Grades 3–5
Linking Words for Opinions
A short opinion paragraph with six blanks for linking words like because, for example and in conclusion.
Writing worksheet · Opinion writing
Pick an Opinion Prompt
Eight kid-friendly opinion questions to choose from and a reasons-and-evidence plan.
- Grade level
- Grades 3–5
- 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
“Check one question you have a strong opinion about. Then plan three reasons, each with proof.”
Printed on the sheet:
- Should kids have homework on weekends?
- Should every class have a pet?
- What is the best season of the year?
- Is it better to read the book or watch the movie?
- Should recess be longer?
- What is the best animal to draw?
- Should kids pick their own bedtime?
- Is breakfast the most important meal?
Teacher tip
Have kids pick the prompt they have the strongest feeling about. Strong feelings make strong reasons.
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.
- Read the directions aloud so the sheet is about writing, not decoding the directions.
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 4–5
Opinion Letter to the Principal
A persuasive letter frame: the change, two reasons, what someone might say against it and a polite closing.
Grades 2–3
Rank the Snacks
Kids rank four snack monsters, then write an opinion with two reasons for their top pick.
Grades 3–5
Strong Reason or Weak Reason?
Eight reasons for a school garden to sort into strong and weak, then one more strong reason to write.
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