Grades 3–5
Reasons and Evidence: Back It Up
A reason-and-evidence chart for any opinion, then a body paragraph that uses the best one.
Writing worksheet · Opinion writing
Opinion Hooks: Grab Your Reader
One opinion, four hooks: a question, a surprising fact, a picture-this and a sound. Kids pick the best.
- Grade level
- Grades 3–5
- Time
- About 25 minutes
- Topic
- Opinion writing
- Answer key
- Not needed: answers vary
- Kids practice
- Opinion writing, Giving reasons, Supporting with examples, Persuasive language
What kids do
“A hook is the first sentence that makes someone want to keep reading. Write four kinds of hooks for the same opinion.”
Printed on the sheet:
- Kids should get a longer recess.
- Question hook Have you ever…?
- Surprising fact hook Did you know…?
- Picture-this hook Imagine…
- Sound hook Ring! The recess bell…
- Which hook is the strongest? Why?
Teacher tip
Read each kind of hook aloud and have kids vote on which one grabs them most.
How to use it
- Take a quick class vote on the topic, then talk about why people chose each side.
- Model a reason that is strong and one that is weak, and compare them.
- Let early writers draw first, then talk, then write.
Watch for
Reasons that repeat the opinion. Ask “why?” one more time.
Talk about it
- Did anyone change your mind?
- What did you change when you reread your work?
Take it further
Hold a friendly class debate using the reasons kids wrote.
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 3–5
Stronger Words for Opinions
Eight opinion sentences: kids pick the confident word (must, definitely, best) over the weak one.
Grades 4–5
Answer the Other Side
Three counterarguments to answer with Some people think… However…, then a counterargument paragraph.
Grades 4–5
Persuasive Speech Planner
Plan a speech that persuades: an opening, three reasons, a call to action and tips for speaking.
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