Introduction to teaching opinion and persuasive writing -- Why teach opinion and persuasion? -- The instructional sequence -- The lessons -- Using the WHAM format -- Using craftplus -- Step one-identifying issues -- Introduction and expectations -- Lesson 1 : understanding fact vs. opinion -- Lesson 2 : exploring topics -- Lesson 3 : narrowing topics -- Lesson 4 : researching an opinion -- Lesson 5 : writing a proposal letter -- Optional lesson ideas -- Step two-crafting an opinion paper -- Introduction -- Lesson 1 : writing a thesis statement -- Lesson 2 : supporting your thesis -- Lesson 3 : organizing your information/finding a clincher -- Lesson 4 : writing a hook and lead paragraph -- Lesson 5 : writing the body -- Lesson 6 : closing type-probable outcomes -- Optional lesson ideas -- Rubric for an opinion paper -- Model opinion paper -- Step three-examining persuasive elements -- Introduction -- Lesson 1 : author's purpose in persuasive essays -- Lesson 2 : audience -- Lesson 3 : understanding both sides of the issue -- Lesson 4 : criteria for evidence -- Lesson 5 : discussing the other side -- Optional lesson ideas -- Step four-crafting a persuasive essay -- Introduction -- Lesson 1 : lead types -- Lesson 2 : writing about the five Ws -- Lesson 3 : organizing a persuasive essay -- Lesson 4 : persuasive paragraph types -- Lesson 5 : including opposing facts -- Lesson 6 : closing types -- Optional lesson ideas -- Rubric for a persuasive essay -- Model persuasive essay.