About This Packet

Students will love expressing their opinions

about an activity or hobby that they enjoy!

Included are:
ü  lesson plans for writing a
five paragraph essay
ü  a list of Common Core State
Standards covered
ü  Quiz-Quiz-Trade brainstorming activity
cards and directions
ü  opinion writing poster/anchor chart
ü  transitions/linking words poster
ü  Circle Map brainstorming graphic
organizer and example
ü  prewriting graphic organizer and example
ü  example rough draft
ü  example revised draft
ü  editing poster & student checklist
ü  compare/contrast post-writing activity
ü  agree/disagree feedback cards
ü  publishing pages
ü  holistic grading rubric
ü  extra blank prewriting graphic organizer

© Lisa Lilienthal 2013

 Common Core State Standards
3rd, 4th, & 5th Grades
3rd Grade
W.3.1 a-d: Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view
with reasons. Introduce the topic or text they are writing about, state an
opinion, and create an organizational structure that lists reasons.
Provide reasons that support the opinion. Use linking words and phrases
(e.g., because, therefore, since, for example) to connect opinion and
reasons. Provide a concluding statement or section.
W.3.4: With guidance and support from adults, produce writing in which
the development and organization are appropriate to task and purpose.
W.3.5 With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and
strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing.

4th grade
W.4.1 a-d: Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view
with reasons and information. Introduce a topic or text clearly, state an
opinion, and create an organizational structure in which related ideas are
grouped to support the writer’s purpose. Provide reasons that are
supported by facts and details. Link opinion and reasons using words and
phrases (e.g., for instance, in order to, in addition). Provide a concluding
statement or section related to the opinion presented.
W.4.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and
organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
W.4.5 With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and
strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing.

5th Grade
W.5.1 a-d: Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view
with reasons and information. Introduce a topic or text clearly, state an
opinion, and create an organizational structure in which ideas are
logically grouped to support the writer's purpose. Provide logically
ordered reasons that are supported by facts and details. Link opinion and
reasons using words, phrases, and clauses (e.g., consequently,
specifically). Provide a concluding statement or section related to the
opinion presented.
W.5.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and
organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
W.5.5 With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and
strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or
trying a new approach.
© Lisa Lilienthal 2013
 Lesson Plans
These plans should be broken up over several days.

Brainstorming/Prewriting

•  Do a Quiz-Quiz-Trade brainstorming activity to get

students thinking about activities and hobbies
they enjoy. My students love this activity!
•  I find that it’s really helpful to first explain the
activity and then model it with myself and three
other students.

Quiz-Quiz-Trade
ü  There are 24 cards. If you have more than 24
students, duplicate extra cards. It’s okay for more
than one student to have the same card. I like to
print the cards in color on cardstock and laminate
them to use again next year.
ü  Pass out the Quiz-Quiz-Trade cards.
ü  For the activity students stand up, put a hand up,
and find a partner by giving a high-five.
ü  One student asks the question on the card and the
other student answers.
ü  Students switch roles and then SWITCH CARDS.
ü  Students raise their hand in the air to signal that
they need a partner and walk around to find new
partners.
ü  Repeat the previous steps. Continue for several
rounds.

© Lisa Lilienthal 2013

 Brainstorming/Prewriting continued

•  Demonstrate using the Brainstorming Circle Map

to list reasons why others might want to try an
activity or hobby. Demonstrate choosing and
circling three main reasons to focus on from the
Circle Map. Also demonstrate connecting other
reasons/ideas in the circle map to the three main
reasons if they go together. I’ve included two
example Circle Maps for hiking.
•  Have students complete a circle map for their
chosen activity or hobby.
•  Have students share their circle maps with a
partner or small group. They can add ideas to
their circle maps that other students suggest.
•  Introduce opinion writing with the Opinion Writing
Poster. The author’s purpose for this assignment
is for students to suggest an activity or hobby
that others might want to try. Students should
give reasons why they enjoy the activity and
provide facts and details about it.
•  Introduce the Prewriting Graphic Organizer.
Demonstrate using the ideas on the circle map to
fill in an example Prewriting Graphic Organizer.
The Prewriting Graphic Organizer should have
topic sentences, three broad reasons with
specific details and transitions, and a conclusion.
I’ve included an example filled-in organizer for
hiking and a transition/linking words poster that
students can refer to.
© Lisa Lilienthal 2013
 Drafting

•  Have students use their Prewriting Graphic

Organizers to write a rough draft. Students
should add details as they write so that each box
of the organizer is a separate paragraph in their
rough draft. An example rough draft is included.

