Opinion Writing: Supporting Facts and Details
Basics on the topic Opinion Writing: Supporting Facts and Details
Let's learn how to support an opinion with facts and details with Jane and Ernie.
Transcript Opinion Writing: Supporting Facts and Details
Supporting Your Opinion with Facts and Details "Ernie, look! a corn snake! I've always wanted one; can we take it home, please, please, please?!" "Now now, Jane. We are working on your impulses, remember? Let's learn more about them FIRST and then decide." Ernie and Jane decide to find a text to help with their opinion on whether or not a corn snake would make a good pet. Let's read the passage: If you're thinking about choosing a corn snake as a pet, there are a few things you need to know. Corn snakes require complex habitats. They need specific bedding, temperatures, and humidity levels. If the air is too cold and dry, it may suffer from shedding or get sick. They are also really shy, in fact, they prefer to burrow and hide. Corn snakes also get really overwhelmed by open space, so it's important to make sure you have a small enclosed space for them. "Okay Jane, now that you know more about corn snakes, what is your OPINION?" "Well, (...) I think corn snakes should stay in the wild, and I need to write a text to share with the world!" "Jane you really don't need to... never mind." Jane wants to write a text stating her opinion after learning more about corn snakes. Remember, an opinion is how you feel about something, and others might agree or disagree with you, and that's okay! When writing an opinion... first, state your opinion. Next, provide reasons that support your opinion using facts and details from the text. Supporting your opinion with reasons is important because it gives the reader evidence that supports your view. So, even if a reader disagrees with you, they can understand your position! First, Jane states her opinion, 'I think corn snakes should stay in the wild'. Now, let's look back at the text. What facts and details could Jane use to support her opinion? (...) She could use: 'corn snakes require complex habitats'... because their tree house doesn't have everything a corn snake needs. If the air is too cold and dry, it may suffer from shedding or get sick'... and Jane knows their house gets a little cold and drafty. Jane can also supports her opinion with... they prefer to burrow and hide'... and 'corn snakes also get really overwhelmed by open space'... since their tree house is big with few places a snake could burrow in, she knows this isn't a good home for a corn snake. Jane is ready to add all the facts and details to support her opinion. She can do that by paraphrasing, or taking what someone else has written and putting it into her own words. While she does that, let's summarize! Remember, (...)when writing an opinion... first, state your opinion. Next, provide reasons that support your opinion using facts and details from the text. Supporting your opinion with reasons is important because it gives the reader evidence that supports your view. So, even if a reader does disagree with you, they can understand your position! "Well Jane, this venus fly trap isn't what we thought we'd be bringing home today, but what do you think?" "I think it will fit in quite well here."
Opinion Writing: Supporting Facts and Details exercise
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Determine which sentences are correct.
HintsAs in all writing, when you write about your opinion it is important to state the big idea right at the beginning.
No one believes an opinion unless they understand the reasons for it. How do you show reasons for an opinion in writing?
There are three true choices and one false.
SolutionTRUE
- When writing an opinion, you should first state your opinion clearly.
- When writing an opinion, you should support your opinion with facts and details from a text.
- Since your opinion is how you feel about something, other people might disagree with you.
- If you explain your opinion correctly, no one will ever disagree with you.
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Find facts and evidence.
HintsJane lives in a treehouse. Is this a good, complex habitat for a snake?
Jane lives in a treehouse. Are treehouses usually warm and humid, especially in the winter?
Jane lives in a treehouse. Think if there are good places to burrow (dig) and hide there.
SolutionJane has used the following facts as evidence to support her opinion that corn snakes should stay in the wild.
- Corn snakes require complex habitats.
- If the air is too cold and dry, it may suffer from shedding or get sick.
- They prefer to burrow and hide.
- Corn snakes also get really overwhelmed by open space.
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Provide facts and details to supports reasons.
HintsSearch for options on the left and right that both mention temperature and see if these match together.
Search for options on the left and right that both mention size and see if these match together.
Search for options on the left and right that both mention variety, or more than one thing and see if these match together.
SolutionJane's treehouse is not a good home for a corn snake because:
- Corn snakes require complex habitats and Jane's treehouse does not have everything a corn snake needs.
- If the air is too cold and dry, corn snakes may suffer from shedding or get sick and Jane's house can get cold and drafty.
- Corn snakes are shy, and prefer to burrow and hide and Jane's treehouse does not have any hiding spaces.
- Corn snakes get overwhelmed by open space and Jane's treehouse is very big.
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Find evidence in the text.
HintsWhat does a puppy need? Search for descriptions of food, shelter, health, or entertainment.
What are any risks someone should consider before getting a puppy?
What kind of space should someone have when they get a puppy?
SolutionJane considered the following facts, details, and recommendations about puppies when she formed her opinion. The following points should be highlighted in green:
- Make sure that you’re ready to pay for vet bills, food, bedding, toys, and pet sitters.
- Dogs need plenty of company, play, and training.
- Have a safe outdoor space for your puppy.
- Be able to easily puppy-proof your home.
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Outline the steps of writing an opinion text.
HintsBefore you can begin writing an opinion text, it is important to first choose a topic that is not one-sided.
Example: Pollution is bad for the environment. People may have different opinions on how bad pollution is, but no one argues that pollution is good for the environment. This is not a good topic for an opinion text.As in all writing, when you write about your opinion it is important to state the big idea right at the beginning.
Only begin writing your opinion text after you have prepared facts and details to support your reasoning.
SolutionThe steps for writing an opinion text are:
- Choose a topic with different possible points of view.
- Clearly state your opinion.
- Provide evidence that supports your opinion using facts and details from a text.
- Write your own opinion text.
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Complete the text.
HintsLook for descriptions of a puppy's needs for food, shelter, health, or entertainment. Then search for options describing these things to match.
Puppies can be destructive. Is there a place mentioned that is safer for this behavior?
What is a responsible way to earn money to pay for a puppy's expenses?
SolutionJane knows setting up for a puppy can be expensive with food, vet bills, and supplies. Luckily, Jane already has many pet supplies, and she also has a good job catching mice at night to pay for the rest.
Dogs need plenty of company, training, and a LOT of play, and Jane LOVES to play tag!
Puppies also need a safe outdoor space, and Jane lives in the countryside with a big garden, many forests, and open fields.
Puppies can be very destructive in a home. Luckily, Jane lives in a simple treehouse, so it's ok for the puppy to chew a little and make some mess.
