Opinion Writing for Kids: How to Share Your View with Strong Reasons
Children have opinions about everything, from the best season of the year to whether break time is long enough. Opinion writing teaches them to turn "because I like it" into clear reasons that make other people stop and think. It is often a child's first step towards persuasive and argumentative writing. This guide shows Grades 3 to 5 students how to plan and write an opinion piece using the OREO structure, with a model piece, a checklist, a rubric and 30 original prompts.
The 30-Second Parent and Coach Summary Core goal: A strong opinion piece states one clear opinion, supports it with two or three different reasons, backs up each reason with an example, and restates the opinion at the end. What to praise • An opinion stated clearly in the first paragraph, with no sitting on the fence. • Reasons that are different from each other, each in its own paragraph. • An example or explanation after each reason ("For example..."). Red flags to watch (and the gentle fix) • "Because it's fun" or "because I like it" as the only reason. Ask: "Why would that matter to someone else?" • Three reasons that are really the same idea. Ask: "Is this a new reason, or the same one in different words?" • An ending of "The end." Ask: "Can you remind your reader of your opinion in a new way?" |
Curriculum Alignment US Common Core: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.1, W.4.1 and W.5.1 (write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information). Cambridge Primary English (Stages 3 to 6): Writing strand, writing to express and support a point of view. UK National Curriculum, Key Stage 2: Writing for a range of purposes, including presenting a viewpoint with supporting points. Australian Curriculum: English (Years 3 to 6): Creating persuasive texts that state and support a point of view. |
What Is Opinion Writing?
Opinion writing is a type of writing in which the writer states what they think about a topic and supports that view with clear reasons and examples. It begins with a clear opinion statement, gives each reason its own paragraph, uses linking words, and ends by restating the opinion.
Why we write opinions
Opinion writing helps children notice what they think, work out why they think it, and explain it so that others understand. It builds the habit of backing up a view with reasons, which is the foundation of every debate, review and argument they will meet later.
Key features of opinion writing
• A clear opinion: one view, stated near the start ("I believe...").
• Two or three reasons: each one different, each in its own paragraph.
• Examples and explanations: details, facts or experiences that support each reason.
• Linking words: "first", "another reason", "most importantly", "for example".
• First person: "I think", "I believe" and "in my opinion" are expected.
• A conclusion: the opinion restated in different words, with a final thought.
Where you will use it
Children write opinion pieces about topics ("Should schools teach cooking?") and about texts ("Which character made the best decision?"). The same skills appear in book reviews, class debates, letters to the head teacher and school council speeches, and they grow into persuasive and argumentative essays in later grades.
Who you are writing for
Imagine a reader who has not made up their mind yet. They will not agree just because you say so; they need reasons that matter to them. A good opinion piece is polite and confident, never bossy or rude about other views.
Opinion writing compared with similar forms
Feature | Opinion | Persuasive | Argumentative |
Main purpose | To share a view and explain why | To convince an audience to believe or do something | To prove a claim with evidence and answer the other side |
Typical grade focus | Grades 3 to 5 | Grades 4 to 8 | Grades 6 to 12 |
Support | Reasons and examples | Reasons plus emotional and persuasive techniques | Evidence, data and expert sources |
Other viewpoints | Not required | Sometimes mentioned | Essential: counterclaim and rebuttal |
Example | Every school should teach cooking | Join our school's cooking club this term! | Cooking should be compulsory in the school curriculum: the evidence |
How to Write an Opinion Piece in 7 Steps
At Wisdom Point, we teach young writers to think of an opinion piece as building a case, one reason at a time. Each step below uses the same question, "Should schools teach cooking?", so you can watch one piece come together. The finished version appears in the Model Opinion Piece section further down.
Step 1: Choose a question you care about
Opinion writing begins with a question that people could answer differently. Questions with "should", "best" or "better" work well. Choose one you have real feelings about; it is much easier to find reasons.
In our piece: Question: "Should schools teach cooking?" The writer loves helping at home in the kitchen, so the answer comes easily.
Step 2: Decide your opinion and write it in one sentence
Pick a side, even if you can see both. Then write your opinion as one clear sentence. This sentence is the heart of your piece.
