Exploring Authors' Opinions and Arguments

Grade 3 English Language Arts Learning to identify claims, reasons, and evidence

Learning Goals - I Can Statements

I can identify the author's opinion or claim in a text I can find reasons and evidence that support the author's opinion I can explain how the genre of an opinion text shapes its structure I can use new vocabulary words to clearly express my opinion

Vocabulary Warm-Up

Claim: What the author believes Opinion: A personal view or belief Evidence: Facts that support an idea Reason: Why someone believes something Genre: The type of writing (story, opinion, etc.)

Think About It

What's your favorite season? Can you give me a reason why? How would you convince a friend to agree with you?

Reading an Opinion Text Together

Let's read 'Why Recess is Important' together Look for the author's main claim Find the reasons the author gives Notice how this is different from a story

Opinion Text Structure

Your Turn to Write

Topic: Should we have extra recess time? Fill out your graphic organizer Use sentence starters: 'I think... because...' Include our new vocabulary words Share your opinion with the class

Reflection and Success

'Good readers and writers look for the author's claim and supporting reasons.' You did great work today identifying opinions and evidence! Keep practicing these skills with every text you read!