Structured Opinion Writing · seed 1 · A4, ink-friendly. The answer key prints on its own page for grown-ups.

Structured Opinion Writing

English · Writing Composition · ages 6-11
Name ______________________   Date ____________

  1. Which of these is a linking word that connects a reason to an opinion?

    • purple
    • because
    • tomorrow

  2. Which part comes first in a structured opinion piece?

    • The topic and opinion
    • The conclusion
    • A joke

  3. A good opinion piece needs at least two reasons.

    Circle one:   True   False

  4. Which sentence is the best conclusion for a piece arguing dogs make the best pets?

    • Dogs are the best pets.
    • Also, dogs need to be walked every day.
    • My favorite color is blue.

  5. Read: 'I think school should start later. Also, kids feel tired in the morning.' What job does 'also' do here?

    • It restates the opinion
    • It introduces a joke
    • It links a reason to the opinion

  6. Read: 'I think we should have a class pet. First, taking care of it teaches responsibility. Also, a pet makes the classroom feel calmer.' How many reasons does this opinion piece give?

    Answer: ______________

  7. Which piece is organized correctly?

    • Reasons first, then the opinion is never stated
    • Conclusion first, then the opinion, then no reasons
    • Opinion, then reasons linked with words like because, then a conclusion that restates the opinion

  8. Read this ending: 'Also, ice cream tastes better than cake, and my dog likes bones.' What is wrong with this conclusion?

    • It uses too many linking words
    • It adds a new idea
    • It is too short
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Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

Structured Opinion Writing W1-mt_WKxX-b86Vr-s1

  1. because · Because signals that a reason is coming next.
  2. The topic and opinion · You always start by telling the reader the topic and what you think about it.
  3. True · One reason is not enough to convince a reader, so aim for two or more.
  4. Dogs are the best pets. · It restates the opinion instead of adding a brand new reason or an unrelated idea.
  5. It links a reason to the opinion · Also connects the reason, kids feel tired, to the opinion that school should start later.
  6. 2 · Two linking words, first and also, each introduce a separate reason.
  7. Opinion, then reasons linked with words like because, then a conclusion that restates the opinion · The clear order is opinion, linked reasons, then an ending that reminds the reader of the opinion.
  8. It adds a new idea · A conclusion should return to the original opinion, not introduce something new like the dog liking bones.
Worksheet · LightMySky