Grades 4–5
Persuasive Speech Planner
Plan a speech that persuades: an opening, three reasons, a call to action and tips for speaking.
Writing worksheet · Opinion writing
Answer the Other Side
Three counterarguments to answer with Some people think… However…, then a counterargument paragraph.
- Grade level
- Grades 4–5
- Time
- About 30 minutes
- Topic
- Opinion writing
- Answer key
- Not needed: answers vary
- Kids practice
- Opinion writing, Giving reasons, Supporting with examples, Persuasive language
What kids do
“Strong opinion writers answer the other side. Read what some people say, then write why you still disagree.”
Printed on the sheet:
- Some people think homework is boring. However, homework helps us practice what we learned.
- Some people think kids should not have phones. However,
- Some people think school uniforms are a good idea. However,
- Some people think zoos are bad for animals. However,
- Pick your own opinion. Write what the other side says, and answer it.
Teacher tip
Practice “Some people think… However…” out loud on a silly topic, like recess all day.
How to use it
- Have kids say their opinion and reasons to a partner first.
- Post linking words (because, also, for example) where kids can see them.
- Read the directions aloud so the sheet is about writing, not decoding the directions.
Watch for
Kids who pick a side they cannot support. It is fine to switch sides while planning.
Talk about it
- Did anyone change your mind?
- What did you change when you reread your work?
Take it further
Have kids write a real letter about a real school issue.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
More opinion writing worksheets
Grades 4–5
Five-Paragraph Opinion Essay Planner
A planner for a full opinion essay: an introduction, three body paragraphs and a conclusion.
Grades 2–3
I Think… Because…
A first opinion piece with a silly choice: a corgi or a T. rex for a class pet, with two reasons.
Grades 2–4
OREO Opinion Organizer
The OREO organizer: state an opinion, give a reason and an example, then say the opinion again in new words.
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