In our piece: "I believe every primary school should teach children how to cook."
Step 3: Brainstorm reasons, then choose your best three
List every reason you can think of. Then test each one: would it make a classmate or an adult stop and think? Cross out reasons that are really the same idea, and keep the three strongest.
In our piece: Brainstorm: fun, life skill, maths and science, healthy eating, making friends. "Fun" is crossed out because it would not convince a head teacher.
Step 4: Find an example for each reason
A reason is stronger when the reader can picture it. For each reason, add an example from your own experience, a fact, or an "imagine" moment.
In our piece: Reason: life skill. Example: an older cousin who lived on toast at university because she could not cook.
Step 5: Write an introduction with a hook and your opinion
Start with a question, a surprising idea or a short scene that makes your reader curious. Then state your opinion clearly.
In our piece: "What did you eat for dinner last night, and could you have made it yourself?" followed by the opinion sentence.
Step 6: Write a paragraph for each reason
Start each paragraph with a linking phrase and your reason, then add your example and explain it. Save your strongest reason for last and introduce it with "Most importantly".
In our piece: "My first reason is..." "Another reason is..." "Most importantly, children who cook learn to make healthier choices."
Step 7: Restate your opinion, then check your work
In your conclusion, remind the reader of your reasons and say your opinion again in different words. End with a final thought. Then check that every reason is different and every paragraph has an example.
In our piece: The conclusion lists the three reasons and ends with "The next great chef might be sitting in your classroom right now."
Opinion Writing Structure: The OREO Method
Many teachers use the OREO method because it is easy for children to remember: Opinion, Reasons, Examples, Opinion restated. Like the biscuit, the opinion sits at the top and the bottom, with the reasons and examples as the filling. The proportions below suit a piece of 250 to 350 words.
Part | Purpose | What it contains | Approximate share |
O: Opinion (introduction) | Hook the reader and state your view | A question or interesting opening, then one clear opinion sentence | 15% |
R + E: Reason 1 | Give your first reason | Linking phrase, reason, example, explanation | 25% |
R + E: Reason 2 | Give a different reason | Linking phrase, reason, example, explanation | 25% |
R + E: Reason 3 | Give your strongest reason | "Most importantly", reason, example, explanation | 25% |
O: Opinion restated (conclusion) | Remind and finish strongly | Reasons summed up, opinion in new words, final thought | 10% |
The shape at a glance
Planning organiser
Copy and complete this before you start writing.
Planning prompt | Your plan |
The question is: ________ |
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My opinion: I believe ________. |
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My hook: ________ |
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Reason 1: ________ Example: ________ |
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Reason 2: ________ Example: ________ |
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Reason 3 (strongest): ________ Example: ________ |
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My opinion in new words: ________ |
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My final thought: ________ |
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Five questions to answer before you write
1. Have I chosen one side, not both?
2. Are my three reasons different from each other?
3. Would each reason matter to someone who disagrees with me?
4. Do I have an example for every reason?
5. Which reason is strongest, and have I saved it for last?
Opinion Writing Vocabulary, Sentence Starters and Linking Words
Opinion writing sounds confident and polite. These words and phrases help children state a view, add reasons and give examples without repeating "because" every time.
Job | Words and phrases |
Stating an opinion | I believe, In my opinion, I strongly feel that, I am convinced that, It is clear to me that |
Adding reasons | My first reason is, Another reason is, In addition, Also, Furthermore |
Saving the best for last | Most importantly, The most important reason is, Above all |
Giving examples | For example, For instance, such as, I remember when, Imagine if |
Explaining | because, so, This means that, This shows that, As a result |
Concluding | In conclusion, For these reasons, That is why, To sum up |
Strong opinion words
Instead of | Try |
good | valuable, useful, important, essential, worthwhile |
bad | harmful, unfair, unhelpful, wasteful, unsafe |
fun | exciting, enjoyable, rewarding, creative, satisfying |
I think maybe | I believe, I am sure that |
Sentence starters
• Have you ever wondered ...?
