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?
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How do people express their opinions?
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If you were to share your opinion about your favorite outdoor activity, how would you start your sentence?
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What are the steps for expressing an opinion?
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How does Jane explain her choice of liking the unicorn cupcakes?
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How could you better explain your choice using the word 'because'?
