RISE, SAGE and FSA writing test prep: Opinion writing ~ Distance Learning

*Evidence-based opinion writing using mentor texts * Opinion writing* If your students have to take a standardized writing test (e.g. RISE in Utah, FSA in Florida), this unit is a must-have!*

This comprehensive unit is an ultimate OPINION WRITING bootcamp, at the end of which your students will know how to:

• write a well-organized opinion essay in response to a prompt

• cite evidence from provided articles

• insert quotations in essays

• paraphrase

• use transition words as well as domain-specific vocabulary

Nowadays, there is a noticeable shift in how we are supposed to teach opinion writing. Students are now expected to read informational articles to acquire background knowledge about the topic before they express their INFORMED opinion about it in an essay. These days opinion essays are nothing else but informational essays in disguise as students must draw from examples and evidence in the provided article(s) while supporting their claims.

What is more, students in most states have to take a computerized writing assessment. In Utah, for example, the writing test consists of two parts: opinion writing and informative writing. During both sessions students first have to read an informational article about a given topic. Then they must write an essay based on that article.

This unit has been specifically designed with these changes and trends in opinion writing in mind.I used this unit to prepare my students for the writing portion of the RISE test (end-of-the-year standardized test in Utah) and they all (yes, ALL) passed with flying colors. I am confident that this unit will help your students master opinion writing as well.

This unit consists of:

1. very detailed lesson plans that show you how to guide students through the writing process (prewriting, composing, revising, editing, publishing)

2. worksheets with carefully designed, meaningful activities (no fluff!)

3. answer sheets

4. several mentor texts along with prompt questions

5. opinion essays (written by me) about a range of topics, from SeaWorld, to free-range parenting, to sports athletes

6. student opinion essay

7. interactive charts

8. opinion writing frames

9. a grading rubric

10. links to several informational videos based on which students will write opinion essays

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This product is available in two formats:

1. Regular PDF : you can print it and copy it for you and your students.

2. TpT Digital Activity: you can download it straight to your Google Classroom and assign it for your students to complete on a device. No need to print anything! This format is ideal for Distance Learning in addition to or instead of regular in-person teaching. Click on TpT Digital Activities Guide to learn more about how to create and use digital products in place of PDF’s.

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Now that your students know how to write opinion essays, have them practice writing essays based on these engaging articles:

Mentor texts for opinion writing: engaging nonfiction passages

Check out my latest test prep product:

5th grade Common Core Math test prep for SAGE and FSA

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Essay introduction: how to write a hook and a thesis statement

Informational Writing with Mentor Texts

Compare and contrast writing: Informative essay writing unit; CCSS aligned

Informational paragraph writing ~ CCSS aligned

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Thank you for looking.

© A Demanding Teacher