• Imagine a school where ...
• I believe that ...
• My first reason is ...
• Another reason is ...
• Most importantly, ...
• For example, ...
• This shows that ...
• For all of these reasons, ...
• Who knows? ...
Instead of ... try
Instead of | Try | Why it works |
I am going to tell you my opinion about cooking. | What did you eat for dinner last night, and could you have made it yourself? | A question hooks the reader straight away. |
Cooking is good. | Cooking is a skill we will use for the rest of our lives. | A specific reason replaces a vague judgement. |
Because I like it. | Because it helps children make healthier choices. | A reason that matters to others, not just to you. |
Everybody loves cooking. | Many children enjoy cooking when they get the chance. | Avoids an exaggeration the reader knows is not true. |
Also ... Also ... Also ... | My first reason ... Another reason ... Most importantly ... | Different linking words show the order of your reasons. |
People who don't agree are silly. | Some people may disagree, but ... | Stays polite and keeps the reader on your side. |
The end. | That is why I strongly believe every school should teach cooking. | A conclusion restates the opinion instead of just stopping. |
Common Mistakes Students Make in Opinion Writing
❌ Don't | ✅ Do Instead |
Sit on the fence ("Cooking is good and bad"). | Choose one side and state it clearly in your first paragraph. |
Give "because I like it" as your reason. | Give reasons that would matter to your reader. |
Write three reasons that are really the same. | Check that each reason is a new idea. |
Give reasons without examples. | Add "For example..." and a detail after every reason. |
Put all your reasons in one paragraph. | Give each reason its own paragraph. |
Change your opinion halfway through. | Keep the same opinion from the first line to the last. |
Exaggerate ("Everyone in the world agrees"). | Use careful words: "many people", "most children". |
Be rude about other views. | Stay polite and confident. |
End with "The end." or no conclusion at all. | Restate your opinion in new words and add a final thought. |
Opinion Writing Checklist
Read your writing once for each group. Tick each statement only when it is true.
Group | I have ... | ✓ |
Content | stated one clear opinion. |
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Content | given two or three different reasons. |
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Content | added an example or explanation for each reason. |
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Content | chosen reasons that would matter to my reader. |
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Structure | started with a hook and my opinion. |
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Structure | given each reason its own paragraph. |
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Structure | saved my strongest reason for last. |
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Structure | restated my opinion in new words at the end. |
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Language | used different linking words (first, another, most importantly). |
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Language | used strong opinion words instead of "good" and "bad". |
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Language | stayed polite about other people's views. |
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Conventions | checked capital letters, full stops, commas and spelling. |
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Opinion Writing Rubric (4-Point Scale)
Teachers, tutors and parents can use this rubric to assess an opinion piece. The wording is kept simple so students can use it to check their own work.
Criteria | 4: Exemplary | 3: Strong | 2: Developing | 1: Emerging |
Ideas and Content | A clear, consistent opinion; three different, convincing reasons, each supported by a well-chosen example. | A clear opinion; two or three reasons with examples for most of them. | Opinion is unclear or changes; reasons overlap or lack examples. | No clear opinion; reasons missing or unrelated. |
Structural Organisation | Follows OREO: hook and opinion, one paragraph per reason with the strongest last, conclusion restates the opinion with a final thought. | Clear introduction, reason paragraphs and conclusion. | Some structure, but reasons are mixed together or the conclusion is missing. | No clear beginning, middle or end. |
Vocabulary and Tone | Strong, precise opinion words; confident and polite throughout. | Good opinion words; mostly confident and polite. | Relies on "good", "bad" and "fun"; may exaggerate or sound bossy. | Very limited vocabulary; tone may be rude or unclear. |