ü  The introductory paragraph should grab the

reader’s attention with a lead-in, give an
opinion statement, and end with a thesis
statement that introduces three reasons for
suggesting the activity. This will set the
organization and tone for the essay.
ü  The three middle paragraphs explain the
three reasons for recommending the
activity. They should begin with a transition
and topic sentence, give many details,
examples, and facts to support the student’s
opinion, and end with a conclusion.
ü  The conclusion paragraph should restate the
thesis statement, sum up the essay, and
finish with a personal statement, possibly a
hope or wish, or a concluding remark.

•  Students can refer to the Transitions/Linking

Words Poster to include additional words in their
paragraphs as they write.

© Lisa Lilienthal 2013

 Revising/Editing/Publishing

•  When students are done drafting, show the

example rough draft and ask for suggestions to
make it better.
•  Model revising the example rough draft by adding
additional details and rich vocabulary. I also find it
helpful to put up a copy of my revised draft and
highlight all the parts that I added or changed
from the rough draft. An example revised draft
is included
•  Introduce the editing poster and checklist.
•  Have students revise and edit their rough drafts.
•  Conduct individual and/or peer revising and
editing conferences. I like to walk around as
students work and help students revise and edit
as needed.
•  Students publish their writing. There are various
blank pages included for writing and illustrating.
•  Students could attach a picture of themselves
enjoying their activity to their published page.
•  Display options:

photo or
lined paper
illustration

large
lined paper
construction
with space
paper
for photo or
illustration

© Lisa Lilienthal 2013

 Publishing continued

•  Display options:
staples

mini illustration or “logo”

designed to represent
the activity

second page of writing

Sharing/Presenting/Feedback/Extension

•  Students could share their essays with a partner.

They could work together to fill out the compare/
contrast page about their activities.
•  Students could present their writing orally to
their class, a small group, or a partner. Use the
feedback cards to have students state whether
they agree or disagree that the activity is
something they would like try and why.
•  Display the essays on a bulletin board with a
pocket/envelope under each paper. Have another
envelope with feedback cards and pencils
available for others to respond and place in
students’ pockets.

© Lisa Lilienthal 2013

 Quiz-Quiz-Trade Cards © Lisa Lilienthal 2013

Do you like Do you like

drawing? painting?

Do you like baking? Do you like

cooking?

Do you like Do you like

making videos? scrapbooking?
 Quiz-Quiz-Trade Cards © Lisa Lilienthal 2013

Do you like Do you like

playing soccer? playing basketball?

Do you like Do you like

playing baseball? playing football?

Do you like Do you like running?

playing tennis?
 Quiz-Quiz-Trade Cards © Lisa Lilienthal 2013

Do you like Do you like

gymnastics? karate?

Do you like hiking? Do you like

camping?

Do you like fishing? Do you like

scouting?
 Quiz-Quiz-Trade Cards © Lisa Lilienthal 2013

Do you like singing? Do you like

playing a musical
instrument?

Do you like dancing? Do you like

swimming?

Do you like Do you like biking?

skateboarding?
 Name _______________________  

Brainstorming
Circle Map
What activity do you think others should try?

Why?

Activity:

© Lisa Lilienthal 2013

 EXAMPLE #1
Name _______________________  

Brainstorming
Circle Map
What activity do you think others should try?

Why?

good
exercise nice
can hike in scenery
different
places Activity:
fun to
hiking hike with
see wildlife friends

challenging
take to hike up
pictures steep hills

© Lisa Lilienthal 2013

 EXAMPLE #2
Name _______________________  

Brainstorming
Circle Map
What activity do you think others should try?

