ELA: How to Structure Opinion Writing (OREO) Practice
Practice organizing opinions, reasons, evidence, and closing opinions
ELA: How to Structure Opinion Writing (OREO) Practice
Practice organizing opinions, reasons, evidence, and closing opinions
Language Arts - Grade 4-5
- 1
Write an opinion sentence for this topic: Students should or should not have extra recess every day. Start with the words, I believe.
Choose one side and state it clearly.
A strong answer clearly states one side, such as: I believe students should have extra recess every day. - 2
Label each part of OREO with its meaning: O, R, E, O.
The first O means Opinion, R means Reason, E means Evidence or Example, and the final O means Opinion restated. - 3
Read this opinion: Dogs make the best pets. Write one strong reason that supports this opinion.
A reason should explain why the opinion makes sense.
A strong reason might be: Dogs make the best pets because they can be loyal companions and help people feel less lonely. - 4
Read this reason: Reading every night helps students become stronger readers. Write one piece of evidence or an example that supports it.
A strong answer might be: For example, a student who reads for 20 minutes each night practices new words and builds fluency. - 5
Put these OREO sentences in the best order: A. For example, a bike lets kids exercise while traveling to a friend's house. B. Biking is a better way for kids to travel short distances. C. This is why biking is a smart choice for short trips. D. One reason is that biking is healthy and useful.
Start with the sentence that states the writer's opinion.
The best order is B, D, A, C. B states the opinion, D gives a reason, A gives evidence, and C restates the opinion. - 6
Choose the best evidence for this reason: School gardens are helpful because they teach students about science. A. Gardens can have many pretty flowers. B. Students can observe plant life cycles and learn how sunlight and water affect growth. C. Some students like carrots.
The best evidence is B because it directly supports the reason by showing how gardens teach science. - 7
Write a complete OREO paragraph about this topic: The best season of the year. Include an opinion, one reason, one example, and a closing opinion.
Use four sentences if that helps you follow OREO.
A strong paragraph states the best season, gives a reason, supports it with an example, and restates the opinion. For example: I believe fall is the best season of the year. One reason is that the weather is cool enough for outdoor activities. For example, families can go hiking, pick apples, and play outside without getting too hot. That is why fall is my favorite season. - 8
Read the paragraph: I think school lunches should include more fruit. One reason is that fruit is a healthy choice. For example, apples and oranges give students vitamins and energy for the rest of the day. Schools should add more fruit to lunch menus. Identify the Opinion, Reason, Evidence, and Opinion restated.
The opinion is that school lunches should include more fruit. The reason is that fruit is a healthy choice. The evidence is that apples and oranges give students vitamins and energy. The opinion restated is that schools should add more fruit to lunch menus. - 9
Improve this weak reason: Cats are the best pets because they are good. Rewrite the reason so it gives a clearer explanation.
Replace a general word like good with specific details.
A stronger reason might be: Cats are the best pets because they are quiet, independent, and easy to care for in many homes. - 10
Write a closing opinion sentence for this paragraph topic: Students should learn how to type. Do not copy the exact same words from the topic.
A strong closing opinion might be: For these reasons, typing is an important skill for students to practice. - 11
Read this OREO plan: Opinion: Classrooms should have more plants. Reason: Plants can make the classroom feel calmer. Evidence: A class plant can give students something peaceful to look at and care for. Closing Opinion: More plants would make classrooms better places to learn. Turn the plan into a complete paragraph.
A strong paragraph might be: Classrooms should have more plants. One reason is that plants can make the classroom feel calmer. For example, a class plant can give students something peaceful to look at and care for. More plants would make classrooms better places to learn. - 12
Write your own OREO plan for this prompt: Should students have homework on weekends? Fill in the Opinion, Reason, Evidence, and Opinion restated.
Your evidence should support your reason, not just repeat it.
A strong answer includes all four OREO parts. For example: Opinion: Students should not have homework on weekends. Reason: Weekends give students time to rest and spend time with family. Evidence: After a busy school week, students can return more focused if they have time to relax. Opinion restated: That is why weekend homework should be limited.