Sentence Fluency and Variety | A range of linking words guides the reader smoothly; sentences vary in length and opening. | Linking words used well; some variety. | Repeats the same linking word ("also", "because"); limited variety. | Few or no linking words; sentences disconnected. |
Conventions | Accurate capital letters, punctuation and spelling. | Minor errors that do not get in the way. | Frequent errors that sometimes make the piece hard to follow. | Errors throughout make the piece very hard to read. |
Genre Fidelity and Audience Awareness | Clearly an opinion piece: the writer's view is clear, reasons are aimed at the reader, and the piece would make a reader think again. | Clearly an opinion piece that suits its reader. | Drifts into a story or a list of facts; reasons not aimed at the reader. | Reads as a story, report or list rather than an opinion piece. |
Scoring guide (out of 24): 21 to 24 Exemplary | 16 to 20 Strong | 11 to 15 Developing | 6 to 10 Emerging
Opinion Writing Example: Annotated Model Piece (Grades 3 to 5)
The prompt (Tier 3, Prompt 1) Should your school teach a life skill that is not on the timetable at the moment? Write an opinion piece for the school newsletter. Write 250 to 350 words in 40 minutes. |
Why Every School Should Teach Cooking
What did you eat for dinner last night, and could you have made it yourself? [1] Most children my age could not, and I think that needs to change. I believe every primary school should teach children how to cook. [2]
My first reason is that cooking is a skill we will use for the rest of our lives. [3] Everyone needs to eat every day, yet many young people leave home without knowing how to make a simple meal. For example, my older cousin moved away to university last year and lived on toast for almost a month because she had never learned to cook pasta. If she had learned at school, looking after herself would have been much easier. [4]
Another reason is that cooking makes other subjects come alive. When we measure flour and sugar, we are using fractions and weights. When we watch bread dough slowly rise, we are seeing science happen right in front of us. Cooking lessons are like maths and science lessons that you can eat! [5]
Most importantly, children who cook learn to make healthier choices. [6] When you have chopped the vegetables and stirred the sauce yourself, you know exactly what is in your food. You are also more likely to try something new, because you are proud of what you have made.
In conclusion, cooking is a skill for life, it brings other subjects to life, and it helps children eat well. That is why I strongly believe that every primary school should have cooking lessons. Who knows? The next great chef might be sitting in your classroom right now. [7]
(264 words)
Why This Model Works
Marker | Technique | Where it is taught |
[1] "...could you have made it yourself?" | A hook that involves the reader. The question makes every reader think about their own answer before the opinion arrives. | Step 5 |
[2] "I believe every primary school should teach children how to cook." | A clear opinion statement. One sentence, one side, no sitting on the fence. | Step 2; Structure: O |
[3] "My first reason is that..." | A linking phrase plus a reason. The reader knows a new reason has begun. | Step 6; Vocabulary |
[4] "...lived on toast for almost a month..." | A memorable example. A specific, slightly funny detail makes the reason real and easy to remember. | Step 4 |
[5] "...lessons that you can eat!" | Explaining the reason with a fresh comparison. Two examples (fractions, rising dough) are tied together with a lively final line. | Steps 4 and 6 |
[6] "Most importantly, ..." | Strongest reason saved for last. Healthy eating matters most to the newsletter's adult readers, so it comes at the end. | Step 6 |
[7] "The next great chef might be sitting in your classroom..." | Opinion restated with a final thought. The conclusion sums up all three reasons and ends with a hopeful image. | Step 7; Structure: O |
Rubric note: This piece scores 4 for Genre Fidelity because the opinion is clear from start to finish, each reason is different and supported, and the reasons are chosen to matter to the people who will read the school newsletter.
30 Opinion Writing Prompts for Grades 3 to 5
The prompts are arranged in three tiers. Start with Tier 1 for questions children can answer from their own experience, move to Tier 2 for questions that need more thought, and use Tier 3 to practise under test conditions.
