Students pick the best pet and argue for it on this 3-page 1st grade opinion writing sheet. First they write their choice, then one reason, then put both into a short piece that ends with a closing sentence. A three-item checklist asks if they named the pet, gave a reason and wrote an ending. An answers page gives a model about a dog that loves to play fetch. It fits Common Core W.1.1.
W.1.1
“Write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic or name the book they are writing about, state an opinion, supply a reason for the opinion, and provide some sense of closure.”
Questions 1 and 2 state the opinion and a reason, and question 3 joins them with a closing sentence from the checklist.
Students write which pet they think is the best, next to a picture of a dog and a cat.
One line for a reason, beside a picture of a boy playing fetch with a dog.
A checklist for the pet, the reason and an ending sentence, then space to write the full piece.
Class vote
Take a quick hands-up vote on dogs, cats or other pets. Students who hear classmates give reasons write question 2 faster.
Checklist self-check
Go over the three checklist items aloud ahead of question 3. When students finish, they put a finger on each part in their own writing.
Borrow the opener
The model on the answers page starts "In my opinion". Put that on the board as a frame for students who stall on the first sentence.
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