Opinion Writing Checklist

An opinion writing checklist helps you organize and present your thoughts clearly and persuasively.

  • Thesis Statement
  • Clearly states the opinion
  • Concise and specific
  • Appears in the introduction
  • Introduction
  • Engaging hook
  • Provides context
  • Introduces the thesis statement
  • Body Paragraphs
  • Each paragraph focuses on one main idea
  • Supports the opinion with evidence
  • Includes facts, examples, and quotes
  • Logical transitions between paragraphs
  • Evidence
  • Relevant to the opinion
  • Varied sources (studies, articles, anecdotes)
  • Properly cited
  • Counterarguments
  • Acknowledges opposing views
  • Refutes counterarguments effectively
  • Strengthens own position
  • Conclusion
  • Summarizes key points
  • Restates the thesis in a new way
  • Ends with a strong closing statement
  • Language and Style
  • Persuasive and assertive tone
  • Avoids passive voice
  • Uses varied sentence structures
  • Editing and Proofreading
  • Corrects grammar and spelling errors
  • Ensures clarity and coherence
  • Verifies the accuracy of information