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Writing Framework LibGuide Grade 5: Opinion Writing

Grade Level Expectations

Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.

  • Introduce a topic or text clearly, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure in which ideas are logically grouped to support the writer’s purpose.

  • Provide logically ordered reasons that are supported by facts and details.

  • Link opinion and reasons using words, phrases, and clauses- consequently and specifically

  • Provide a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented.

Conventions

  • Verbs
  • Vocabulary Transitions
  • Format to Style
  • Spelling Consciousness
  • Sentence variety

Features

  • Developing a five paragraph essay
  • Understand fact vs. opinion
  • Formulating personal opinion/ thesis statement
  • Developing use of propaganda: bandwagon, big names, statistics, mudslinging, emotional words, repetition
  • Maintain a clear focus on topic
  • Anticipates and addresses readers concerns in counter argument
  • Supporting details
  • Leads and Endings
  • Revision to improve voice and word choice
  • Mode specific transitional phrases
  • Establishing author’s voice

Instructional Resources

Why we must run with scissors (Barry Lane)

Launching the Writing Workshop, Units of Study for 3-5 (Lucy Calkins)

Writing Workshop: The Essential Guide (Fletcher and Portalupi)

Mentor Texts (L. Dorfman and R. Cappelli)

Study Driven (Katie Wood Ray)

The No Nonsense Guide to Teaching Writing (Davis and Hill)

Possible Mentor Texts

Hey Little Ant by Hannah and Phillip Hoose

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka

LaRue Across America Mark Teague