Tier 1: Starter Prompts
1. Which season is the best for spending time outdoors? Give three reasons.
2. Should children be allowed to choose one subject they study at school?
3. What is the most useful invention in your home?
4. Is it better to read a book before or after watching the film?
5. Should every classroom have its own plants or a small garden corner?
6. What is the best way to travel on a long journey: by train, car or plane?
7. Should the school day start an hour later?
8. What is the best game to play at break time?
9. Should children help plan their school trips?
10. Which animal would make the best mascot for your school?
Tier 2: Deep Thinking Prompts
1. Should zoos and wildlife parks exist?
2. Should every child learn to play a musical instrument?
3. Is it more important to be kind or to be clever?
4. Should towns close some streets to cars at weekends so children can play there?
5. Should children be paid for helping with jobs at home?
6. Is it better to play in a team or to compete on your own?
7. Should libraries lend things other than books, such as tools, games or musical instruments?
8. Should countries spend money exploring space when there are problems to solve on Earth?
9. Should children start learning a second language in their very first year of school?
10. Which person from history would you invite to speak at your school, and why would students benefit?
Tier 3: Test-Style Prompts
Each prompt states the audience, purpose, length and suggested time. Spend five minutes filling in an OREO plan and keep five minutes at the end to check your work.
1. Should your school teach a life skill that is not on the timetable at the moment? Audience: readers of the school newsletter. Purpose: to share and support your opinion. Length: 250 to 350 words. Time: 40 minutes. (Answered by the Model Opinion Piece above.)
2. Should students have a longer lunch break? Audience: readers of your class blog. Purpose: to share your opinion with reasons. Length: 250 to 350 words. Time: 40 minutes.
3. Your town can build either a new skate park or a new library. Which should it choose? Audience: your local council, as a letter. Purpose: to give your opinion politely. Length: 250 to 350 words. Time: 40 minutes.
4. Is it better to live near the sea or near the mountains? Audience: your classmates. Purpose: to share your opinion. Length: 200 to 300 words. Time: 35 minutes.
5. Should children under twelve have their own mobile phone? Audience: parents reading the school newsletter. Purpose: to share your opinion with reasons adults will respect. Length: 250 to 350 words. Time: 40 minutes.
6. Should school sports days have winners and prizes? Audience: your head teacher. Purpose: to give your opinion. Length: 250 to 350 words. Time: 40 minutes.
7. Should older students be reading buddies for younger children in your school? Audience: your school council. Purpose: to share and support your opinion. Length: 250 to 350 words. Time: 40 minutes.
8. Should your school canteen stop using single-use plastic? Audience: the school council. Purpose: to give your opinion with reasons. Length: 250 to 350 words. Time: 40 minutes.
9. Should museums let visitors touch some of the objects on display? Audience: a museum director, as a letter. Purpose: to share your opinion politely. Length: 250 to 350 words. Time: 40 minutes.
10. Should children help design part of their school playground? Audience: the school's governors. Purpose: to share and support your opinion. Length: 250 to 350 words. Time: 40 minutes.
Opinion Writing: Frequently Asked Questions
What is opinion writing for kids?
Opinion writing for kids is writing that tells the reader what the child thinks about a topic and explains why, using reasons and examples. It is usually taught in Grades 3 to 5 and prepares children for persuasive and argumentative writing later on.
What is the OREO method in opinion writing?
The OREO method is a structure for opinion writing: Opinion, Reasons, Examples, Opinion restated. The opinion appears at the beginning and the end, like the two biscuits, with the reasons and examples in the middle.
What is the difference between opinion and persuasive writing?
Opinion writing shares the writer's view and supports it with reasons and examples. Persuasive writing goes further by trying to convince a specific audience to believe or do something, using persuasive techniques such as emotional language and a call to action.
How many reasons should an opinion piece have?
An opinion piece for Grades 3 to 5 usually has two or three reasons, each in its own paragraph and supported by an example. Three different, well-explained reasons are stronger than five reasons that repeat the same idea.
Can you use "I" in opinion writing?
Yes. Opinion writing is written in the first person, so phrases such as "I believe" and "in my opinion" are expected. This is one of the main differences between opinion writing and informative or argumentative writing.
Your Next Step
Choose one Tier 1 prompt, write your opinion in one sentence, and brainstorm five reasons before you pick your best three. When your piece is finished, use the checklist, then score it with the rubric. Students who are ready to convince an audience can move on to our guide to Persuasive Writing.
Want expert feedback on your child's writing? Wisdom Point's one-to-one writing programme helps students in Grades 3 to 12 plan, draft and revise with a specialist tutor, with detailed feedback on every piece. Book a free writing assessment at www.wisdom-point.org. |
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