Opinion (Review) Writing

First Graders are full of opinions. Writers use something that they feel strongly about to write an opinion book or review.

Thinking of a Topic

Before writing, writers need to think of a topic. Writers think about things that they feel strongly about so that they can try to convince others to agree with their opinion. Here is a list of topics that students could use to think of a topic before writing!

Planning

As writers, sometimes students get so excited about their books that they get started writing right away, forgetting to add important reasons to convince their readers. Instead of beginning to write right away, students plan their books by reciting what they will write across their fingers. Students will state their opinion, name three reasons to support their opinion, add an ending, THEN finally begin to write.

Introduction

Opinion writers grab their reader’s attention right away by asking a question and then state their opinion.

Do you want to know a good and fun pet? A parrot is a good and fun pet!

Do you want to find cool toys? Then Toys'R'Us is the best place. It think that because you can get lots of dolls and dollhouses at Toys'R'Us.

Have you ever wanted to see a good movie that is for all ages? Well, I know one, The Book of Life. It is a good movie.

Give Reasons

Opinion writers work hard to convince others of their opinions and one way to do that is to include many reasons into their books. Writers may include "because", "one reason is", "another reason is", and "also".

I like soccer because you get to kick the ball. It is fun to kick the ball.

I think she's the best because we do brain breaks. Oh, don't worry, we don't really rest our brain.

The first reason is that you can ride horses and it is fun to ride them.

Examples

Opinion writers use their reasons and support them with examples to make their writing even more convincing. Writers may include phrases such as "for example", "another example", and "one time".

I think pet fish are the best because they are not that annoying. For example, they don't make a big mess. And don't run around the house.

I like gymnastics because it is so cool. You can do somersaults, cartwheels, and kickovers.

Aquariums are really fun. You can see sharks and all different kinds of fish and sometimes alligators and lots of other sea animals.

Comparisons

Opinion writers think of why someone might disagree with them and explain why their opinion is better. Writers also compare their topic to something similar, and say why their opinion is better.

The Lego Movie Video Game is better than Lego Marvels. In Lego Marvels, you only get super villans and heroes. In the Lego Movie Video Game, you get normal people, villans, and heroes.