Part 1: Read and Choose an Opinion

Directions: Read the short passage. Then choose your opinion about longer recess.

Should Schools Have a Longer Recess?

Recess gives students time to move, play, and talk with friends. A longer recess could help students feel less restless and more ready to learn. It could also support good health and give students more time to practice sharing, solving problems, and including others.

However, a longer recess would take time away from reading, math, science, or social studies. Some schools may not have enough playground space or adults to supervise. Schools would also need to offer safe choices for students who do not enjoy active games.

Fact 1:

Fact 2:

Someone who disagrees might say, “________________________________________.”

Helpful Words

Word bank: opinion, claim, reason, evidence, recess, exercise, healthy, learning, safety, playground, supervise, however, because, also, for example, therefore

Short Example

Example: Schools should try a longer recess with a careful plan. Recess gives students time to move and may help them feel ready to learn. However, schools must protect learning time and student safety. A good plan could add a little recess time and provide safe choices for everyone.

Part 2: Plan Your Opinion Essay

Directions: Complete the plan one step at a time. Use words from the word bank if you need help.

Sentence starter: Schools should ______________________________________________.

My reason: One reason is ______________________________________________.

Evidence from the passage: The passage says ________________________________.

My reason: Another reason is ____________________________________________.

Evidence from the passage: The passage says ________________________________.

The other side might say: ________________________________________________.

My response: However, __________________________________________________.

Sentence starter: Many students have opinions about recess. I believe ____________.

Sentence starter: For these reasons, ______________________________________. Schools should __________________________________.

Transition Words

Use a transition to connect your ideas: first, another reason, also, for example, however, because, therefore, for these reasons.

Essay Response

Directions: Write 3 or more paragraphs. Include your claim, two reasons, evidence, the other side, your response, and a conclusion.

Part 3: Check My Writing

Directions: Read each statement. Check it when you are finished.

Remember

An opinion essay tells what you believe and gives reasons and evidence to support your claim.

Teacher Scoring Guide

Claim and Ideas: 4 = Clear claim with strong ideas; 3 = Clear claim with mostly helpful ideas; 2 = Claim or ideas need more detail; 1 = Claim is missing or unclear.

Organization: 4 = Clear beginning, middle, and ending with paragraphs; 3 = Mostly organized; 2 = Some organization; 1 = Hard to follow.

Reasons and Evidence: 4 = Two strong reasons with accurate passage evidence and a response to the other side; 3 = Reasons and evidence are mostly clear; 2 = Limited reasons or evidence; 1 = Little or no support.

Language and Conventions: 4 = Clear writing with few errors; 3 = Some small errors; 2 = Several errors; 1 = Errors make the writing difficult to understand.

Total Score: ______ / 16

Standards Alignment

Oklahoma Grade 5 ELA Writing: Write an opinion piece with a clear claim, organized reasons, evidence, linking words, and a conclusion. Use grade-level grammar, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.

Closest official CCSS crosswalk: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1, W.5.1a, W.5.1b, W.5.1c, W.5.1d, W.5.4, W.5.5, W.5.8, and L.5.1-L.5.2.