Opinion and Persuasive Writing

Lesson: Formulating an Opinion Statement

Sometimes we want to tell what we think or how we feel about something. That is called an opinion.

An opinion is what you think. It is not the same as a fact. A fact is something that can be proven true.

When we write opinion pieces, we need to say our opinion clearly. The sentence that tells our opinion is called an opinion statement.

A strong opinion statement tells the reader exactly what you think right away.

What is an opinion statement?

An opinion statement is a sentence that shares your choice, feeling, or judgment about a topic.

• It tells what you believe.
• It tells what side you are on.
• It helps the reader know what your writing will be about.

Examples of opinion statements:

• I think recess is the best part of the school day.
• Cats make better pets than fish.
• The book was fun to read.
• Chocolate ice cream is the best flavor.

Why do we need a strong opinion statement?

A strong opinion statement helps your reader understand your idea fast.

If your opinion is clear, your reader knows what reasons to expect next.

It is like opening a door. Your opinion statement lets the reader step into your writing and know where you are going.

What makes an opinion statement strong?

• It is clear.
• It tells your real opinion.
• It stays on one topic.
• It sounds sure, not weak.

Strong opinion statements often use words like:

• I think...
• I believe...
• My favorite... is...
• ___ is the best...
• ___ is better than...

Weak and strong opinion statements

Some sentences do not sound strong. They may sound unsure or confusing.

Weak: I guess dogs are kind of good.

Strong: I think dogs are the best pets.

Weak: Maybe summer is nice.

Strong: Summer is the best season.

Weak: This book had stuff in it.

Strong: This book is exciting and fun to read.

How to write an opinion statement

1. Pick your topic.
2. Think about what you really believe.
3. Say your opinion in one clear sentence.
4. Make sure it sounds strong and sure.

Ask yourself:

• What do I think?
• Can the reader tell my opinion right away?
• Does my sentence stay on the topic?
• Does it sound strong?

Opinion statement starters

If you need help getting started, you can use these sentence frames:

• I think _____ is the best _____.
• I believe _____ is better than _____.
• My favorite _____ is _____.
• _____ is the most fun because _____.
• In my opinion, _____ is a great _____.

Be careful!

An opinion statement should not be a question.

Not strong: Do you think pizza is good?

Better: I think pizza is the best lunch.

An opinion statement should not tell many different ideas at once.

Too many ideas: I like soccer and cake and movies and dogs.

Better: Soccer is the most fun sport to play.

Worked Example 1: Choosing a favorite food

Topic: lunch food

Question: What do I think about lunch food?

My opinion: Pizza is my favorite lunch food.

Strong opinion statement: Pizza is the best lunch at school.

Why is this strong? It tells the topic, shares a clear opinion, and sounds sure.

Worked Example 2: Sharing a view about an animal

Topic: pets

Weak sentence: I kind of like rabbits.

Better thinking: What do I really want to say?

Strong opinion statement: Rabbits are wonderful pets.

Why is this better? It is clear and confident.

Worked Example 3: Giving an opinion about a book

Topic: a story you read

Thinking: Did I enjoy the book? Yes. What did I think of it?

Strong opinion statement: The story was funny and enjoyable to read.

This tells the reader your judgment about the book in one sentence.

Worked Example 4: Comparing two choices

Topic: seasons

Choice: winter or spring

Opinion: I like spring more.

Strong opinion statement: Spring is better than winter.

This is strong because it clearly picks one side.

Let’s practice: Is it strong?

Read each sentence and think: Does it tell a clear opinion?

• I think reading before bed is relaxing. Yes, this is strong.
• Books are things. No, this is not an opinion statement.
• Maybe art is okay. No, this sounds unsure.
• Art is the most fun class in school. Yes, this is strong.

How an opinion statement helps the rest of your writing

After you write your opinion statement, you can add reasons.

For example:

• Opinion statement: Recess is the best part of the school day.
• Reason 1: I can run and play.
• Reason 2: I get fresh air.
• Reason 3: I can spend time with friends.

Your opinion statement is the main idea. Your reasons help support it.

