Opinion Writing: Adding Reasons
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Basics on the topic Opinion Writing: Adding Reasons
Supporting Opinions with Reasons
Imagine this: you are having a discussion with your classmate and you want to convince them of your opinion. Your counterpart in a discussion will very likely also have their own opinion. So how can you convince somebody of a different opinion that you are right on that matter? The answer is reasons. Read this text to find out how to support your opinions with reasons and how this can make your arguments more convincing!
Opinions and Reasons – Definition
Why should we have reasons and examples to support our opinions? Reasons and opinions are very important. Let’s have a look at the definition of reasons and opinions.
An opinion is how you feel or think about something. Reasons are why you feel or think that way! Together, they help to convince others why your opinion matters, and why you have that opinion.
You will know if someone has an opinion about something, because they will react to a statement and they may, or may not, agree with it. If you want to know if something is an opinion, ask yourself: “Can people agree or disagree with it?”
Opinion and Reasons – Example
Supporting opinions with reasons is very useful if you are writing a text or if you are preparing a presentation that may lead to a discussion. In these cases, a graphic organizer, like the one below, can help you plan your opinion and reasons. This way, you will always be prepared to support your opinions with reasons.
Erna thinks everyone should try this new ice cream flavor. This is his opinion on the ice cream. This would be put into the opinion box!
Once the opinion is complete, Erna can now think of reasons for his opinion. Erna speaks about the taste of the ice cream, and also the texture. Both of these are his reasons!
When we are writing, there is often a closing sentence to end the small paragraph. Erna does this by restating his opinion.
Opinion and Reasons – Summary
Remember, an opinion is how you feel, or think, about someone or something! A reason is why you feel, or think, the way that you do!
| explanation | example | |
|---|---|---|
| opinion | how you feel or think about something |
I like turtles. |
| reason | why you feel or think the way you do |
They are peaceful and calm animals. |
Do you want to practice supporting your opinions with reasons some more? You can find interactive exercises, worksheets and more activities on supporting opinions with reasons below.
Transcript Opinion Writing: Adding Reasons
"Ernie! Check out this new ice cream flavour!" "Woah what flavour is that?" "Chocolate salted pretzel, and it's delicious!" "Let's share your opinion with our readers!" "Yes, and then we can finish the ice cream together!" Let's help Jane write her piece with Ernie by supporting opinions with reasons. An opinion is the way that you feel or think about something or someone. Not everyone will agree with you and that's okay! To know if something is an opinion, ask yourself: 'can people agree or disagree with it?' For example, ‘I think riding roller coasters is the best’ is an opinion. Some people like riding roller coasters and some people don't! Opinions usually begin with 'I’ statements such as ‘I feel’ or ‘I think’. We usually support our opinions with reasons which tell people why we feel or think the way we do about something or someone. To find reasons for your own opinions, ask yourself: ‘why do I think, or feel, this way?' For example, you might say, ‘I think riding roller coasters is the best because they are exciting’.’They are exciting’ is the reason here. Now that we have looked at what an opinion is and what reasons are, let's help plan Jane's opinion piece! A graphic organiser like this can help you plan your thoughts. Jane told Ernie, ‘I think everyone should try this new chocolate salted pretzel ice cream!’ So let's put that in the opinion box because it is Jane's opinion. Now Jane needs to think of two reasons why she thinks everyone needs to try this new ice cream flavour. "Well, Ernie, it has a rich chocolate flavour that tastes so good." "That's a great reason, Jane!" Jane's first reason was, ‘it has a rich chocolate flavour that tastes so good'. We put that here in the first reason box. See if you can hear Jane's next reason! "Jane, if we are going to convince our readers to try it, we need one more reason!" "Hmm, oh I know! The pretzels add a nice crunchy texture to the ice cream!" "That's another great reason, Jane!" What was Jane's second reason? She said, 'The pretzels add a nice crunchy texture to the ice cream'. Let's put that here. Now, we need a closing sentence which is often where we restate our opinion! There are many ways to write a closing sentence but since Jane was telling everyone they should try the new ice cream flavour, Ernie will type, ‘this is why I think everyone should try this new flavour.' Share in the comments what your opinion would be on a chocolate salted pretzel ice cream and share one reason for your opinion! While they publish the opinion piece, let's review. Remember, an opinion is the way that you feel, or think, about something, and reasons tell people why we feel, or think, the way we do about something. We can use a graphic organiser to gather opinions and reasons. "And done!" "Wait, you ate all that ice cream without me!" "No Ernie! I was waiting until you finished typing but, it all kind of melted!"
Opinion Writing: Adding Reasons exercise
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What is an opinion?
HintsThis sentence is an example of an opinion.
Opinions begin with "I" statements such as, "I feel" and "I think."
There are three correct answers.
SolutionAn opinion is...
- The way that you feel about something or someone.
- An idea that can be agreed or disagreed with.
- The way that you think about something or someone.
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Which statements are opinions?
HintsAn opinion is something you can agree or disagree with.
An opinion usually begins with "I feel" or "I think."
There are three opinions.
- This is an opinion: I think playing board games is more fun than playing video games.
- This is not an opinion: I can play board games or video games.
SolutionThese statements are opinions:
- I think roller coasters are so much fun!
- I think everyone should try pizza!
- I think everyone should have a dog.
These statements are not opinions:
- Kingda Ka is the tallest roller coaster.
- Pizza is a food.
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Is the opinion supported by a reason?
HintsReasons explain why you think or feel a certain way.
Opinions typically begin with "I feel" or "I think."
- An example of an opinion is: I think ice cream is the best dessert.
- An example of an opinion with a reason is: I think ice cream is the best dessert because you can have different flavours and toppings.
SolutionThese examples are opinions supported by reasons:
- I think chocolate ice cream is the best because it tastes great with pretzel topping!
- I think summer is the best because the days are long and sunny.
- I feel dogs make the best pets because they are friendly.
These examples are opinions that are not supported by reasons:
- I think cats are the best pets.
- I do not think swimming is fun.
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How does a writer support an opinion?
HintsI think going on a school trip is great. <--- What could be a reason for this opinion?
I prefer the summer. <--- What could be a reason for this opinion?
SolutionA writer supports an opinion with a reason by explaining how they feel about something or someone. In these examples, the opinions are in italics and the reasons are in bold:
- I think going on a school trip is great because the class gets to go on an adventure together. My favourite trips are to museums.
- I think hot chocolate is the best drink during winter because it warms you up!
- I do not think winter is fun because I do not like feeling cold. I prefer the summer.
- I feel that summer is the best because you get to go swimming at the beach on sunny days.
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How can you use a graphic organiser to gather opinions and reasons?
HintsFirst, you state your opinion.
Then, you support your opinion with reasons.
A closing sentence is where you restate your opinion.
Here is an example of how to use a graphic organiser to gather opinions and reasons:
- Opinion: I think riding roller coasters is the best!
- Reason 1: Roller coasters go fast.
- Reason 2: They also loop upside down.
- Closing Sentence: This is why I think riding roller coasters is the best.
SolutionYou can use a graphic organiser to gather opinions and reasons by stating your opinion, followed by two supporting reasons and a closing sentence.
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Complete the graphic organiser.
HintsFirst, state your opinion. An opinion begins with I feel or I think.
Remember to support opinions with reasons.
You can use this graphic organiser to organise opinions and reasons.
Look for the word also to arrange your reasons in the correct order.
SolutionOpinion
- I feel that dogs make the best pets.
- You can take them for walks.
- You can also play games with them.
- This is why I feel that dogs make the best pets.
