T = Topic Sentence: Think of a sentence that tells your belief (opinion) or point of view. You might add to this sentence giving a brief overview of the problem or issue.

R = Reasons with Specific Support: Give reasons in separate paragraphs. One or two reasons are not enough; three or four reasons are probably best. Any more and you might lose your readers' interest.

A = Answer Your Opposition: Think about how other people who don't agree with you will try to shoot down your reasons. You need to show how some of their reasons don't add up.

C = Conclusion: Conclude your paper by restating your belief or point of view. Ask your readers to take some action (write a letter, give money, volunteer, vote a certain way, buy something, do something, etc.), or at least to rethink how they feel.

Graphic Organizer using TRAC in printer-friendly version for the editorial.

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