Why?

good
exercise nice
can hike in scenery
different
places Activity:
fun to
hiking hike with
see wildlife friends

challenging
take to hike up
pictures steep hills

© Lisa Lilienthal 2013

 Opinion
Writing
•  tells others what you think.
•  tries to convince others to
agree with you by giving
great reasons, examples,
facts, or details to support
your opinion.
Each detail paragraph:
•  has a topic sentence.
•  has detail sentences.
•  has a conclusion.

© Lisa Lilienthal 2013

 Transitions/Linking Words

•  above all •  first •  nearly

•  additionally •  first of all •  nevertheless
•  after all •  for example •  next
•  after that •  for instance •  obviously
•  afterward •  for one thing •  of course
•  again •  for the most part •  once
•  all in all •  fortunately •  one important
•  along with •  frequently •  one way
•  although •  furthermore •  otherwise
•  also •  gradually •  overall
•  another example •  however •  previously
•  as a result •  in addition •  second
•  as soon as •  in closing •  secondly
•  as well as •  in conclusion •  since
•  at first •  in fact •  soon
•  at last •  in other words •  similarly
•  at the beginning •  in summary •  still
•  because •  in the end •  suddenly
•  before •  in the first place •  surely
•  beginning with •  in the meantime •  to begin with
•  besides •  including •  to conclude
•  beyond •  initially •  then
•  but •  instead •  therefore
•  clearly •  it started when •  third
•  consequently •  later •  truly
•  despite •  later on •  until
•  during •  last •  usually
•  especially •  lastly •  when
•  except •  likewise •  while
•  even though •  meanwhile •  yet
•  finally •  most important •  you see
© Lisa Lilienthal 2013
 Name _______________________  

Prewriting Graphic Organizer

Topic: In your opinion, what is an activity that others should try? List three reasons why.

Transition: Transition: Transition:

___________________   ___________________   ___________________  
Reason: Reason: Reason:
___________________   ___________________   ___________________  
Why: Why: Why:
___________________ ___________________ ___________________
___________________ ___________________ ___________________
___________________ ___________________ ___________________
___________________ ___________________ ___________________
___________________   ___________________   ___________________  
___________________   ___________________   ___________________  
___________________   ___________________   ___________________  
___________________ ___________________ ___________________

Conclusion: Restate your topic, sum it up, and write a hope or a wish.

© Lisa Lilienthal 2013

 EXAMPLE
Name _______________________  

Prewriting Graphic Organizer

Topic: In your opinion, what is an activity that others should try? List three reasons why.

You should try hiking! When you hike, you get to look at
beautiful scenery, see amazing wildlife, and it’s a great way to keep
in shape.

Transition: Transition: Transition:

To start
  with Another   reason Most   of all
Reason: Reason: Reason:
nice scenery
  see wildlife
  good exercise
 
Why: Why: Why:

•  scenic views •  birds •  steep hills

•  streams •  insects •  long distances
•  ponds •  spiders •  good for balance
•  flowers •  lizards •  get strong legs
•  bushes •  rabbits •  more fun than
•  trees •  ground squirrels the gym
•  rock formations •  deer •  won’t get bored
•  mountains •  bighorn sheep •  forget you’re
•  take pictures •  take pictures exercising

Conclusion: Restate your topic, sum it up, and write a hope or a wish.

Hiking is a fantastic activity! What else can you do to

observe amazing scenery, encounter diverse wildlife, and have a
great workout? I hope you’ll try hiking this weekend!

© Lisa Lilienthal 2013

ROUGH DRAFT EXAMPLE

You Should Try Hiking!