Tips for success

• Say exactly what you think.
• Use one sentence.
• Stay on one topic.
• Use strong words.
• Do not sound unsure.

Quick review

• An opinion is what you think.
• An opinion statement tells your opinion clearly.
• A strong opinion statement is clear, focused, and confident.
• It helps your reader know your main idea.

Summary

When you write an opinion piece, start with a strong opinion statement. Tell exactly what you think in one clear sentence. Make it sound sure and stay on one topic. Then you can add reasons to support your opinion.

Providing Logical Reasons means telling why you believe your opinion.

When you write an opinion, you do more than say what you like or think. You also give reasons that make sense. These are called logical reasons.

A logical reason matches the opinion. It helps the reader understand your thinking. It answers the question, “Why do you think that?”

For example, if your opinion is “Dogs are great pets,” a logical reason could be “They can play with you.” That reason fits the opinion.

A reason like “The sky is blue” does not fit. It is not connected to dogs being great pets. So it is not a logical reason.

Good opinion writing has:

• An opinion — what you think
• Reasons — why you think it
• More than one reason — to make your writing stronger

How to give logical reasons

1. Say your opinion clearly.
   Example: “Recess is the best part of the school day.”
2. Ask yourself, “Why do I think that?”
3. Name reasons that match your opinion.
4. Try to give different reasons. Do not say the same thing again and again.

Different reasons are reasons that are not exactly the same.

Look at this opinion: “Reading is fun.”

• Reason 1: Books tell interesting stories.
• Reason 2: Reading helps you learn new things.

These are two different logical reasons. One is about fun stories. The other is about learning.

Now look at these reasons:

• Reading is fun.
• Reading is really fun.

These are not good reasons. They just repeat the opinion. They do not explain why.

Words that help you give reasons:

• because
• since
• also
• another reason

You can use these words in sentences like:

• I think summer is the best season because I can swim.
• Another reason summer is great is that I can play outside longer.

Worked Example 1

Opinion: Cats make good pets.

Question: What are logical reasons?

Reason 1: They are soft and cuddly.

Reason 2: They can live inside the house.

These reasons make sense because they tell why someone might think cats are good pets.

Worked Example 2

Opinion: Our class should have a plant.

Possible reasons:

• It would make the room look bright and cheerful.
• We could learn how plants grow.
• Taking care of it would teach responsibility.

These are strong reasons because each one gives a new idea. The reasons are connected to having a class plant.

Worked Example 3

Opinion: Saturday is the best day of the week.

Weak reasons:

• Saturday is the best.
• I like Saturday a lot.

These are weak because they do not explain why.

Better reasons:

• I do not have school.
• I can play with my friends.
• My family has more time together.

These are better because they are clear, logical, and different from one another.

Worked Example 4

Opinion: We should read every day.

Let’s build reasons step by step.

First ask: Why should we read every day?

• Reading helps us become better readers.
• Reading teaches us new words.
• Reading can be fun and relaxing.

Now put the opinion and reasons together:

We should read every day because it helps us become better readers. Another reason is that it teaches us new words. Also, reading can be fun and relaxing.

This is a strong opinion statement because it has multiple logical reasons.

Tips for checking your reasons

• Does my reason match my opinion?
• Does it answer why?
• Is it clear?
• Is it different from my other reasons?

If the answer is yes, your reason is probably logical.

Let’s compare.

Opinion: Lunch should be longer.

Logical reasons:

• Students need enough time to eat.
• Students can talk and relax before class.

Not logical reasons:

• My backpack is blue.
• I saw a bird this morning.

The first two reasons connect to lunch being longer. The last two do not connect, so they are not logical reasons.

Sentence frames you can use

• I think _____ because _____.
• One reason is _____.
• Another reason is _____.
• I believe _____ since _____.

Example paragraph:

I think the library is a great place. One reason is that it has many books to read. Another reason is that it is quiet, so I can think. Also, I can learn new things there.

This paragraph is strong because the opinion is clear and the reasons are logical and different.

Summary

When you share an opinion, you should give reasons that make sense. Logical reasons match your opinion and explain why you believe it.

