Opinion Writing

Learn to write a very clear and convincing paragraph or essay…

Dear Mom and Dad,In my opinion, we should get it. It would be

really good for all of us. If we got it, it would be great. I think it is a good idea. Let’s get it!

Love,

Emmie

Type One NameDate

4 lines or more. What is the biggest problems with this letter? What could make it better?

Dear Mom and Dad,In my opinion, we should get it. It would be

really good for all of us. If we got it, it would be great. I think it is a good idea. Let’s get it!

Love,

Emmie

Fix it!

Dear Mom and Dad,In my opinion we should visit Florida. It

would be really great. I’d love it. It would be nice there. We should go there.

Love,

Jacob

Dear Mom and Dad,In my opinion we should visit Florida. It

would be really great. I’d love it. It would be nice there. We should go there.

Love,

Jacob

Fix it!

Dear Kelly,

This book is really good. You’ll like it. Read it.

Your Friend,

Mary

Dear Jim,

This book is really good. It’s about a kid who has a problem. You’ll like it because it’s good. You should read it right away!

Your friend,

Joe

Important Focus Areas

• Clear position (claim)• Convincing Reasons with detailed examples• Elaboration (tell me more!)• Transition words and phrases• Powerful closer• Acknowledge the other side (While some say...)

The Thesis Statement:

Learn to write an effective argument statement to use in science, social studies, language arts, religion…

The book is fun because on page 27 its says something funny.

Should this book be read by seventh graders next year?

Should video cameras be installed in classrooms?

Video cameras are sometimes used in schools and people have different feelings about it.

Type One NameDate

4 lines or more. Is this an effective thesis? What could make it better?

Thesis Statement:•Is a clear, arguable statement •Includes (usually 2-3) reason(s) or provable points•Uses parallel structure (flows)•Avoids specific details

Should video cameras be installed in classrooms?

Video cameras are sometimes used in schools and people have different feelings about it.

What’s the problem with this thesis statement? Can you fix it?

Video cameras should not be installed in classrooms because they violate our right to privacy, (will) interfere with classroom lessons, and destroy the atmosphere of trust in our school.

Video cameras are sometimes used in schools and people have different feelings about it.

Should the United States government continue to use tax dollars to explore outer space?

We should because some 20% of scientists believe there might be water on the moons of Jupiter if that’s true then we could go and live there if the earth gets hit by a large asteroid and that knocks us out of orbit and creates a cooling trend so that makes the planet uninhabitable and we can no longer live here.

What’s the problem with this thesis statement? Can you fix it?

The United States government should not continue to invest in the space program because there are no funds available, there is a crippling atmospheric problem that needs our attention, and efficient private sector companies could do explore space at half the price.

The United States government should not continue to invest in the space program because of a crippling atmospheric problem that needs our attention, a looming budget crisis on the horizon, and a desire from private companies to do the job at a fraction of the cost.

The PlannerReasons

• Physical (health, space)

Details/examples

• Learning (educational)

• Emotional (fun, relaxing…)

• Aesthetic/spirit

• Social (community, friends)

• Economic (saves money time…)

• Direct quote endorsement

• Engage the enemy

• Tell a Story

• Imagine

• Analogy (compare)

• Literature

• Survey and statistics

In your opinion, should your family adopt a dog?

The PlannerReasons• Dogs really can teach you a lot of things

about life and how to relax and enjoy the moment.

Details/examples

• Dogs can actually make you healthier!

• Dogs are just plain fun!• Getting a dog from a shelter is a

kind thing to do!

• With a dog you’ll never be lonely.

• Dogs are expensive but really worth worth it.

• My father says “I’ve learned more from dogs than people!”

• I know you think I won’t take care of the dog, but I will. It will teach me responsibility.

• Last week, I was bored all week. I watched TV all day. With a dog…• Imagine all the dogs who need a home!

• Having a dog is like having a built in friend!

• Old Yeller, my dog skip, Shiloh, Henry and Mudge, Ribsy, Clifford and Emily… dogs all these people afforded dogs!

• Actually, Dog Fancy magazine, shows that dogs only cost 20 dollars a month and they can save money on burglar alarm systems!

Reasons Details

The Reasons Game

Argue: Halloween is a better than Valentines DayArgue: Dogs are better than cats

Argue: Beach vacation better than mountains

Argue: Flying is better than being invisible

In your opinion: What are most important qualities in a teacher? Why?

In your opinion: Should we have longer recess? Why or why not?

In your opinion: What class pet should we get? Why?

In your opinion: What afterschool activity should we offer? Why?

In your opinion: Should 4th grades be allowed to have cell phones? Why or why not?

The Reasons Game

Argue: We should explore outer space

Argue: We should move to the Southwest

Argue: We should read ________ book

Argue: Kids should learn their math facts

The Reasons Game

Argue: There shouldn’t be homework

Argue: There should be more field trips

Argue: We should have a longer school day

Argue: We should have a classroom pet

The Reasons Game

Argue: We should visit Disney World.

Argue: You should take me to the library.

Argue: We should raise our hands in school.

Argue: Kids should eat healthy foods.

The Reasons Game

Argue: Video Cameras should be installed in every classroomsArgue: The voting age should be lowered to 16 years old

Argue: Prayer should/should not be allowed in public schoolsArgue: Plastic bottles and bags should/should not be banned.

Argue: Creationism should/should not be taught in public schools.

The Characteristics Game

Compare: 2 restaurants

Compare: 2 neighborhoods

Compare: 2 presidents

Compare: 2 planets

The Characteristics Game

Compare: 2 fictional stories

Compare: 2 characters

Compare: 2 shapes

Compare: 2 regions of the US

The Characteristics Game

Compare: 2 animals

Compare: 2 teachers

Compare: 2 native American tribes

Compare: civilizations

The Characteristics Game

Compare: 2 numbers

Compare: character at beginning and end

Compare: 2 plants/trees

Compare: the book and the movie made from book