You should try hiking! When you hike, you get to
gaze at beautiful scenery, see amazing wildlife, and it’s a
great way to keep in shape.
To start with, when you hike you get to see lovely
scenery. I like to hike at Red Rock Canyon because I can see
clear across the valley! I also see streams, ponds, caves,
and rock formations. I really like hiking in the spring when
there are beautiful flowers and in the fall when the leaves
change colors. Of course, all this scenery is perfect for
picture taking, so don’t forget your camera when hiking!
The amazing scenery is definitely something I love about
hiking.
Another reason to try hiking is the opportunity to
see animals. I’ve seen many different kinds of birds while
hiking. I always encounter cottontail rabbits, ground
squirrels, and lizards when I hike. They often dart across
the path. A few times, I’ve been fortunate enough to come
across a group of bighorn sheep. Make sure to keep your
camera handy. If you like wildlife, you’ll love hiking!
Most of all, you should try hiking because it’s a
fantastic way to keep in shape. Some people don’t like
exercising. Hiking is much more fun than working out at a
gym. When you hike, you may walk for many miles and go
up and down hills. You build stamina, strength, and balance.
It’s so much fun that you don’t realize you’re getting in
shape! Hiking is a great way to exercise and stay fit.
Hiking is a fantastic activity! What else can you do
to observe amazing scenery, encounter diverse wildlife,
and have a great workout? I hope you’ll try hiking this
weekend!
© Lisa Lilienthal 2013
REVISED DRAFT EXAMPLE

You Should Try Hiking!

Are you looking for a fun and exciting new activity?
You should try hiking! When you hike, you get to gaze at beautiful
scenery, see amazing wildlife, and it’s a great way to keep in shape.
To start with, when you hike you get to experience
glorious and breath-taking scenery. I love to hike at Red Rock
Canyon because I can see clear across the valley when I get to the
top! Along the way, I enjoy seeing streams, ponds, caves, and rock
formations. I really like hiking in the spring when all the beautiful
flowers are blooming and in the fall when the leaves change
colors. Of course, all this gorgeous scenery is perfect for picture
taking, so don’t forget your camera when hiking! The amazing
scenery is definitely something I love about hiking.
Another reason to try hiking is the opportunity to see a
variety of animals. I’ve seen many different kinds of birds while
hiking. Once I even saw a hummingbird fly to its nest! I always
encounter cottontail rabbits, ground squirrels, and lizards when I
hike. They often dart across the path when they’re startled by my
presence. A few times, I’ve been fortunate enough to come across
a group of bighorn sheep. Make sure to keep your camera handy
when hiking for unexpected wildlife encounters. If you like wildlife,
you’ll love hiking!
Most of all, you should try hiking because it’s a fantastic
way to keep in shape. Some people get bored when exercising at a
gym. Hiking is much more fun than working out at a gym, and it’s
never boring. When you hike, you may walk for many miles. You
often go up and down steep hills. As a result, you build stamina,
strength, and balance. It’s so much fun that you don’t realize you’re
getting in shape! Hiking is a great way to exercise and stay fit.
There are many activities you could try, but hiking
should be your first choice. Hiking is a fantastic activity! What else
can you do to observe amazing scenery, encounter diverse
wildlife, and have a great workout? I hope you’ll try hiking this
weekend!

© Lisa Lilienthal 2013

 Editing
Read your writing ALOUD to check for errors.
Check for mistakes in the following areas:

Capitalization
ü Beginning of sentence: My little brother is friendly.
ü N ames of people, places His name is Max. I got him a
and things: toy at Target. He likes to play
with his new Legos.
ü The word I: I love him so much!

Punctuation
ü End of sentence: . ! ? Look at that baseball team.
They are really good!
Do you play baseball?
ü Commas when listing: , I have a bat, ball, and glove.
ü Q uotation marks when “I want to play baseball too,”
needed: said Tim.

Grammar

ü S entences are complete

thoughts that include a
He is going to school .
noun or pronoun and a
verb:
He needs to hurry it is late.
ü There are no run-on
He needs to hurry. It is late.
sentences:
Spelling
ü Words are spelled correctly: She is a nice gril girl .

© Lisa Lilienthal 2013

 Editing Checklist
I read my writing ALOUD to check for errors.

I capitalized the beginning of my sentences.

I capitalized proper nouns.

I capitalized the word “I”.

I used correct punctuation at the end of sentences.

I used commas when listing.

I used quotation marks with dialogue.

Each of my sentences are complete with a noun or pronoun and verb.

I have no run-on sentences.

I have checked the spelling of words that did not look correct.

Editing Checklist
I read my writing ALOUD to check for errors.

I capitalized the beginning of my sentences.

I capitalized proper nouns.

I capitalized the word “I”.

I used correct punctuation at the end of sentences.

I used commas when listing.