Try to give more than one reason. Make sure each reason is clear and a little different. That helps make your writing stronger and more convincing.

Supporting Reasons with Evidence

When you share an opinion, you tell what you think or feel. For example, you might say, Dogs make great pets. That is an opinion.

But good opinion writing needs more than just an opinion. It also needs reasons and evidence.

A reason tells why you think something. A reason might be: Dogs are fun to play with.

Evidence gives proof for your reason. Evidence can be:

• a specific example,
• something that happened to you,
• or a detail from a book or passage.

If your reason is Dogs are fun to play with, your evidence could be: My dog plays fetch with me in the yard every afternoon.

So opinion writing often works like this:

1. Opinion - what you think
2. Reason - why you think it
3. Evidence - proof that supports your reason

Let’s learn each part.

1. Start with your opinion.

Your opinion is your idea. It should be clear. The reader should know exactly what you think.

Here are some opinion sentences:

• Recess is the best part of the school day.
• Winter is better than summer.
• Reading every day is important.

2. Add a reason.

A reason explains your opinion. It answers the question, Why do you think that?

Example:

• Opinion: Recess is the best part of the school day.
• Reason: It gives kids time to move and play.

3. Add evidence.

Evidence helps your reader believe your reason. Evidence is more than saying the same thing again. It gives a real detail.

Look at these two examples:

• Weak support: Recess is the best because it is fun.
• Better support: Recess is the best because kids can run, jump, and play games with friends.

The second sentence is better because it gives details. Those details are evidence.

Where can evidence come from?

• Your own experience - something you did or saw
• A specific example - a clear detail
• A text - a fact or detail from a story or article you read

Evidence from your own experience

You can use something that happened to you.

Example:

• Reason: Reading helps me learn new things.
• Evidence: I read a book about frogs and learned that some frogs can live in trees.

Evidence from a specific example

You can tell about one clear example.

Example:

• Reason: School gardens are helpful.
• Evidence: In a school garden, students can see how seeds grow into plants.

Evidence from a text

Sometimes you read a story or article, and it gives you details to use.

Example:

• Opinion: Beavers are hard workers.
• Reason: They build homes and dams.
• Evidence from a text: The article says beavers use sticks and mud to build dams in rivers.

How to tell if something is really evidence

Ask yourself these questions:

• Does it match my reason?
• Does it give a real detail?
• Will it help my reader understand my thinking?

If the answer is yes, it is probably good evidence.

Worked Example 1: One opinion, one reason, one piece of evidence

Opinion: Cats make good pets.

Reason: Cats can be calm and easy to care for.

Evidence: My cat likes to nap near me while I read, and I only need to feed her and clean her litter box each day.

Why this works: The evidence gives real details from life. It shows that the cat is calm and not too hard to care for.

Worked Example 2: Choosing stronger evidence

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

Reason: Read-aloud time helps students enjoy books.

Which evidence is stronger?

• A. Books are nice.
• B. When our teacher reads aloud, many students laugh, listen closely, and ask to hear one more chapter.

The stronger evidence is B.

Why? It gives details you can almost see and hear. It shows that students enjoy books during read-aloud time.

Worked Example 3: Using evidence from a text

Let’s say you read a short article about exercise. The article says that exercise helps your heart and muscles stay strong.

Now you write:

• Opinion: Kids should exercise every day.
• Reason: Exercise helps keep our bodies healthy.
• Evidence from the text: The article says exercise helps the heart and muscles stay strong.

Why this works: The evidence comes from something you read. It matches the reason about staying healthy.

Worked Example 4: Two reasons, each with evidence

Opinion: The library is a great place.

Reason 1: You can find many kinds of books.

Evidence 1: I can choose animal books, funny stories, and books about space all in one visit.

Reason 2: The library is a quiet place to learn.

Evidence 2: I can sit at a table, read peacefully, and finish my homework there.

Why this works: Each reason has its own evidence. The evidence is clear and specific.

Tips for writing strong evidence

• Use real details.
• Be specific.
• Make sure your evidence matches the reason.
• Do not just repeat your opinion.

