, and have also homeschooled my own children going on 5 years.
As a dedicated teacher specializing in English language arts, writing, and reading for grades K-5, I create a motivating and inspiring space where every student feels valued. My goal for each lesson is to create a love for learning, ensuring each child is encouraged, welcomed, and empowered. Let's collaborate in nurturing your child's mind and building a foundation for lifelong success. See you soon!
Reviews
Live Group Course
$48
for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-14
3-6 learners per class