Grade 4: Opinion Essay

Will your readers understand just why you feel as you do?

Choose strong reasons.

Too general: One reason I liked You Can't Take It with You is because it's a great play.

Not important: One reason I liked the play is because it had an intermission, so you could get refreshments.

Much better: One reason I liked the play is because it's about a really funny, wacky family.

Use exact details to make your reasons clear.

Not enough details: One of the things I like best about popcorn is that it's fun to make. I enjoy making it myself in our electric popcorn popper.

Much better: One of the things I like best about popcorn is that it's fun to make. I put some kernels in the popper, and pretty soon I hear a couple of pops. Then the kernels begin popping like crazy and smelling great. Finally, the popcorn comes shooting out right into the bowl.

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