Look at this example:

• Opinion: Soccer is a great sport.
• Not strong evidence: Soccer is great because I like it.
• Strong evidence: Soccer helps me run, work with my team, and practice kicking the ball into the goal.

The strong evidence gives details. The weak one only repeats the opinion in a new way.

Sentence starters you can use

These sentence starters can help when you write:

• I think ___ because ___.
• One reason is ___.
• For example, ___.
• In the story/article, it says ___.
• This shows that ___.

Let’s build one together

Opinion: Rainy days can be fun.

Now add a reason: They give families time to do cozy things inside.

Now add evidence: On rainy days, my family plays board games, reads books, and drinks warm cocoa together.

Put it all together:

Rainy days can be fun because they give families time to do cozy things inside. On rainy days, my family plays board games, reads books, and drinks warm cocoa together.

Common mistakes to watch for

• No evidence: I like apples because they are good.
• Better: I like apples because they are crunchy, sweet, and easy to pack in my lunch.

• Evidence does not match the reason:
  Opinion: The beach is fun.
  Reason: The beach has beautiful shells.
  Evidence: I ate a sandwich there.
  This does not match the reason about shells.

• Better matching evidence: I found three shiny shells near the water.

Your job as a writer

When you want to persuade a reader, do not stop after giving your opinion. Help your reader understand why you think that way.

Give a reason. Then give evidence. Strong evidence makes your writing stronger.

Quick review

• An opinion tells what you think.
• A reason tells why you think it.
• Evidence gives details that prove your reason.

Remember: good writers say, Here is what I think, here is why, and here is my proof.

Using Linking Words for Persuasion

Sometimes we want to tell what we think and help other people agree with us. This is called persuasion. When we persuade, we share an opinion and give reasons why we think that way.

Linking words help our writing stick together. They connect one idea to the next. They help the reader follow our thinking step by step.

In persuasive writing, linking words can help us do these jobs:

• connect an opinion to a reason
• connect a reason to an example or evidence
• show what we want the reader to think at the end

Here are some important linking words:

• because — tells why
• since — also tells why
• for example — gives an example
• therefore — shows a result or ending idea

Let’s look at how each one works.

1. Use “because” to tell why

Because links your opinion to your reason.

Example: I think recess should be longer because kids need time to play.

In this sentence:

• Opinion: recess should be longer
• Reason: kids need time to play

2. Use “since” to tell why

Since can also link an opinion to a reason. It works a lot like because.

Example: We should read every day since reading helps us learn new words.

Here, since connects the idea to the reason.

3. Use “for example” to add proof

After you give a reason, you can add an example. For example tells the reader, “Here is something that shows what I mean.”

Example: Pets can help children feel happy. For example, a dog can be a fun friend to play with.

4. Use “therefore” to show the result

Therefore helps you end your writing by showing what should happen or what the reader should believe.

Example: Reading is fun and helps us learn. Therefore, our class should have more reading time.

A simple way to build persuasive writing

You can think of persuasive writing like this:

1. Say your opinion.
2. Give a reason.
3. Add an example.
4. End with a strong idea.

Linking words help with each part:

• because or since for reasons
• for example for examples
• therefore for the ending

Worked Example 1: One reason

Opinion: Students should have art class every week.

Reason: Art helps kids be creative.

Put them together with a linking word:

Students should have art class every week because art helps kids be creative.

Why this works: because connects the opinion to the reason.

Worked Example 2: Add an example

Opinion: Our school should plant more trees.

Reason: Trees give shade.

Example: Children can sit under them on sunny days.

Now put it together:

Our school should plant more trees because trees give shade. For example, children can sit under them on sunny days.

Why this works: because tells the reason, and for example adds proof.

Worked Example 3: Use “since” and “therefore”

Opinion: The library is an important place.

Reason: It has books for everyone.

Ending idea: We should take good care of it.

Now put it together:

The library is an important place since it has books for everyone. Therefore, we should take good care of it.

Why this works: since gives the reason, and therefore gives a strong ending.

