Opinion Writing

Opinion Formulation means telling what you think or how you feel about something.

When you share an opinion, you say your idea clearly. You tell your choice, your favorite, or what you believe.

An opinion is not the same as a fact. A fact is true and can be checked. An opinion is what a person thinks.

For example, "Dogs have four legs" is a fact. "Dogs are the best pets" is an opinion.

In opinion writing, we learn to say our opinion in a strong, clear way. This is called formulating an opinion.

How to formulate an opinion

1. Pick a topic.
   A topic is what you are talking about. It can be a food, a book, a game, an animal, or a school rule.
2. Think about your choice.
   Ask yourself, “What do I think?”
3. Say your opinion clearly.
   Use words like: I think, I like, I believe, My favorite is, or I think ___ is best.

Opinion sentence starters

• I think ___.
• I like ___ best.
• My favorite ___ is ___.
• I believe ___.
• ___ is the best.

These sentence starters help your reader know right away that you are sharing an opinion.

Words that show opinion

• best
• favorite
• better
• great
• good
• fun

These words can help make your opinion strong and clear.

Good opinion statements are:

• Clear — easy to understand
• About one topic — they stay focused
• Strong — they tell exactly what you think

Look at these examples:

• Weak: I like stuff.
• Better: I like apples.
• Best: I think apples are the best fruit.

The last sentence is strongest because it tells exactly what the writer thinks.

Worked Example 1: Favorite food

Topic: lunch food

Question: What food do you like best?

Think: I like pizza more than other foods.

Opinion: My favorite lunch food is pizza.

This is a good opinion because it tells one clear choice.

Worked Example 2: Best animal

Topic: animals

Question: Which animal is best?

Think: I love rabbits.

Opinion: I think rabbits are the best pets.

This sentence tells a clear opinion. The words I think and best show opinion.

Worked Example 3: School choice

Topic: school activities

Question: What is the most fun part of school?

Think: Recess is my favorite.

Opinion: I believe recess is the most fun part of school.

This opinion is strong because it names one thing and tells exactly how the writer feels.

Worked Example 4: Book opinion

Topic: books

Question: What kind of book do you like best?

Think: I enjoy funny books the most.

Opinion: Funny books are my favorite to read.

This is a clear opinion because it tells the writer’s favorite kind of book.

Let’s tell facts and opinions apart

• The sky is blue. — fact
• Blue is the prettiest color. — opinion
• We read books at school. — fact
• Reading is the best school activity. — opinion

If a sentence tells something that can be checked, it is a fact. If it tells what someone thinks, it is an opinion.

Tips for writing your own opinion

• Say what you think right away.
• Use words like I think or my favorite.
• Talk about just one topic.
• Make your opinion easy to understand.

Try these opinion ideas

• My favorite fruit is ___.
• I think ___ is the best game.
• ___ is the best season.
• I like ___ books best.

Remember: there can be different opinions. One person may like apples best. Another person may like bananas best. Both are opinions.

What matters is that you say your opinion clearly.

Summary

Opinion formulation means saying what you think in a clear way. You can use sentence starters like I think, I believe, and My favorite is. A strong opinion tells your choice clearly and stays on one topic.

Topic or Text Introduction means telling your reader what you are talking about before you share your opinion.

When we write an opinion, we should first name the topic or the book/text. This helps the reader know exactly what our opinion is about.

For example, if you say, “It is the best!” your reader may ask, “What is the best?” But if you say, “The book Frog and Toad is the best,” your reader understands right away.

In opinion writing, the introduction is the beginning. It tells the subject first. Then you can tell how you feel about it.

Why is this important?

• It helps the reader understand.
• It makes your writing clear.
• It gets your opinion off to a good start.

What should a good introduction do?

A good topic or text introduction should:

• Name the thing you are writing about.
• Tell if it is a topic or a book/story.
• Get ready for your opinion.

You can think: What am I talking about?

Then ask: Did I name it clearly?

How to write one

1. Pick your subject.
   Ask yourself, “What is my writing about?”
2. Name it.
   Say the topic or book name.
3. Add your opinion.
   Tell what you think.

Here are some easy sentence starters:

• I think ___ is ___.
• My favorite book is ___ because ___.
• The story ___ is ___.
• I think ___ is the best ___.

