Opinion Writing — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. I believe zoos are important because they help protect endangered animals.
The blank needs a word that introduces a reason, and "because" is the most common one writers use. Protecting endangered animals is the reason zoos are called important.
2. Drawing is a great hobby. Also, it helps you express feelings without using words.
After the opinion about drawing, the writer wants to add another reason on top. "Also" is the linking word that signals an extra reason is being added.
3. Children should play sports. For example, soccer teaches teamwork and keeps you active.
"For example" is a two-word phrase writers use when they want to give one specific case to back up a general claim. Soccer is the specific example proving the bigger point about playing sports.
4. I think school libraries need more books because students enjoy reading many different genres.
Use "because" right before a reason that explains a writer's view. The fact that students enjoy many different genres is the reason libraries need more books.
5. Being a good friend matters. Also, friends help you feel less lonely at school.
"Also" tells the reader the writer is layering on another reason after the first opinion sentence. Feeling less lonely at school is the extra reason being added.
6. Every classroom should have plants. For example, watching a plant grow teaches students patience.
"For example" introduces a specific case that backs up the bigger opinion. Watching a plant grow is the concrete example showing why classrooms need plants.
7. I feel that cooking is a skill everyone should learn because it helps you make healthy meals.
The blank links the opinion to its reason, and "because" is the perfect word for that job. Making healthy meals is the reason everyone should learn to cook.
8. The last sentence of an opinion paragraph is called the conclusion.
The conclusion is the closing sentence that wraps the paragraph up and reminds readers of the opinion. Every opinion paragraph ends with one to give the writing a clear finish.
9. An opinion uses words like think, believe, and feel to show what someone thinks about a topic.
The verb "thinks" matches the signal words in the question and shows that an opinion lives inside someone's mind. It tells readers the sentence is sharing a personal view.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
I think everyone should learn a musical instrument.
→ Playing music improves memory and makes you more creative.
Reading together helps both students improve their skills.
I believe weekends should be three days long.
→ An extra day of rest would help families spend more time together.
Playing music improves memory and makes you more creative.
I feel that gardening is the best hobby.
→ Growing your own vegetables teaches you about nature.
Growing your own vegetables teaches you about nature.
I think every student should have a reading buddy.
→ Reading together helps both students improve their skills.
An extra day of rest would help families spend more time together.
Each opinion is paired with the reason that directly explains it: musical instruments link to memory and creativity, longer weekends link to family time, gardening links to growing vegetables, and reading buddies link to improving skills together.