Opinion Writing Chapter Notes | Language Arts for Grade 3 PDF Download

Introduction

Distinguish Facts from Opinions

• A fact is something that is true and can be proven.
  • Example: The sun rises in the morning.
  • Facts are the same for everyone.
  • You can check facts by looking at evidence, like in books or by observing.
• An opinion is what someone thinks or feels about something.
  • Example: Chocolate ice cream is the best flavor.
• Opinions can be different for different people.
• Opinions cannot be proven because they are based on feelings or beliefs.
• To tell them apart, ask: Can this be proven? If yes, it’s a fact. If it’s about feelings or thoughts, it’s an opinion.

Practice finding facts and opinions in sentences to get better at spotting them.

Identify an Author's Statement of Opinion

• An author’s opinion is the main thing they think or believe in their writing.
• Look for words that show feelings, like “best,” “worst,” “should,” or “love.”
  • Example: “Summer is the most fun season” is an opinion because it uses “most fun.”
• Words like “think,” “believe,” or “feel” also show opinions.
• Read the sentence carefully to find what the author thinks.
• An opinion statement is usually the main idea of the writing.

Practice by reading short stories or paragraphs and picking out the sentence that shares the author’s opinion.

Choose Reasons to Support an Opinion

• A reason explains why you have an opinion.
• Good reasons make your opinion stronger and help others agree with you.
  • Example: Opinion: “Dogs are great pets.” Reason: “They are friendly and play with you.”
• Reasons should be clear and make sense.
• Think about why you believe your opinion is true.
• Choose reasons that are easy to understand and relate to your opinion.
• Try to pick at least two or three reasons to support your opinion.

Practice by writing an opinion and listing reasons why you think that way.

Complete the Opinion Passage with an Example

• An example is a specific detail or story that shows your reason is true.
• Examples make your opinion more interesting and believable.
  • Example: Opinion: “Recess is important.” Reason: “It helps kids have fun.” Example: “At recess, we play tag, which makes us laugh and feel happy.”
• Examples can be something you saw, did, or know about.
• When writing, add an example after your reason to explain it better.
• Make sure the example connects to your reason and opinion.

Practice by writing a short opinion passage and adding an example to support your reason.

Complete the Opinion Passage with a Reason

• An opinion passage is a short piece of writing that shares your opinion, reasons, and examples.
• To complete a passage, add a reason that explains why your opinion is true.
  • Example: Opinion: “Reading books is fun.” Reason: “Books have exciting stories that make you imagine new places.”
• The reason should be clear and support the opinion directly.
• Check that your reason fits with the opinion and makes it stronger.

Practice by taking an opinion and writing a sentence that gives a reason for it.

Complete the Opinion-Reason-Example Table

• An opinion-reason-example table organizes your opinion writing.
• The table has three parts: Opinion, Reason, and Example.
  • Opinion: What you think or believe.
  • Reason: Why you think that way.
  • Example: A specific detail or story that shows your reason is true.
• To complete the table, fill in each part clearly.
  • Example: Opinion: “Pizza is the best food.” Reason: “It tastes delicious.” Example: “I love when the cheese is gooey and the pepperoni is spicy.”
• Make sure the reason supports the opinion and the example supports the reason.

Practice by creating a table with your own opinion, at least two reasons, and an example for each reason.