Topic or book?

Sometimes you give an opinion about a topic. A topic is a thing, idea, or activity.

• recess
• pizza
• dogs
• rainy days

Sometimes you give an opinion about a text. A text can be a book or story you read.

• Charlotte’s Web
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar
• Frog and Toad

When writing, make sure you tell which one you mean.

Worked Example 1

Too unclear: “It is fun.”

This is not a good introduction because we do not know what “it” is.

Better: “Recess is fun.”

Now the reader knows the topic is recess.

Worked Example 2

Too unclear: “I like it a lot.”

We still do not know what the writer likes.

Better: “I like the book The Very Hungry Caterpillar a lot.”

Now the reader knows the writer is talking about a book.

Worked Example 3

Too unclear: “It is the best snack.”

The reader may wonder, “What snack?”

Better: “Apples are the best snack.”

This introduction names the topic first: apples.

Worked Example 4

Too unclear: “It is my favorite story because it is funny.”

This tells an opinion, but it does not name the story.

Better: “Frog and Toad is my favorite story because it is funny.”

Now the introduction names the text: Frog and Toad.

Let’s compare

Read these two beginnings:

• “It is awesome.”
• “The book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is awesome.”

The second one is better because it tells exactly what the writer is talking about.

Tips for strong introductions

• Use the name of the topic or book.
• Do not just say it at the start.
• Make your first sentence clear.
• Say your opinion after you name the topic or text.

Try this thinking

Before you start writing, ask:

• What is my topic?
• Did I name the book or story?
• Will my reader know what I mean?

Quick practice

Here are unclear beginnings. Think about how to fix them.

• “It is my favorite.”
• “I think it is the best.”
• “It was a funny story.”

You can fix them by adding the topic or book name.

• “Soccer is my favorite.”
• “I think pizza is the best.”
• “The story Little Bear was funny.”

Remember

Your reader cannot read your mind. Your reader needs you to say the name of what you are talking about.

Start with the topic or text. Then give your opinion. That makes your writing easy to understand.

Summary

A topic or text introduction is the first part of opinion writing. It tells the reader what subject, book, or story you are writing about.

Good writers name the topic or text clearly at the beginning. Then they share their opinion. This helps the reader know exactly what the writing is about.

Reason Generation means telling why you think something.

When we share an opinion, we do not just say what we like or believe. We also give a reason. A reason helps other people understand our thinking.

For example, if you say, “Dogs are the best pets,” that is an opinion. If you add, “because they can play with you,” that is a reason.

Good writers use reasons to make their opinions stronger. A strong opinion sounds like this: “I think ___ because ___.”

Let’s learn how to make reasons.

1. Start with your opinion.

Your opinion tells what you think, like, or choose.

• I like apples best.
• Recess is the best part of the day.
• We should read this book.

2. Ask yourself, “Why?”

This is the most important question for reason generation.

If your opinion is “I like apples best,” ask, “Why do I like apples best?”

You might say:

• because they are sweet
• because they are crunchy
• because they are easy to eat

These are reasons.

3. Pick a reason that makes sense.

A good reason matches your opinion. It tells something true, something you know, or something you have seen.

Here are three kinds of reasons first graders can use:

• Something true: “Rain boots keep feet dry.”
• Something you know: “My backpack holds my books.”
• Something you have done or seen: “I played that game, and it was fun.”

4. Put your opinion and reason together.

You can use sentence starters like these:

• I think ___ because ___.
• My favorite ___ is ___ because ___.
• We should ___ because ___.

These sentence frames help your writing sound clear.

What makes a reason strong?

A strong reason is:

• clear — easy to understand
• about the opinion — it matches what you are saying
• real — it could really happen or be true

Look at this:

• Opinion: Ice cream is the best snack.
• Reason: because it is cold and yummy

This reason is strong because it tells why the writer likes ice cream.

Look at this:

• Opinion: Ice cream is the best snack.
• Reason: because my shoes are blue

This reason does not match. Blue shoes do not explain ice cream.

Helpful reason words

These words can help connect your opinion and your reason:

• because
• so
• since

For first grade, because is the easiest and best word to use most of the time.

Worked Example 1

Opinion: Cats are good pets.

Ask: Why?