I used quotation marks with dialogue.

Each of my sentences are complete with a noun or pronoun and verb.

I have no run-on sentences.

I have checked the spelling of words that did not look correct.
© Lisa Lilienthal 2013
© Lisa Lilienthal 2013
© Lisa Lilienthal 2013
© Lisa Lilienthal 2013
© Lisa Lilienthal 2013
 Names: _______________________ & _______________________  
Compare and Contrast
Compare and contrast to show how your activity and your
partner’s activity are the same and how they are different.
Fill out the diagram below.

different

same

different

© Lisa Lilienthal 2013

 Feedback Cards © Lisa Lilienthal 2013

I agree/disagree that I agree/disagree that

______________________   ______________________  
would be a good activity would be a good activity
to try because to try because
_______________________ _______________________
_______________________ _______________________
_______________________   _______________________  

I agree/disagree that I agree/disagree that

______________________   ______________________  
would be a good activity would be a good activity
to try because to try because
_______________________ _______________________
_______________________ _______________________
_______________________   _______________________  

I agree/disagree that I agree/disagree that

______________________
  ______________________
 
would be a good activity would be a good activity
to try because to try because
_______________________ _______________________
_______________________ _______________________
_______________________
  _______________________
 
 Holistic Opinion Writing Rubric
4~Exceeds Standards
All or most of the following are shown
based on grade level standards.
§  Clearly and thoughtfully develops
the topic.
§  Develops an opinion using many
reasons supported by relevant
details.
§  Ideas are linked with smooth
transitions to support logical
organizational structure; has an
interesting introduction and
conclusion.
§  Uses engaging and expressive
language; uses varied sentences
that flow smoothly.
§  Shows strong command of
capitalization, punctuation,
grammar, and spelling.
2~Approaches Standards
All or most of the following are shown
based on grade level standards.
§  Somewhat focuses and develops
the topic.
§  Expresses an opinion but reasons
may not be sufficient or supported
by details.
§  Shows some organization but may
lack structure; includes few or no
transitions or linking words;
introduction and conclusion may not
be developed.
§  Uses simple or dull words and
language; uses similar sentences
that don’t always flow smoothly.
§  Shows inconsistent use of
capitalization, punctuation,
grammar, and spelling.
© Lisa Lilienthal 2013
3~Meets Standards
All or most of the following are shown
based on grade level standards.
§  Clearly focuses and develops the
topic.
§  Develops an opinion using reasons
supported by details.
§  Begins with a topic sentence,
organizes ideas logically, and
provides a conclusion; some
transitions or linking words are
present.
§  Uses descriptive language, and
sensory details; uses varied
sentences that mostly flow
smoothly.
§  Shows basic command of
capitalization, punctuation,
grammar, and spelling.
1~Emerging/Developing
All or most of the following are shown
based on grade level standards.
§  Mentions the topic.
§  May have an opinion with unclear
or irrelevant details.
§  Has little or no organization; does
not include transitions or linking
words; introduction and
conclusion may not be present.
§  Writing seems lifeless; uses
unclear or repetitive words;
uses simple or incomplete
sentences.
§  Shows consistent misuse of
capitalization, punctuation,
grammar, and spelling.
 Name _______________________
 

Prewriting Graphic Organizer

Topic:

Transition: Transition: Transition:

___________________   ___________________   ___________________  
Reason: Reason: Reason:
___________________   ___________________   ___________________  
Why: Why: Why:
___________________ ___________________ ___________________
___________________ ___________________ ___________________
___________________ ___________________ ___________________
___________________ ___________________ ___________________
___________________   ___________________   ___________________  
___________________   ___________________   ___________________  
___________________   ___________________   ___________________  
___________________ ___________________ ___________________

Conclusion:

© Lisa Lilienthal 2013

 Thank you!
Thank you very much for purchasing my
Opinion Writing Packet! I appreciate your
business. Please leave feedback for me
on my TPT page. I’d love to know what you
think! Check out my store:
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Lisa-Lilienthal
I have many great writing activities for
various grades and lots of fun freebies.
Happy Writing!
Lisa Lilienthal

Graphics & Fonts:

© Lisa Lilienthal 2013