Writing 4 – Unit 3

MAKING MEDICAL DECISIONS

 • This unit focuses on genetic testing and
disease, on the consequences of
knowing your own genetic make up, and
on alternative medical treatments.
OVERVIEW • You will write a four-paragraph opinion
essay expressing your opinion on making
medical decisions based on genetic
testing.
 Organise ideas using a tree map and
other organizers.

Identify the introduction, body, and

conclusion of an opinion essay.

Writing focus Identify the parts of an effective

introduction.

Write an opinion essay.

Edit and revise writing.

Genetic testing

Genetic testing, also known as Genetic testing can be It can also be done at home
DNA testing, is used to identify ordered and interpreted by by sending saliva samples
changes in DNA sequence or medical professionals. to private companies.
chromosome structure.
 Genetic Testing
Pros and cons

Read the article and list the benefits and limitations of

genetic testing.
 TOPIC
Reasons to agree or disagree with using genetic testing
to make medical decisions

AGREE DISAGREE

Reason 1 Reason 2 Reason 1 Reason 2

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PREPARE TO WRITE: TREE MAPPING
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 GROUPWORK
Work in group and complete the tree map with the ideas
from the reading and your own ideas.
WRITING:

AN OPINION ESSAY
 PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE
vs.
ESSAY STRUCTURE

https://www.bestessaywriting.org/essay-structure.php
 What is an
OPINION essay?
 • The first paragraph of your essay.

• It should capture the readers’

attention and make them want to
INTRODUCTI
read on.
ON
• It includes a thesis statement that
introduces the topic and the main
idea.
 • The body is 1 to 3 paragraph.
• Each body paragraph should start
with a clearly stated topic sentence
that relates to the thesis statement.
BODY • The body supports the thesis
statement by giving:
• Examples
• Details
• Reasons,
• Facts
 • The conclusion should restate the
thesis statement and include the
writer’s final thoughts on the topic.

CONCLUSION • For example, the writer can give advice,

suggest a solution to a problem, or
predict what will happen in the future.

• The conclusion should not include new

or unrelated topics.
 Read the following opinion essay about genetic testing at
home, and then complete the essay organizer

PRACTICE

(5 minutes)
 State who you are and what your
opinion is.

The introductory
paragraph Provide background information
about the topic.

Provoke the readers’ interest with

a hook.
 A hook. Write a strong
opening sentence
capturing readers’
attention.
The
introductory
paragraph
A thesis statement:
Introduces the topic and
states the main idea.
A thesis statement
• The thesis statement is the most
important sentence in your essay.
• It is the main idea for the whole
essay.
• It frequently shows directly or
indirectly the number and the
content of the body paragraphs of
the essay.
• Clear thesis statements are essential
for good essay writing.
 Topic sentence = Topic +
controlling idea
A thesis statement in
an essay has the
Thesis
same function as the
topic sentence in a
statement
paragraph
Thesis statement = Topic
+ controlling idea
1 topic  many possibilities
for controlling ideas

• Since they were first

domesticated, dogs have helped
human beings a lot.
• There are many types of dogs.
• There are three main
relationships that dogs have
with people.
Predictor
• In addition, some thesis statements may also have a third component
called a predictor.
• The predictor tells the reader how many body paragraphs there will
be in the essay and what their content will be.

E.g.:
Discrimination, lack of economic opportunity, and inferior education
are the three main causes of poverty today.
 A shocking or
surprising
An An interesting
sentence anecdote point

A common
A quote Statistics misconception

A hook A personal
story
A fact/
definition
Introduction:
Disastrous. Depressing. These two words come to mind when writing about home
genetic testing. Because of many adverse effects it can cause, I cannot understand
why this type of testing is available without stricter regulations. First, let me say
that my great grandfather and my grandmother both suffered from Huntington’s
disease. I am a well- educated college graduate with a Master’s degree in biology. I
am 30 years old and so far show no signs of developing Huntington’s disease. I
don’t think knowing whether I have the potential to develop an incurable disease
will, in any way, enhance the quality of my life, nor would I be able to interpret the
test results without the help of a medical professional. From this personal
perspective, I believe that home genetic testing should be much more strictly
regulated, if not prohibited all together.
What is the hook in this introduction? Is it effective? Why or why not?
Quiz

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• Code: 285226