Writing Lab #11: Writing about Your Opinion

Class Syllabus – Grades 3-5

Objective: Students will be able to write articulately and effectively about an opinion they have.

Essential Questions:

1. Why does opinion writing matter?
2. What are the key elements of opinion writing?

Enduring Understandings:

1. Opinion writing is important because it gives writers a space to express their thoughts on any given topic. Remember, opinions are not facts, which means they can’t be proven to be true.
2. The key elements of opinion writing are:
   1. Introduction
   2. Your opinion
   3. Reasons
   4. Supporting details (examples)
   5. Linking words
   6. A conclusion

Standards

Grade 3: L.3.1. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. H. Use coordinating and subordinating conjunctions. I. Produce simple, compound, and complex sentences

Grade 4: L.4.2. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing C. Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction in a compound sentence Grade 5: L.5.3. Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening. A. Expand, combine, and reduce sentences for meaning, reader/listener interest, and style.

Materials:

• Pen
• Paper
• If you can, print the linked NYT article; if you cannot access this site, the article will be provided in class