Mini-Lesson

Preparing to Write an Opinion Piece

Unit: Opinion Writing: Things That You Want to Change

Date:
Iowa Core: W.4.1 Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with
reasons and information.
[CCSS: W.4.1 Write on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and
information.]

Outcome/Goal: I can make a plan to write an opinion piece.

Teaching Point: How to prepare to create an opinion piece of writing.

Connect: Today I am going to show you how to get ready to write an opinion piece. Writers
sometimes write about their opinions on a topic or text
● An opinion is what they think about something; and then they try to persuade their
readers that their opinion is right.
● An opinion piece is like an Oreo cookie: I have an introduction where I state my opinion,
the filling is all the reasons and examples that support my opinion, and the last part of
the cookie is the conclusion and where I write about my opinion again.

Teach: I am going to show you how I get ideas for an opinion piece. Then I will show you how I
organize my thinking about my opinion on a topic before I start writing.

Model: Watch me as I brainstorm ideas. I am going to think about topics that are important to
me, topics that I have a strong opinion about. I am thinking about things that I want to change.
● Using a brainstorming form - write and read each of my topics (examples): 1)
Disney channel should bring back older shows, 2) There should be a longer recess
time, 3) Every month there should be Fun Fridays at school
● Select 1 topic - this is one that I feel strongly about - something that I want to
change.

Model: I have selected my topic, now watch me as I use my Oreo graphic organizer to organize
my thinking about my topic.
● I will state my opinion.
● I will add three reasons that support my opinion and I will give examples.
● I will use linking words
● I will write a conclusion and restate my opinion.
Active Involvement: Now it’s your turn. I want you to brainstorm some ideas about things that
you want to change. Then you will select one idea and organize your thinking on the Oreo
Cookie graphic organizer.

Link: Remember to think of ideas/opinions that you feel strongly about - things that you want to
change, and select one that you will write about. You are going to try and persuade your reader
(possibly Mrs. Davis) that your opinion is right! We will share our ideas at the end of workshop
time.

Share: We will share ideas and talk about how brainstorming and the graphic organizer helped
you to get ready for writing.