Unit Plan 10 (Grade 4 ELA): Launching Opinion Writing

Focus: Clear claims, reasons, audience awareness

Grade Level: 4

Subject Area: English Language Arts (Writing, Reading Informational, Speaking & Listening)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

This week launches writers into opinion writing with crystal-clear claims, strong reasons, and thoughtful audience awareness. Students read short texts to gather facts and examples (RI.4.1), then compose opinion paragraphs that link claims and reasons with purposeful transitions (W.4.1a–c). Daily conversations use discussion norms (SL.4.1) to test and refine ideas. By Friday, each student will publish a one-paragraph opinion that states a focused claim, supports it with two well-chosen reasons + evidence, and uses linking words to connect ideas for a specific audience.

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…

1. Craft a focused claim that clearly states an opinion and names the topic/audience.
2. Develop reasons supported with facts, definitions, and examples drawn from short texts (RI.4.1).
3. Use linking words/phrases (because, for example, in addition, therefore) to connect opinions and reasons (W.4.1c).
4. Participate in collaborative discussions to clarify claims and evaluate evidence (SL.4.1).

Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 4

• W.4.1a–c (introduce topic & state opinion; provide reasons supported by facts/details; link opinion and reasons with words/phrases)
• RI.4.1 (refer to details/examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences)
• SL.4.1 (engage effectively in collaborative discussions)

Success Criteria — student language

• My claim states my opinion clearly and fits my audience.
• Each reason is backed by a text detail or example I can point to.
• I used at least three linking words/phrases to connect ideas.
• In discussion, I build on others’ ideas and cite a line from the text.