Possible reasons:

• They are soft.
• They can sit with you.
• They are fun to watch.

Best sentence: I think cats are good pets because they can sit with you.

This works because the reason tells why the writer thinks cats are good pets.

Worked Example 2

Opinion: We should have art today.

Ask: Why should we have art today?

Possible reasons:

• We can draw pictures.
• Art helps us make and create.
• It is fun.

Best sentence: We should have art today because it is fun.

This is a good reason. It matches the opinion and tells why the writer wants art.

Worked Example 3

Opinion: The playground is the best place at school.

Ask: Why?

Possible reasons:

• I can run and play there.
• It has fun things to do.
• I see my friends there.

Stronger sentence: I think the playground is the best place at school because I can run and play there.

This reason is strong because it is clear and tells what the writer likes about the playground.

Worked Example 4

Opinion: We should read this book.

Ask: Why should we read this book?

Possible reasons:

• It has funny pictures.
• The story is interesting.
• We can learn from it.

Sentence: We should read this book because it has funny pictures.

This is a good reason because it tells why the book would be a good choice.

How to think of your own reasons

1. Say your opinion.
2. Ask, “Why do I think that?”
3. Say one or two true reasons.
4. Choose the best reason.
5. Write the whole sentence with because.

Example thinking:

Opinion: Summer is the best season.

Ask: Why?

• I can swim.
• The weather is warm.
• I can play outside more.

Now put it together:

Summer is the best season because I can swim.

Tips for better reasons

• Make sure your reason matches your opinion.
• Use a reason that is easy to understand.
• Do not change the topic.
• Try to say something real.

Let’s compare.

Opinion: Sandwiches are a good lunch.

Reason A: because they are easy to eat

Reason B: because birds can fly

Reason A is better. It matches the opinion. Reason B does not match.

You can give more than one reason.

Sometimes writers add two reasons.

Example: I like the park because I can slide and swing.

Both parts tell why the writer likes the park.

Practice pattern

• Opinion: I like ____ because ____.
• Opinion: ____ is the best because ____.
• Opinion: We should ____ because ____.

These patterns help you write strong opinion sentences.

Summary

Reason generation is telling why you have an opinion. A reason makes your writing stronger and helps others understand you.

Remember: first say your opinion, then ask “Why?”, and then add a reason with because.

When you do this, your opinion writing becomes clear, strong, and easy to believe.

Linking Words for Opinions

When we share an opinion, we tell what we think or feel. In opinion writing, we do not just say our idea. We also tell why we think it.

Linking words help us connect our opinion to our reasons. These words make our writing easier to understand.

Some important linking words for opinions are because, also, and therefore.

1. Use because to tell why

The word because connects an opinion to a reason.

• I like summer because I can swim.
• Dogs are fun pets because they like to play.
• Our class book is good because it has funny pictures.

When you use because, you are answering the question: Why?

2. Use also to add another reason

Sometimes one reason is good, and sometimes we want to give more than one reason. The word also helps us add another idea.

• Cats are great pets because they are soft. Also, they are quiet.
• I like recess because I can run. Also, I can play with friends.

Also means one more thing.

3. Use therefore to show the result

The word therefore can show what comes next after your reasons. It means something like so.

• Rain makes the ground wet. Therefore, we wear boots.
• This game is easy to learn. Therefore, everyone can play.

In 1st grade, you may use so more often when you talk. But it is good to learn therefore too.

How linking words help your writing

• They connect your ideas.
• They help your reader follow your thinking.
• They make your opinion writing stronger.

A simple opinion pattern

You can build opinion sentences like this:

1. Say your opinion.
2. Use a linking word.
3. Give your reason.

Example: Ice cream is the best dessert because it is sweet.

You can also make a longer opinion piece like this:

1. Say your opinion.
2. Give one reason with because.
3. Add another reason with also.
4. End with a result or strong ending with therefore.

Worked Example 1

Opinion: Apples are a good snack.

Reason: They are crunchy.

Put them together: Apples are a good snack because they are crunchy.

Here, because links the opinion and the reason.

Worked Example 2

Opinion: Reading is fun.

Reason 1: Stories are exciting.

Reason 2: We learn new things.

Put them together: Reading is fun because stories are exciting. Also, we learn new things.

Here, also adds a second reason.

