Goals or Objectives: The students will be able to understand the aspects of opinion writing and apply
them to their own essays. They will be able to record their thoughts in the “OREO” writing planner then
transfer that onto a lined sheet of paper in paragraph form. They will ensure that all aspects of opinion
writing are included in their essays by self-checking. Then they will evaluate a peer’s paper using the
option writing checklist.
Common Core State Standards W.3.1 Write opinion pieces on topics or texts,
supporting a point of view with reasons.
a. Introduce the topic or text they are writing
about, state an opinion, and create an
organizational structure that lists reasons.
b. Provide reasons that support the opinion.
c. Use linking words and phrases (e.g.,
because, therefore, since, for example) to
connect opinion and reasons.
d. Provide a concluding statement or section
Academic Language:
argument
decide
evidence
opinion
Students’ Needs:
English Language Learners Special Needs (can be a
group such as “struggling
readers” or individuals)
Materials:
Teacher Needs:
• Powerpoint
• “Oreo” writing planner
• computer/projector
• Opinion Words and Phrases Poster
• Article Text
• lined paper
• ReadWorks opinion article (https://www.readworks.org/article/Should-School-Be-Year-Round/
83b57109-d8b5-467f-b0b9-8e55d5053d99#!vocabularySection:argument/articleTab:content/)
Student Needs:
• Pencil/pen
Language Function:
Analyze: Students will have to analyze the information given to them in the article to develop an infor-
med opinion.
Argue: Students will have to choose their side and offer reasons and examples to argue their case. De-
scribe: Students will have to discuss the side they chose and describe the ways in which it is better.
Evaluate: Students will have to use their checklists to evaluate their peers’ opinion essay.
Explain: In the powerpoint presentation, aspects of opinion essays will be explained to the students.
Students will have to explain their opinion in their essays.
Interpret: Students will have to interpret the information given to them in the article and form an opini-
on.
Justify: Students have to use reasons and examples to justify their opinion.
Synthesize: Students have to clearly and concisely state their opinion.
Before:
• Students will do a review activity involving opinion words and phrases.
• A poster board with the sections: introductory words and phrases, transitions, and opinion clues will
be placed in the front of the room.
• Students will be asked to come up with examples to put under each section and they will be allowed
to write correct words/phrases on the poster.
• The teachers will fill in any extra words while explaining to the class.
• Discuss knowledge about opinion writing.
During:
• Students will listen to direct instruction while a Powerpoint presentation provides a visual aid, in
which the concepts of opinion writing are introduced.
• After the powerpoint presentation, an “OREO” writing planner will be introduced.
• Each student will be given their own writing planner that will be used later in the lesson.
• An article from ReadWorks about year-round school will be put up on the projector and read aloud
to the students. Students will also receive a copy of the article.
• After listening to the article and discussing year-round school and school with a summer break,
students will be asked to choose which they agree with most.
• Using their “OREO” writing planners, students will state their opinion about year-round school and
list reasons and examples to support their opinion.
• After filling out the planner, students will be given a lined sheet of paper and an opinion writing
essay checklist.
• They will use the lined sheet of paper to write a formal essay in paragraph form using their planner
and checklist.
• Students will be asked to re-read their papers and use the self-check side of the checklist to make
sure their have included all aspects.
After:
• After students have finished writing they will trade papers and checklists with a partner.
• The students will read their peer’s paper and use the checklist to grade the paper.
• All papers will be submitted with their checklists.
• A class poll will be taken to see how many students would want year-round school.
• Students will be asked to share their thoughts and opinions with the class.
Assessment:
Type of assessment Description of Modifications to the Evaluation Criteria
assessment assessment so that
all students could
demonstrate learning
Informal Each student will Students could have The assessment will show the
complete an opinion extra time to students’ ability to correctly
essay, self-check complete the complete the assignment, self-
their papers using assignment, have a check their work, and give good
the checklist, then a teacher check their feedback to their peers using the
peer will use the paper, or provide checklist.
same checklist to less reasons or
grade their paper. examples in their
The students will essay.
then submit their
papers with the
completed checklist.
Resources:
• https://www.readworks.org/article/Should-School-Be-Year-Round/83b57109-d8b5-467f-
b0b9-8e55d5053d99#!vocabularySection:argument/articleTab:content/
• Opinion Words and Phrases Poster
• Article Text
• “OREO” Writing Planner
• Opinion Essay Checklist
OREO Writing Planner
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