English Language Arts
Grade 4
15 min
Choose reasons to support an opinion
Choose reasons to support an opinion
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the main opinion in a statement or short text.
Differentiate between an opinion, a reason, and a supporting detail.
Brainstorm at least three potential reasons to support a given opinion.
Evaluate potential reasons and select the most relevant and persuasive ones.
Explain why a chosen reason effectively supports an opinion.
Organize an opinion and its supporting reasons into a logical structure.
Have you ever tried to convince your family to get a pet or let you stay up later? 🐾 What did you say to get them to agree with you?
In this lesson, you will become an expert at choosing powerful reasons to back up your ideas. Learning how to support your opinions will make your writing and speaking much more convincing. It's like being a lawyer fo...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
OpinionWhat a person thinks or feels about something. It cannot be proven true or false.I believe that pizza is the most delicious food.
ReasonThe explanation for WHY you have an opinion. It answers the question, 'Why do you think that?'Pizza is the most delicious food BECAUSE you can put so many different toppings on it.
Support (or Evidence)Specific facts, details, or examples that prove your reason is a good one.For example, you can have pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, or even pineapple on pizza to make it taste unique.
FactA statement that can be proven true or false.Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. (This can be proven.)
RelevantClosely connected or appropriate to the topic you are talking about.A relevant reason for wanting a dog is that they enco...
3
Key Rules & Conventions
The 'Why?' Test
A strong reason must answer the question 'Why?' about your opinion.
After you state your opinion, ask yourself 'Why do I believe this?' Your answer is your reason. If it doesn't answer 'Why?', it's probably not a strong reason.
The Relevance Rule
Your reasons must directly connect to and support your main opinion.
Make sure your reason isn't off-topic. A reason about how fun bikes are doesn't support an opinion about why cats are great pets.
The 'Prove It' Rule
Good reasons can be backed up with specific examples, facts, or details.
Don't just say 'it's fun.' Explain what makes it fun. Instead of 'dogs are nice,' say 'dogs are friendly and often gr...
4 more steps in this tutorial
Sign up free to access the complete tutorial with worked examples and practice.
Sign Up Free to ContinueSample Practice Questions
Challenging
A student writes, 'We should not have homework because I don't like it.' Which of the following revisions BEST improves this weak reason?
A.We should not have homework because it is not fun at all.
B.We should not have homework because my mom said so.
C.We should not have homework because it is boring.
D.We should not have homework because it takes away from family time and other healthy activities like playing outside.
Challenging
Opinion: 'Our class should perform a play.' Which set of sentences creates the most logical structure of 'Reason 1, Support for Reason 1, Reason 2'?
A.(1) Plays are fun. (2) My cousin was in a play. (3) We could sell tickets.
B.(1) It would be a fun project. (2) It would be better than a book report. (3) We could invite our parents.
C.(1) It would help us improve our public speaking skills. (2) We would have to memorize lines and speak clearly in front of an audience. (3) It would also encourage teamwork since we'd all have to work together.
D.(1) We should do the play 'The Three Little Pigs.' (2) I want to be the wolf. (3) It would be a lot of work.
Challenging
Analyze this argument: 'Every kid should have a pet. Having a pet teaches you to be responsible. For example, I have to feed my dog, Sparky, every day. Also, my friend's cat is really fluffy.' What is the main flaw in this argument?
A.The second reason ('my friend's cat is really fluffy') is an irrelevant detail, not a reason.
B.The opinion ('Every kid should have a pet') cannot be supported.
C.The first reason ('teaches you to be responsible') is just a feeling.
D.The example about Sparky is a fact, not a personal story.
Want to practice and check your answers?
Sign up to access all questions with instant feedback, explanations, and progress tracking.
Start Practicing Free