Dogs or cats, a longer recess, or summer as the best season. Students choose one of three debate topics and build an opinion paragraph with the O.R.E.O. method: Opinion, Reason, Example, Opinion again. This 4th grade writing sheet spreads the work over three pages, from choosing a topic to planning each letter to a full draft with transition words. It targets W.4.1 and the planning step in W.4.5. There is no answer key, since every paragraph will differ.
W.4.1
“Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.”
The O.R.E.O. plan asks for a clear opinion, a reason, and an example, then a restated claim to close the paragraph.
W.4.5
“With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing. (Editing for conventions should demonstrate command of Language standards 1-3 up to and including grade 4 on page 29.)”
Students plan all four parts in separate boxes before they draft, so the paragraph grows from a written plan.
Students check one of three claims: "Dogs make better pets than cats," "School recess should be 20 minutes longer," or "Summer is the absolute best season of the year."
A tip box explains each letter. Students then write their opinion, one reason, one specific example, and a restated opinion in four separate boxes.
Students turn the plan into one paragraph, using transition words such as First, For example, and Finally.
First opinion piece
Model one O.R.E.O. on the recess topic before students choose. They see how the restated opinion differs from simply copying the first line.
Class debate
After drafting, group students by topic and let them read their reasons aloud. Each group hears reasons they did not think of, which helps before a second draft.
Writing conference
Most plans are thin in the Example box. Ask each student for one real detail from their own life before they move on to the draft.
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