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Review: Opinion Writing Basics

Objective: Recall what opinion writing is and why we use evidence
Duration: 5 minutes

• Activity:
  • Begin with a short video clip (2-3 minutes) reviewing opinion writing: what it is and the importance of giving reasons to support opinions.
  • Follow with a brief class discussion to recall vocabulary: opinion, reason, support, evidence.

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Anchor Chart

What is Opinion Writing?

• States a clear opinion
• Gives reasons that support the opinion
• Uses linking words (because, since, so)
• Wraps up with a closing statement

Vocabulary: opinion, reason, evidence, linking words, introduction

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Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.1 / W.4.1

• Write opinion pieces that introduce the topic, state an opinion, supply reasons, and provide a concluding statement
• Use linking words to connect opinion and reasons

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Learning Target

I can state my opinion about the best season and begin writing my introduction with a clear opinion.

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Success Criteria

• I state my opinion clearly in one sentence
• I use linking words to connect my opinion to one reason
• I understand the vocabulary and can describe what opinion writing is

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Resources

• Opinion Writing Video (pre-selected short video)
• Anchor Chart (printed/digital)
• Graphic organizer for brainstorming season opinions and reasons
• Dyslexia-friendly font handouts
• Whiteboard or chart paper

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Mini-Lesson Procedure

Duration: 10 minutes

I Do (Model)

• Teacher models writing an opinion introduction on the board:
  “I think winter is the best season because I love playing in the snow.”
• Highlight the opinion, linking word, and reason.

We Do (Guided Practice)

• Together, brainstorm ideas for why different seasons might be the best. Record on the board.
• Write a joint sentence using a student’s idea, ensuring inclusion of opinion + reasonentence with linking word: because, since, so.

You Do (Independent Practice)

• Students pick the season they think is best and write their introductory opinion sentence using the graphic organizer.
• Higher-order Questioning: Why did you choose this season? Can you explain your reason to a partner?

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Engage and Explore

Duration: 10 minutes

• Use picture cards of the four seasons to spark discussion and help students describe the seasons in their own words (friendly to abstract learners like Marquez).
• Students share aloud with a partner their favorite season and why, practicing vocabulary.

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Work Session: Apply Opinion Writing

Duration: 15 minutes

• Students begin drafting their opinion introduction sentence and one supporting reason in their graphic organizer.
• Teacher circulates, providing support for Marquez (concrete examples), Josiah (writing reinforcement), and advanced extension activity for others (adding a second reason).

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Closing Reflect (Exit Ticket)

Duration: 5 minutes

• Write down the opinion sentence completed today on an index card:
  Example: I think summer is the best season because I like swimming.
• Share one reason your opinion word choice was strong.
• Teacher reviews exit tickets to assess understanding.

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Mastery Check & Next Steps

• Formative assessment based on exit ticket clarity and use of linking words.
• If students did not learn: Provide one-on-one mini-sessions re-teaching linking words and sentence structure with visual aids. Additional dyslexia-friendly reading materials.
• Next lesson: Craft introduction paragraph expanding opinion and more reasons.

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Differentiation & Specialized Instruction

Student	Strategy	Extension
Marquez	Use visual aids, pictures of seasons to concretize concept, step-by-step sentence frames, one-on-one verbal coaching.	Draw and label a picture showing why their season is best.
Josiah	Extra practice with writing mechanics, use a scribe if necessary, sentence starters, peer review for support.	Add a second reason and linking words to strengthen opinion.
Advanced	Encourage detailed reasons, use of multiple linking words, start drafting the closing statement.	Write a paragraph including a counter-argument sentence.

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Dyslexia-Friendly Options

• Use clear, large print fonts on all handouts and anchor charts.
• Provide both audio of the video and printed captions.
• Allow oral responses paired with writing tasks.

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Summary

• Today’s focus: Writing a strong opinion sentence with a reason using linking words.
• Goal: Prepare for writing a full paragraph on why a season is best all week.
• Remember: Opinion + Reason + Linking Word = Strong Opinion Writing!

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Next lesson preview: Crafting the introduction paragraph in detail, with focus on topic sentences and transition words.