O.R.E.O. Writing Format

O.R.E.O.

Writing Format

Oreo writing format is an easy way to organize short answer responses.

O.R.E.O. Writing Format

        Learning to write fully developed explanatory and argumentative paragraphs becomes easier by using the O.R.E.O. formula, which stands for a pattern:

O – Opinion
R – Reason
E – Example
O – Opinion

This format will help you write an organized, thorough paragraph for most types of short answer prompts.

Reminder: Do you remember back in elementary school, when your teachers began to teach you how to answer short answer questions? What was the first thing they told you to do?
            Repeat the question back in your own words.
That still holds true today. Before you begin your O.R.E.O. format, repeat the question.

The O.R.E.O. Method

When you want to compose a coherent, organized paragraph try the following format:

Step 1: Begin by repeating the question back in your own words.

Step 2: The next step is to write a sentence that clearly states your opinion on the question/ prompt.

Step 3: The third step is to write a sentence that explains a reason for your opinion.

Step 4: The next sentence should give and example/ explanation of your opinion.

Step 5: The final step is to write a sentence that reinforces or repeats your opinion.


Do not assume that this formula requires only four sentences. Some questions/ prompts require more than one reason or example. You can think of this as a double stuffed O.R.E.O. paragraph.

    O. R. R. E. E. O

 Example O.R.E.O. Paragraph

Question: Mrs. Turner why did I receive a C on my English essay?

My response in O.R.E.O. format:

(Repeat the question) I would like to give you an explanation about the grade you received on the English paper. (Opinion) I think your paper earned a C grade. (Reason) Although your analysis of the poem was thorough, many of your sentences contained punctuation errors or misspelled words. (Example) In your second paragraph, I have circled seven misspelled words and three sentences containing comma splices. (Opinion) This paper earned a C, but you can improve that grade if you are more careful on the next assignment.

The O.R.E.O. format conveniently reminds us of the popular cookie of the same name. The wafers (O’s) cannot stick together without the filling (R’s and E’s).