Opinion Writing Structure
The shape of an opinion piece: state your opinion, give three reasons each backed by an example, save the strongest reason for last, then restate your opinion in the conclusion.
State your opinion
Name the topic and say clearly what you think.
I think ___ because...
1
Reason 1
Give a reason and back it up with a fact or example.
First, ___. For example, ___.
2
Reason 2
Give a different reason and back it up.
Also, ___. For example, ___.
3
Strongest reason
Save your best reason for last.
Most importantly, ___.
Restate your opinion
Sum up your reasons and say your opinion again, in new words.
For all these reasons, I believe ___.
How to use this chart
- Build one opinion piece together as a class on the board, filling in each box's sentence frame, before students plan their own.
- Remind students every reason needs an example; a reason alone ("because it is fun") is weaker than a reason with evidence ("because it is fun, for example we get to choose our own game").
- Keep this poster next to any opinion-writing or persuasive-writing task as a planning scaffold, not just a finished-piece checklist.
Where this chart is taught
Teaching units
Common Core standards