Worked Example 3

Opinion: We should plant flowers at school.

Reason 1: Flowers make the school pretty.

Reason 2: Bees can visit them.

Ending: It is a good idea.

Put them together: We should plant flowers at school because flowers make the school pretty. Also, bees can visit them. Therefore, it is a good idea.

This example uses all three linking words.

Worked Example 4

Let’s fix writing that has no linking words.

Not as clear: Turtles are nice pets. They are calm. They are fun to watch.

Better: Turtles are nice pets because they are calm. Also, they are fun to watch.

The second one sounds smoother because the ideas are connected.

Tips for using linking words

• Use because when you tell why.
• Use also when you add another reason.
• Use therefore when you tell the result or ending idea.
• Read your sentence out loud. Ask, “Do my ideas connect?”

Let’s look at more examples

• I like pizza because it has yummy cheese.
• Winter is fun because I can play in snow.
• My teacher is kind. Also, she helps us learn.
• This park is clean and safe. Therefore, families like to visit.

Be careful!

• Do not just list reasons with no linking words.
• Make sure your reason matches your opinion.
• After also, add a new reason, not the same reason again.

Try this thinking plan

1. What is my opinion?
2. Why do I think that?
3. Can I add one more reason?
4. Which linking word should I use?

Summary

Linking words help opinion writing make sense. Because tells why. Also adds another reason. Therefore shows the result or ending idea.

When you use linking words, your reader can follow your thoughts more easily. That makes your opinion writing clear and strong.

Fact or Opinion?

Today we will learn how to tell the difference between a fact and an opinion.

This is important in opinion writing. When you share your ideas, you want to know if you are saying something that can be proven or something that is what you think or feel.

What is a fact?

A fact is something that is true and can be checked.

You can prove a fact. You can look, count, measure, or learn it from a book or a teacher.

• The sky is blue during the day.
• A dog has four legs.
• There are 7 days in a week.

What is an opinion?

An opinion is what someone thinks, feels, or likes.

An opinion is not something everyone has to agree on. Different people can have different opinions.

• Dogs are the best pets.
• Blue is the prettiest color.
• Pizza tastes yummy.

How can I tell the difference?

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Can I prove it is true? If yes, it is a fact.
2. Is it about what someone likes or feels? If yes, it is an opinion.

Clue words for opinions

Some words can help you notice an opinion.

• I think
• I feel
• I like
• best
• pretty
• yummy
• fun

These words often show a person is sharing a feeling or choice.

Worked Example 1

Sentence: Cats have fur.

Ask: Can we prove it?

Yes. We can look at a cat and see its fur.

This is a fact.

Worked Example 2

Sentence: Cats are cute.

Ask: Can everyone prove it, or is it a feeling?

It is a feeling. One person may think cats are cute, and another person may not.

This is an opinion.

Worked Example 3

Sentence: We read books at school.

Ask: Can this be checked?

Yes. A teacher or student can see that books are read at school.

This is a fact.

Worked Example 4

Sentence: Reading books is more fun than playing outside.

Ask: Is this true for everyone?

No. Some children may like reading more. Other children may like playing outside more.

This is an opinion.

Facts and opinions can work together

In opinion writing, you share your opinion. Then you can add facts to help support it.

Look at this:

• Opinion: Recess is the best part of the school day.
• Fact: Recess is a time when children go outside to play.

The opinion tells what the writer thinks. The fact gives true information about recess.

Let’s compare

• Fact: Apples grow on trees.
• Opinion: Apples are the best fruit.

• Fact: A triangle has 3 sides.
• Opinion: Triangles are the coolest shape.

• Fact: We use pencils to write.
• Opinion: Writing with pencils is easy and fun.

Try this thinking trick

If two people can disagree, it may be an opinion.

If it can be checked and shown to be true, it is a fact.

Be careful

Sometimes a sentence has words that sound strong, like best, greatest, or yummiest. These are often opinions because they tell a feeling or choice.

Sometimes a sentence sounds simple, but it is still a fact because it can be checked.

When you write your own opinion

You can start with your opinion:

• I think dogs are great pets.

Then add facts to help your reader understand:

• Dogs can be trained.
• Dogs can run and play outside.

Your opinion is what you believe. Your facts help explain your idea.