Worked Example 4: A full persuasive group of sentences

Let’s build a stronger answer step by step.

• Opinion: We should have a class pet.
• Reason 1: A class pet can teach responsibility.
• Reason 2: A class pet can make the room feel cheerful.
• Example: For example, students can help feed the pet and give it water.
• Ending: Therefore, a class pet would be a good choice for our class.

Now read it all together:

We should have a class pet because a class pet can teach responsibility. For example, students can help feed the pet and give it water. The pet can also make the room feel cheerful. Therefore, a class pet would be a good choice for our class.

Tips for using linking words well

• Use because or since when you want to tell why.
• Use for example when you want to show something that proves your reason.
• Use therefore near the end to wrap up your ideas.
• Make sure each reason matches your opinion.
• Make sure your example matches your reason.

Let’s compare

Without linking words: I like school lunch. It gives us food. Pizza day is popular. We should keep it.

This sounds choppy. The ideas do not connect very clearly.

With linking words: I like school lunch because it gives us food during the day. For example, pizza day is popular with many students. Therefore, we should keep school lunch.

Now the ideas are connected, and the writing is easier to understand.

Be careful!

• Do not use a linking word if it does not fit.
• Because and since should be followed by a reason.
• For example should be followed by an example.
• Therefore should come before a result or ending thought.

Quick practice

Read the opinion and think about which linking word fits best.

• We should wear hats outside ______ the sun can be bright.
  Best word: because or since
• Exercise is good for kids. ______, running helps your body get stronger.
  Best word: for example
• Clean classrooms help us learn better. ______, we should all help clean up.
  Best word: therefore

Summary

Persuasive writing tells an opinion and gives reasons. Linking words help connect the opinion, reasons, examples, and ending.

Remember:

• because = tells why
• since = tells why
• for example = gives proof
• therefore = shows the ending or result

When you use linking words, your writing sounds smoother, clearer, and stronger. That helps you persuade your reader.

Writing Book Reviews

A book review is a piece of writing that tells what you think about a book. It also tells why you think that.

When you write a book review, you share your opinion. An opinion is what you think or feel. Then you give reasons from the story to support your opinion.

A strong book review helps other people know if they may want to read the book too.

What goes in a book review?

• The title of the book
• The author who wrote the book
• Your opinion about the book
• Reasons for your opinion
• Examples from the story, such as plot points or character actions
• A closing sentence that tells who might like the book or if you recommend it

A simple way to organize a book review

1. Start: Name the book and the author.
2. Say your opinion: Tell if you liked it, loved it, or did not like it.
3. Give reasons: Share 2 or 3 reasons why.
4. Use story details: Tell what happened in the book or what a character did.
5. End: Tell who should read it.

Sentence starters you can use

• I read the book ___ by ___.
• I think this book is ___.
• I liked this book because ___.
• One reason is that ___.
• Another reason is that ___.
• In the story, ___.
• The character ___ showed ___.
• I would recommend this book to ___.

How to support your opinion

Do not just say, “It was good.” That is an opinion, but it is too short.

Add reasons and details. Tell what made the book good, funny, exciting, or interesting.

Here are some details you can use:

• What the main character did
• What problem happened in the story
• How the problem was solved
• If the book was funny, sweet, or exciting
• If the pictures helped tell the story

Opinion only: I liked the book.

Better: I liked the book because the main character was brave and solved a big problem.

Even better: I liked the book because the main character was brave. In the story, she helped her lost puppy find the way home.

Be careful

• Do not tell every single thing that happens in the book.
• Do tell enough so your reader understands your opinion.
• Use kind words, even if you did not like the book.
• Give true story details from the book.

Worked Example 1: Very simple review

Book: Max and the Kite by Ana Lee

Question: How can we write a short book review?

Review: I read Max and the Kite by Ana Lee. I liked this book. Max kept trying to fly his kite, even when it was hard. This book is good for kids who like outdoor stories.

Why this works:

• It names the book and author.
• It gives an opinion: “I liked this book.”
• It gives a reason: Max kept trying.
• It has an ending.

