Structured Opinion Writing
PROCEDURALCompose opinion pieces that introduce a topic, state a clear point of view, provide organised reasons linked with connecting words, and include a concluding statement or section
Mastery Evidence
- Write an opinion piece that introduces the topic, states a clear opinion, and provides at least two reasons
- Use linking words (because, and, also, for example) to connect the opinion to supporting reasons
- End an opinion piece with a concluding statement that restates or reinforces the opinion
Assessment Prompt
“Can [child] write a persuasive piece — like arguing for a longer lunch break or why dogs are better pets than cats — with a clear viewpoint, organised reasons, and a conclusion?”
Curriculum Standards15 alignments
W.3.1Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical SubjectsWrite opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons.
W.3.1aCommon Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical SubjectsIntroduce the topic or text they are writing about, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure that lists reasons.
W.3.1bCommon Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical SubjectsProvide reasons that support the opinion.
W.3.1cCommon Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical SubjectsUse linking words and phrases (e.g., because, therefore, since, for example) to connect opinion and reasons.
W.3.1dCommon Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical SubjectsProvide a concluding statement or section.
W.4.1Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical SubjectsWrite opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.
W.4.1aCommon Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical SubjectsIntroduce a topic or text clearly, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure in which related ideas are grouped to support the writer’s purpose.
W.4.1bCommon Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical SubjectsProvide reasons that are supported by facts and details.
W.4.1cCommon Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical SubjectsLink opinion and reasons using words and phrases (e.g., for instance, in order to, in addition).
W.4.1dCommon Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical SubjectsProvide a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented.
W.5.1Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical SubjectsWrite opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.
W.5.1aCommon Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical SubjectsIntroduce a topic or text clearly, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure in which ideas are logically grouped to support the writer’s purpose.
W.5.1bCommon Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical SubjectsProvide logically ordered reasons that are supported by facts and details.
W.5.1cCommon Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical SubjectsLink opinion and reasons using words, phrases, and clauses (e.g., consequently, specifically).
W.5.1dCommon Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical SubjectsProvide a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented.
Prerequisites2
- Writing Craft VocabularysoftAges 8—11
- Writing opinionshardAges 5—7
Show full prerequisite tree
- Writing Craft Vocabulary soft
Opinion writing with a point of view requires 'argument', 'evidence', 'perspective', and 'formal' vocabulary
- Writing opinions hard
Structured opinion with reasons and linking words builds on stating a simple opinion/preference
- Writing Process Vocabulary hard
Opinion writing requires knowing the genre term 'opinion' and understanding audience and purpose
- Expressing & Justifying Opinions soft
Oral expression skills support understanding formality in speech
- Exploring Ideas Through Talk soft
Conversational skills provide foundation for evaluating viewpoints
- Feeling of not understanding soft
Using talk to explore ideas and speculate requires noticing what you don't yet understand — the comprehension-monitoring habit in a spoken register
- Asking for Help hard
Noticing confusion and acting on it requires already knowing that asking for help is a valid response to being stuck
- Writing Process Vocabulary hard
Oral composition requires vocabulary like 'compose', 'sentence', and 'sequence' to participate meaningfully in the exercise
Unlocks1
- Controlling variables (age 11+)softAges 11—12