Summary

A fact is something that can be proven true.

An opinion is what someone thinks, feels, or likes.

When you read or write, ask: Can I prove it? If yes, it is a fact. Ask: Is it a feeling or choice? If yes, it is an opinion.

Concluding Statements or Recommendations are the ending part of opinion writing.

When we write an opinion, we tell what we think. At the end, we need to finish strong. We do this with a concluding statement or a recommendation.

A concluding statement reminds the reader of our opinion.

A recommendation tells the reader what they should do or think.

These ending sentences help our writing feel complete.

Why is the ending important?

• It reminds the reader of your big idea.
• It helps your writing sound finished.
• It can help persuade the reader.

A good ending can:

• say your opinion again in a new way
• tell the reader what to do
• share a final thought

How to write a concluding statement

1. Think: What is my opinion?
2. Say that opinion again in a short, clear way.
3. Use an ending word if it helps, like so, that is why, or in the end.

How to write a recommendation

1. Think: What do I want the reader to do?
2. Write a sentence that tells the reader.
3. You can use words like should, try, or please.

Useful ending starters

• That is why...
• So I think...
• In the end...
• You should...
• Please...
• I hope you will...

Let’s look at some examples.

Example 1: Concluding statement

Opinion: Dogs are great pets.

Reasons: They are playful. They can be good friends.

Ending: That is why dogs are great pets.

This ending works because it says the opinion again.

Example 2: Recommendation

Opinion: Our class should have more read-aloud time.

Reasons: Stories are fun. We learn new words.

Ending: We should have more read-aloud time in class.

This ending works because it tells what should happen.

Example 3: Stronger ending with a polite action word

Opinion: Apples are the best snack.

Reasons: They are sweet. They are crunchy.

Ending: In the end, you should try a crunchy apple for a snack.

This ending works because it shares the opinion and gives a recommendation.

Example 4: Choose the better ending

Opinion: Recess is important.

Reasons: Kids can run. Kids can play with friends.

Ending A: I like blue crayons.

Ending B: That is why recess is important for kids.

The better ending is Ending B.

Why? It matches the opinion and finishes the writing.

Tips for a great ending

• Keep it short and clear.
• Make sure it matches your opinion.
• Do not add a new reason at the very end.
• Use kind, strong words.

Let’s practice.

Opinion: Pizza is a tasty lunch.

Reason: It has cheese. It is warm.

A good concluding statement could be: So I think pizza is a tasty lunch.

A good recommendation could be: You should pick pizza for lunch.

Opinion: We should plant flowers at school.

Reason: Flowers are pretty. They help make the school look bright.

A good concluding statement could be: That is why we should plant flowers at school.

A good recommendation could be: Please help plant flowers at our school.

Remember: your ending is the last thing your reader hears. Make it strong, clear, and connected to your opinion.

Summary

A concluding statement ends your opinion writing by saying your opinion again.

A recommendation ends your writing by telling the reader what to do or think.

When you write your ending, make sure it matches your opinion and helps your reader remember your big idea.

Persuasive Reviews are pieces of writing that tell what you think about something and try to help other people decide.

You can write a persuasive review about a book, a movie, or a place to eat.

When you write a persuasive review, you share your opinion. Then you give reasons that tell why you feel that way.

At the end, you tell your reader what you think they should do. You might say, Try it! or Skip it.

Why do we write persuasive reviews?

We write them to help others. A good review can help someone choose a fun book, a tasty meal, or a good movie.

We also write them to explain our thinking clearly. We do not just say, “I liked it.” We say why.

The parts of a persuasive review

1. Name the thing
   

   Tell what you are reviewing.

2. Say your opinion
   

   Tell if you think it is good or not good.

3. Give reasons
   

   Tell 2 or more reasons that match your opinion.

4. Use persuasive words
   

   Use words that help convince the reader, like best, great, fun, boring, yummy, or do not try.

5. End with a strong sentence
   

   Tell the reader what to do.

Helpful sentence starters

• I think...
• This book is...
• This movie is...
• This place has...
• One reason is...
• Another reason is...
• You should...
• You should not...

What makes a review persuasive?

A persuasive review has a clear opinion. The reader should know right away if you like it or do not like it.

A persuasive review also has reasons. Reasons are important because they help the reader understand your opinion.