Worked Example 2: Add more support

Book: Lila's Busy Garden by Sam Ortiz

Question: How can we make a review stronger?

Review: I read Lila's Busy Garden by Sam Ortiz. I think this book is fun and interesting. One reason is that Lila works hard to help her garden grow. Another reason is that she learns to be patient when the plants do not grow right away. I also liked the pictures because they showed bright flowers and busy bees. I would recommend this book to kids who like nature.

Why this works:

• It gives a clear opinion.
• It uses two reasons.
• It includes story details about what Lila does.
• It tells who might like the book.

Worked Example 3: A review with character actions and plot points

Book: The Little Boat Race by Mia Chen

Question: How do we use plot and character actions in a review?

Review: I read The Little Boat Race by Mia Chen. I loved this book because it was exciting and had a kind main character. In the story, Ben builds a small boat for the race. When his friend Ava's boat breaks, Ben stops to help her. That showed he cared more about being kind than winning. At the end, both friends finish the race together. I recommend this book to readers who like stories about friendship.

Why this works:

• It tells the writer's opinion: “I loved this book.”
• It explains why: exciting story and kind character.
• It uses plot points: the race, the broken boat, the ending.
• It uses character actions: Ben helps Ava.

Worked Example 4: A polite review when you did not like the book

Book: Noisy Lunchroom by Eva Green

Question: Can a review say you did not like a book?

Review: I read Noisy Lunchroom by Eva Green. This book was not my favorite. I liked the pictures, but the story felt too short for me. The problem in the lunchroom was solved very quickly, so I wanted more to happen. Some readers who like short, silly books may enjoy it.

Why this works:

• It shares an honest opinion.
• It stays kind and respectful.
• It gives reasons for the opinion.
• It still says who may like the book.

A helpful review pattern

You can follow this pattern each time:

1. I read title by author.
2. I think this book is your opinion word.
3. One reason is reason 1.
4. Another reason is reason 2.
5. In the story, story detail.
6. I would recommend this book to who would like it.

Opinion words you can use

• good
• great
• funny
• exciting
• sweet
• interesting
• boring
• surprising
• my favorite
• not my favorite

Checklist for your own book review

• Did I name the book title?
• Did I name the author?
• Did I clearly state my opinion?
• Did I give at least 2 reasons?
• Did I include details from the story?
• Did I tell who might enjoy the book?
• Did I use complete sentences?

Let's build a review step by step

Suppose the book is The Lost Mitten by Jo Park.

Step 1: Name the book.

I read The Lost Mitten by Jo Park.

Step 2: Add your opinion.

I read The Lost Mitten by Jo Park. I think this book is sweet.

Step 3: Add a reason.

I read The Lost Mitten by Jo Park. I think this book is sweet because the brother and sister help each other.

Step 4: Add a story detail.

I read The Lost Mitten by Jo Park. I think this book is sweet because the brother and sister help each other. In the story, they look in the snow together to find the missing mitten.

Step 5: Add an ending.

I read The Lost Mitten by Jo Park. I think this book is sweet because the brother and sister help each other. In the story, they look in the snow together to find the missing mitten. I recommend this book to kids who like family stories.

Summary

A book review tells your opinion about a book and gives reasons for that opinion. A strong book review names the book and author, shares clear reasons, and uses details from the story. When you write, remember to tell what happened in the book, what the characters did, and who may enjoy reading it.

Crafting Persuasive Conclusions

When we write an opinion piece, we want to tell what we think and why we think it. At the end of our writing, we need a conclusion.

A conclusion is the ending part of a piece of writing. In persuasive writing, the conclusion helps the reader remember our opinion.

A strong persuasive conclusion does two important jobs:

• It restates the main opinion in a new way.
• It leaves the reader with a final thought or a call to action.

That means we do not just stop writing. We end in a way that sounds strong, clear, and convincing.

What does “restate” mean?

To restate means to say the same idea again, but in a different way.

For example, if your opinion is, “Recess should be longer,” you could restate it like this:

• Our school needs more recess time.
• Students would do better with a longer recess.

These sentences say the same main idea, but they use different words.

