MLK Opinion Essay Worksheet

Name:

Date:

📝 Part 1: Planning Your 5-Paragraph Opinion Essay

1. Choose your opinion about Martin Luther King Jr. Check ONE:

Martin Luther King Jr. was the most important civil rights leader

Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech changed America

Martin Luther King Jr.'s peaceful protests were the best way to create change

2. Write your opinion statement (this will be in your introduction):

Sentence Starter: I believe that Martin Luther King Jr. ________________________

3. List THREE reasons that support your opinion:

Reason 1: ________________________________________

Reason 2: ________________________________________

Reason 3: ________________________________________

🏗️ Part 2: Building Your Essay Structure

4. Introduction Paragraph - I can write a strong opening paragraph.

Hook (grab the reader's attention):

Background information about MLK Jr.:

Your opinion statement:

5. Body Paragraphs - I can support my reasons with details and examples.

Body Paragraph 1 - Reason 1: _________________________

Supporting detail/example: ____________________________

Body Paragraph 2 - Reason 2: _________________________

Supporting detail/example: ____________________________

Body Paragraph 3 - Reason 3: _________________________

Supporting detail/example: ____________________________

6. Conclusion Paragraph - I can write a strong ending that restates my opinion.

Restate your opinion in different words:

Call to action (what should readers do?):

⭐ Part 3: Writing Goals & Extensions

7. I Can Statements - Check off what you can do:

I can state my opinion clearly

I can give three strong reasons

I can use facts about Martin Luther King Jr.

I can use transition words (first, second, finally)

I can write a conclusion that restates my opinion

8. Extension Activity: Draw a picture that shows your main opinion about Martin Luther King Jr.

9. Vocabulary Challenge: Use these words in your essay. Check them off as you use them:

civil rights

equality

peaceful

justice

dream

MLK Opinion Essay Worksheet

MLK Opinion Essay Worksheet

📝 Part 1: Planning Your 5-Paragraph Opinion Essay

🏗️ Part 2: Building Your Essay Structure

⭐ Part 3: Writing Goals & Extensions

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