Opinions Writing Preview Activity

For each story answer the following questions (some of them might be the exact same answers, but please answer them for each story):

1. Who wrote the story?

editorial

2. What is their story about?

Construction's impact on the environment

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 inconvenience is there," "scarcity of parking spots has encouraged students and staff to carpool which (theoretically) reduced Bowie's carbon footprint," "Although construction is essential to societal progression, it is important to treat Mother Earth with respect and kindness...".

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

yes, addressed how Trump says says we have lowest emissions in 25 years and we are not being affected.

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. 

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

yes. "their lowest level in 25 years".

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

first person

1. Who wrote the story?

Maya Amador

2. What is their story about?

VSCO girls and teenage stereotypes.

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

People should stop making fun and stereotyping people, especially VSCO girls now. 

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, they were direct with good reasons.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No.

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

second person, uses you.

1. Who wrote the story?

Dylan Ebs

2. What is their story about?

About how new jobs and corporate America is taking over Austin and the city is losing its culture.

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

It's not the best because "Aren't doing it with the long-time residents in mind."

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

Sort of, from business thinking.

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 clear and stated it in the beginning and end.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

Indirect quote from Austin Chamber of Commerce.

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

First person?

1. Who wrote the story?

Lauren Joy

2. What is their story about?

The story is about how there are many mass shootings in America and we should keep people safe, especially students, from gun violence. You should have to go through processes and a background check to get a gun.

3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.

That you should go through a longer process to get a gun. "Before getting the right to use a gun you should have to go through more than just straight up buying one."

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

Yes, that it's used for protection and a right of Americans.

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 were direct.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

No.

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

First person, use of I.

There was a typo in this story, it said barley instead of barely. 

Finally, answer the following questions:

A. What do you think the major differences between a hard news story and an opinions piece? Come up with at least three.

Opinion comes up with solution, comes up with hypotheticals, and looks at different sides.

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

You usually have to come up with your own.

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

Opinion on how we should express our ethnic background, Why we should inform older generations to know of non-hetero normative situations and sexualities.