What is a final thought?

A final thought is the last idea you want the reader to remember. It can make the reader think, feel, or agree with you.

What is a call to action?

A call to action asks the reader to do something.

• Please think about adding more recess time.
• Let’s choose healthier lunches for our school.
• Try reading every night this week.

How to write a persuasive conclusion

1. Think about your opinion. What do you want the reader to believe?
2. Say your opinion again in a new way. Do not copy the exact same sentence from the beginning.
3. Add a strong ending thought. You can share why it matters or ask the reader to do something.
4. Keep it short and clear. A conclusion does not need many sentences.

Helpful sentence starters

• For these reasons, I believe...
• That is why...
• As you can see...
• In the end...
• We should all...
• Please remember...
• Let’s...

What a persuasive conclusion should sound like

• Confident: It sounds sure.
• Clear: It is easy to understand.
• Strong: It gives the reader one last reason to agree.

What to avoid

• Do not add a brand-new reason at the very end.
• Do not repeat the exact same sentence from the introduction.
• Do not end with something weak like, “That’s all.”
• Do not make it too long.

Worked Example 1: Simple restating

Opinion: Kids should have a class pet.

Reasons: A class pet helps children learn responsibility. It also makes the classroom fun.

Conclusion: For these reasons, a class pet would be a great choice for our classroom.

Why it works:

• It restates the opinion: class pets are a good idea.
• It gives a strong ending.

Worked Example 2: Restating plus final thought

Opinion: Bedtime reading is important.

Reasons: Reading helps kids learn new words. It can also help them feel calm before sleep.

Conclusion: In the end, reading before bed is a smart habit that helps children learn and relax.

Why it works:

• It restates the opinion in new words: bedtime reading is important becomes reading before bed is a smart habit.
• It leaves the reader with an important final thought.

Worked Example 3: Restating plus call to action

Opinion: The cafeteria should serve more fruit.

Reasons: Fruit is healthy. It gives students energy. Many fruits are sweet and tasty.

Conclusion: As you can see, serving more fruit at school is a healthy and tasty idea, so let’s add more fruit to our lunches.

Why it works:

• It restates the opinion: more fruit should be served.
• It ends with a call to action: let’s add more fruit.

Worked Example 4: Fixing a weak conclusion

Opinion: Students should help clean up the classroom.

Weak conclusion: That is my opinion.

This ending is weak because it does not remind the reader why the opinion matters. It also does not leave a strong final thought.

Better conclusion: For all these reasons, students should help clean up the classroom so our room stays neat and ready for learning.

Why the better one works:

• It restates the opinion.
• It explains why the idea matters.
• It sounds strong and complete.

Let’s build a conclusion step by step

Topic: School uniforms are helpful.

Beginning opinion: I think school uniforms are helpful.

Now let’s write a conclusion.

1. Restate the opinion: School uniforms are a good choice for students.
2. Add a final thought: They help kids feel ready to learn.
3. Put it together: In the end, school uniforms are a good choice for students because they help kids feel ready to learn.

Another way to end the same piece

Conclusion with a call to action: That is why our school should keep uniforms and help students stay focused on learning.

Quick checklist for your conclusion

• Did I say my opinion again in a new way?
• Did I add a strong final thought or a call to action?
• Is my ending clear and short?
• Does my conclusion match the rest of my writing?

Mini practice

Read each opinion. Then think about how to end it strongly.

1. Opinion: Pets should be treated kindly.

A strong conclusion could be: For these reasons, all pets deserve kind care every day.

2. Opinion: Our class should plant a garden.

A strong conclusion could be: As you can see, planting a class garden would be fun and useful, so let’s start one soon.

3. Opinion: Students should drink more water.

A strong conclusion could be: In the end, drinking more water helps students stay healthy, so everyone should remember to bring a water bottle.

Summary

A persuasive conclusion is the ending of an opinion piece. It should restate the opinion in a new way and give the reader a strong final thought or a call to action.

When you write your conclusion, keep it clear, short, and strong. A good ending helps your reader remember your opinion and may even persuade the reader to agree with you.