What Is an Opinion?
Basics on the topic What Is an Opinion?
Help Ernie and Jane write their feelings as they are introduced to opinion writing.
Transcript What Is an Opinion?
What is an Opinion? Busy bakers, Jane and Ernie, are in a pickle. It's the end of the month and time to print the newest cooking column, Sprinkles and Spatulas! This is where Jane and Ernie write which baking recipes they liked and disliked from the last month. But with so many tasty treats to choose from, it's hard to decide. "Which recipes did you like and dislike, Ernie?" "I'm not sure. But, we need to form our opinions soon before it's too late to print!!" An opinion tells what someone likes, dislikes, or feels about something. You may not know it, but you've already had many opinions! Whenever you said: I like, or I dislike'; My favorite, or my least favorite is'; or even 'I feel, or I prefer', you were stating your opinion. There are many ways to share our opinions, but Jane and Ernie can start by using one of these phrases too! After writing our opinions, we also need to have reasons that explain why we feel this way. Let's help Jane write her opinion, by following these three steps! First, Jane must think about her choice: which dessert recipe does she like best? Hmm. Then, she must decide what to choose: "I like the unicorn cupcakes!' Finally, she must explain her choice by adding the word because and her reason. "I like the unicorn cupcakes because they are sweet and cute!" Now it's Ernie's turn! Let’s help him write his opinion using the same three steps! First, Ernie must think about his choice: which dessert recipe did he dislike most? Hmm. Then, he must decide what to choose: "I dislike the dirt and worms pudding.' Finally, he must explain his choice by adding the word because and his reason. "I dislike the dirt and worms pudding because it is dry and wiggly!" While Jane and Ernie finish their columns, let's remember! Today we learned about opinions. An opinion tells what someone likes, dislikes, or feels about something. After sharing our opinions, we also need to have reasons that explain why we feel this way. To write your opinion, follow these three steps: First, think about your choice. Then, decide what to choose by starting with "I like, or I dislike', for example. Finally, explain your choice by adding the word ‘because’ and then your reason. "I'm so glad we got these to the printer in time, Jane." "Me too, Ernie. But maybe I should have read your opinion sooner? Ernie, did you make your Worms and Dirt Pudding with real dirt and real worms, not crumbled chocolate cookies and gummy worms?" " Yes??" "No wonder you disliked that recipe!"
What Is an Opinion? exercise
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What does an opinion tell about?
HintsThink about what opinions tell us and how they are expressed.
The correct answer is related to expressing personal feelings about something.
Remember the phrases mentioned in the script that indicate expressing an opinion, such as I like, I dislike, My favorite, or I prefer.
I like the unicorn cupcakes!
This is Jane's opinion.
SolutionAn opinion tells about what someone likes, dislikes, or feels about something.
I like the unicorn cupcakes! This is Jane's opinion.
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How do people express their opinions?
HintsThink about how people typically share their thoughts and feelings.
What are the common ways people express what they like or dislike?
How did Jane and Ernie share their opinions?
There are 2 correct answers.
SolutionPeople express their opinions by writing them down or saying them aloud.
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If you were to share your opinion about your favorite outdoor activity, how would you start your sentence?
HintsThe question is about expressing your opinion about your favorite outdoor activity.
Recall how Jane and Ernie expressed their opinions.
Apply a similar structure when sharing your opinion about your favorite outdoor activity.
SolutionI prefer to spend my time outdoors zip lining because it makes me feel like a superhero.
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What are the steps for expressing an opinion?
HintsConsider the logical sequence of steps.
When combining these steps into a statement, think about the natural order in which they occur.
What comes first, next, and finally?
First we need to think about the topic before we make our decision.
Solution- Think about things you like or dislike.
- Decide which of these things you will share an opinion about.
- Explain your choice by using the word because.
- Now you are ready to write your opinion down.
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How does Jane explain her choice of liking the unicorn cupcakes?
HintsPay close attention to the part of the script where Jane explains her choice of liking the unicorn cupcakes.
What word does she use to provide a reason for her liking?
This connecting word is key to understanding the cause-and-effect relationship in her statement.
I like pizza because it's yummy and cheesy!
This is an opinion.
SolutionI like the unicorn cupcakes because they are sweet and cute!
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How could you better explain your choice using the word 'because'?
HintsWhen explaining your choice, consider providing specific details about the new type of pizza you tried.
Think about the taste, texture, or any other characteristic that influenced your opinion.
Imagine telling your friend why you enjoy playing video games.
What makes them fun for you?
What exciting things can you do in video games?
Solution1.I dislike the pizza because it is dry and bland.
2.I like animated movies because they are colorful and fun to watch!
3.I like video games because they are exciting and I can pretend to be a superhero or go on adventures in different worlds!
