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.
Writing worksheet · Opinion writing
Five-Paragraph Opinion Essay Planner
A planner for a full opinion essay: an introduction, three body paragraphs and a conclusion.
- Grade level
- Grades 4–5
- Time
- About 45 minutes
- Topic
- Opinion writing
- Answer key
- Not needed: answers vary
- Kids practice
- Opinion writing, Giving reasons, Supporting with examples, Persuasive language
What kids do
“Plan an opinion essay one paragraph at a time. Then write it on another sheet.”
Printed on the sheet:
- Introduction A hook and your opinion.
- Body 1 Reason 1 and its evidence.
- Body 2 Reason 2 and its evidence.
- Body 3 Reason 3 and its evidence.
- Conclusion Say your opinion a new way, and leave a final thought.
Teacher tip
Show the five boxes as a hamburger or a train so kids see how the parts connect.
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.
- Let early writers draw first, then talk, then write.
Watch for
Kids who pick a side they cannot support. It is fine to switch sides while planning.
Talk about it
- What might someone on the other side say?
- Where else do writers use this skill?
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 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.
Grades 3–5
Pick an Opinion Prompt
Eight kid-friendly opinion questions to choose from and a reasons-and-evidence plan.
Grades 3–5
Linking Words for Opinions
A short opinion paragraph with six blanks for linking words like because, for example and in conclusion.
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