Opinion Writing — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
Butterflies have wings covered with tiny scales.
Corrected: I think butterflies are the most beautiful insects because their wings have bright, colorful patterns.
The original is a science fact about butterfly wings, not a personal view. To make an opinion you must add a feeling word like "I think" and a reason such as their bright, colorful patterns.
2. Fix the sentence:
I believe board games are the best because they are.
Corrected: I believe board games are the best because you can play with your family and learn strategy.
Saying "because they are" repeats the opinion instead of giving a reason for it. A real reason needs specific details, like family time and learning strategy.
3. Fix the sentence:
A bicycle has two wheels and pedals.
Corrected: I feel that riding a bicycle is the best way to get around because it is fast and good exercise.
Counting wheels and pedals just describes the bike, which is a fact anyone can check. An opinion needs a feeling word like "I feel" plus reasons such as speed and exercise.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. I think morning is the best time to study because your brain is fresh and alert.
"Because" is the word that connects an opinion to its reason. Here it shows that having a fresh, alert brain is the reason morning is the best time to study.
2. Everyone should try gardening. Also, watching seeds grow into plants is exciting.
Once one reason has been shared about gardening, "Also" introduces a second reason. The excitement of watching seeds grow becomes the next piece of support.
3. I believe camping is wonderful because you can sleep under the stars and roast marshmallows.
Use "because" to plug a reason in right after an opinion. Sleeping under the stars and roasting marshmallows are the reasons camping is called wonderful.
4. Also, being in nature helps you relax and learn about animals.
Beginning with "Also" tells the reader the writer is piling on another reason. Relaxation and learning about animals become the new bonus reasons being added in.
Part C: True or False?
Read each statement. Circle True or False.
1. The sentence "Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius" is an opinion.
True False
Boiling water and reading a thermometer can prove this sentence true every single time. Anything that can be proven with science is a fact, not an opinion.
2. Using the word because helps connect your opinion to a reason.
True False
"Because" is the bridge word that joins what you think to why you think it. When readers see it, they know the part that comes after will explain the writer's view.
3. A strong opinion only needs one reason to be convincing.
True False
One reason can feel weak or accidental, but two or three reasons show the writer really thought it through. Good opinion paragraphs always include several reasons stacked together.