For universities and colleges that want to assess applicants':
ability to communicate his/her opinions effectively in writing
persuasiveness and whether the student's argument can be supported with sufficient evidence
logical reasoning
Master academic content
Think critically and solve complex problems
Work collaboratively
Communicate effectively
Learn how to learn
Develop academic mindsets
Rationale for Use
While mastering academic content is essential, the opinion essay allows students to develop their skills in thinking critically and solving complex problems, communicating effectively in written form, and developing academic mindsets.
Design
This opinion essay is focused purely on how well the students are able to effectively communicate and persuade their readers with clear evidence. This opinion essay is different from the connections essay as the students have to use all their knowledge and experiences from their high school learning in order to answer the prompts.
Possible Prompts
Should plastic bottles be banned?
Does learning about history stop us from repeating past mistakes?
Timeline
Evaluation Guide
Demonstration of Knowledge and Understanding
- Does the student clearly articulate his/her argument?
- Is the student's opinion supported with sufficient evidence?
Creativity
- Does the student draw upon different backgrounds, or ideas to support his/her argument?
Communication
- Does the student have an argument? Are the readers easily persuaded by the opinion essay?
Examples
The Common Application is used by many universities in the United States, and has an essay component that allows students to demonstrate their writing ability.
For the 2022-2023 application process, the Common App essay prompts consisted of different questions.
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
FAQs
How will the prompts be chosen?
The prompts will be open-ended and possibly controversial topics in today's society.
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