For example, it is stronger to say, “I like this book because it is funny and the pictures are bright,” than to only say, “I like this book.”

Use kind and clear words

You can say you do not like something, but your words should still be kind.

Instead of saying, “This is bad,” you can say, “I did not enjoy this because it was too slow.”

That sounds clearer and kinder.

Worked Example 1: A book review

Question: How can we write a persuasive review for a book we like?

Book: The Big Red Ball

Step 1: Name the thing.
“I want to review the book The Big Red Ball.”

Step 2: Say your opinion.
“I think this book is great.”

Step 3: Give reasons.
“One reason is that the story is funny. Another reason is that the pictures are bright.”

Step 4: End strong.
“You should read this book!”

Full review:
“I want to review the book The Big Red Ball. I think this book is great. One reason is that the story is funny. Another reason is that the pictures are bright. You should read this book!”

Why it works: This review tells the opinion, gives two reasons, and ends by telling the reader what to do.

Worked Example 2: A movie review

Question: How can we write a persuasive review for a movie we do not like?

Movie: Sleepy Cat

Step 1: Name the thing.
“I am reviewing the movie Sleepy Cat.”

Step 2: Say your opinion.
“I do not think this movie is fun.”

Step 3: Give reasons.
“One reason is that it is very slow. Another reason is that not much happens.”

Step 4: End strong.
“You should pick a different movie.”

Full review:
“I am reviewing the movie Sleepy Cat. I do not think this movie is fun. One reason is that it is very slow. Another reason is that not much happens. You should pick a different movie.”

Why it works: This review is clear and kind. It says a negative opinion, but it gives real reasons.

Worked Example 3: A restaurant review

Question: How can we write a persuasive review for a place to eat?

Place: Sunny Sandwich Shop

Step 1: Name the thing.
“I am writing about Sunny Sandwich Shop.”

Step 2: Say your opinion.
“I think this is the best place for lunch.”

Step 3: Give reasons.
“One reason is that the sandwiches are yummy. Another reason is that the workers are friendly.”

Step 4: End strong.
“You should eat here!”

Full review:
“I am writing about Sunny Sandwich Shop. I think this is the best place for lunch. One reason is that the sandwiches are yummy. Another reason is that the workers are friendly. You should eat here!”

Why it works: The writer uses strong opinion words like best and yummy. The reasons help persuade the reader.

How to plan your own persuasive review

• What am I reviewing?
• Do I like it or not?
• What are two reasons?
• What do I want my reader to do?

You can think like this:

• Thing: a book, movie, or restaurant
• Opinion: good or not good
• Reason 1: why
• Reason 2: why
• Ending: try it or skip it

Worked Example 4: From notes to review

Notes:

• Thing: book called Monster in My Box
• Opinion: very fun
• Reason 1: silly story
• Reason 2: big pictures
• Ending: read it

Turn the notes into sentences:

“I am reviewing the book Monster in My Box. I think it is very fun. One reason is that the story is silly. Another reason is that the pictures are big. You should read it!”

Why this is a good review: The notes helped the writer stay organized. The review has all the important parts.

Words you can use in persuasive reviews

• Positive words: great, fun, funny, tasty, yummy, exciting, bright, best, amazing
• Negative words: slow, boring, noisy, messy, dull, too long, not fun
• Persuasive endings: You should try it! Read this book! Watch this movie! Do not choose this one. Pick something else.

Things to remember

• Say what you are reviewing.
• Tell your opinion clearly.
• Give reasons.
• Use strong words.
• End by telling the reader what to do.

Let’s look at a weak review and make it stronger.

Weak review:
“This book is good. I like it.”

This review is too short. It does not give reasons.

Stronger review:
“This book is great. I like it because the story is funny and the pictures are colorful. You should read it!”

Now the review is persuasive because it has reasons and a strong ending.

Quick check

If you write, “This movie is fun because it has funny parts. You should watch it,” are you writing a persuasive review?

Yes. You gave an opinion, a reason, and an ending that tells the reader what to do.

Summary

A persuasive review tells your opinion about a book, movie, or place. It gives reasons to support that opinion.

A strong review is clear, organized, and uses words that help persuade the reader. It ends by telling the reader what to do, like read it, watch it, or skip it.