Grade 4, Prompt for Opinion Writing

Common Core Standard W.CCR.1

(Directions should be read aloud and clarified by the teacher.)

Name:

Before you begin: On a piece of lined paper, write your name, the date and the teacher's
name. You will use this paper for writing.

The Best Pet

There are many reasons why people own pets. A pet can entertain you, keep you company
or even protect you! Dogs and cats are the most popular pets in America today. Some people
prefer an energetic dog and others, a cuddly kitten. Which do you think is best?
Your teacher is going to read two articles aloud. One is about the benefits of owning a
cat and the other is about the benefits of choosing a dog as a pet. As you listen to these texts,
think about the advantages of each kind of pet. ​Which kind of pet is best, a cat or a dog? ​
After you have had a chance to hear the articles a second time, you will write an essay that
states your opinion and explains your thinking.
For the essay, your focusing question will be:
Which kind of pet is best, a cat or a dog?
You will explain your thinking with facts and reasons from the articles.
Remember, a good opinion essay:
Has an introduction
o
Clearly states your
o opinion/claim in a focus statement

Uses specific evidence from the text(s) to support your opinion and explains your thinking
Groups ideas in paragraphs
o
Has a conclusion
Uses precise language and linking words to connect ideas
Has correct spelling, capitalization, and punctuation

You will have two class periods to complete this reading/thinking/writing task. You may take
notes right on the articles or on a separate sheet of paper. You may want to take some time to
plan your writing before you begin work. The essay will have a single draft. When you have
finished, be sure to proofread your work.

GOOD LUCK! WE LOOK FORWARD TO READING YOUR GOOD WORK!

​

Which kind of pet is best, a cat or a dog?

Day 1​ (45 minutes)

● Give out the assignment sheet.
● Read the assignment sheet aloud together and clarify the task for the students.

●Give each student a copy of Why

​ Cats Make Better Pets than Dogs . Explain that they may
want to underline or take notes on the article as you read it aloud. Read the article aloud.
● Pose the question, "Why might a cat make a good pet?" Remind students to use the
article and their notes when thinking through their response. Have students turn and talk
to a partner about this question for 3 minutes.
Give each student a copy of​ Why Dogs make Good Pets . Remind students that they may
want to underline or take notes on the article. Read the article aloud.

● Pose the question, "Why might a dog make a good pet?" Remind students to use the
article and their notes when thinking through their response. Have students turn and talk
to a partner about this question for 3 minutes.

● Explain that tomorrow you will be writing about whether a cat or a dog makes a better
pet. Collect the articles and assignment sheets. (Be sure names are on them.)
 Which kind of pet is best, a cat or a dog?

Day 2​ (45 minutes)

● Return the articles and re-read both aloud.
● Ask students to think about both articles. Which pet would be best? Why? Have students
turn and talk to a partner about this. Each student should talk for 3 minutes.
● Return the assignment sheet and re-read it aloud.
● Provide lined paper (or a computer if your students are accustomed to composing on a
keyboard) and give students the remainder of the period to write. The writing should be
completed individually, without help.
● When the period is over, explain that students may finish writing and proofread
tomorrow. Collect student work and materials.

Day 3​ (45 minutes)

● Return student work and materials. Students may be given access to a dictionary,
thesaurus, spell check, or grammar check.
● Give students the remainder of the period to finish writing and proofreading.
Name:

Why Cats Make Better Pets than Dogs

Should you get that cute little puppy or a cuddly kitten? Deciding between a cat and a dog can be difficult.
However, cats as pets do have some advantages.

Grooming
Cats bathe themselves. Most do not even need brushing. Dogs are more likely to need help from
their owners in keeping clean.

Companionship
Cats enjoy being alone. You can leave them home alone for the day while you go to school. Dogs,
however, need company. A dog needs much more of your time.

Exercise
Cats and dogs both need daily exercise. However, a cat needs much less exercise than a dog. Most
dogs need to be taken for walk at least twice a day, even in the rain. Your cat will probably be happy
to chase a ball in your living room.

Noise
Dogs can bark at all hours of the day or night. Cats sleep most of the day and are much quieter. They
are unlikely to disturb your neighbors.

Training
Dogs need training to live with people. They need to be taught not to jump on people, how to sit and
stay, and many other things. You may even need to teach your dog to lie down so you can have some
quiet time. Cats can be trained to fetch a ball or walk on a leash, but these lessons are just for fun.
You don't need to train your cat to have a good pet.

Both cats and dogs can be wonderful family pets. Each can be affectionate and playful, but cats are much easier
to care for. Maybe a cat is the right pet for you!

This article was adapted for classroom use from “Reasons Why Cats Make Better Pets than Dogs” by Dee Em, eHow
Contributor http://www.ehow.com

Used by permission of ​Dee Em, eHow Contributor http://www.ehow.com

Name:

Why Dogs Make Good Pets

Thinking about getting a new pet? One of the most popular pets is a dog. Dogs make great pets for many
reasons.

Companions
Dogs are patient and make great listeners. Many people tell dogs things they can't tell anyone else.
Dogs are great for someone who lives alone or needs company.

Friends
Most dogs are curious. They want to meet other people and animals. Owners are likely to meet
others while out walking their dogs. Dogs are good conversation starters. They make it easy to meet
new people.

Health
Dogs can make you healthier. Studies show that dog owners are less likely to get sick. When they do
get sick, they get well quicker.

Safety
Most dogs will bark if there is danger. Dogs can scare off intruders or warn their owners of fire.
Specially trained dogs can also find missing people, sniff out bombs and drugs and help disabled
people.

Exercise
A dog needs daily exercise. The owner who walks his dog also benefits from this. Daily exercise can
help keep you at a healthy weight. It gives you energy. It also strengthens your muscles and bones.
Walking and playing with your dog can make you both healthier!

Is a dog the right pet for you? Owning a dog is a big responsibility, but there are many benefits. A dog might
just be the perfect pet for you!

This article was adapted for classroom use from “Why Dogs Make Good Pets” by Cecilia McCormick, eHow Contributor
http://www.ehow.com

Used by permission of ​by Cecilia McCormick, eHow Contributor http://www.ehow.com

 GUSD – Opinion/Argument Rubric, Grade __4___
4 3 2 1
(Above Grade Level) (At Grade Level) (Approaching Grade Level) (Below Grade Level)
Purpose • Responds skillfully to all parts • Responds to all parts of the • Responds to most parts of • Responds to some or no parts
of the prompt prompt the prompt of the prompt
CCSS*: • States an opinion that • States an opinion that • States an opinion that • Does not state an opinion
Ø W – 1a demonstrates an insightful demonstrates an understanding demonstrates limited and/or demonstrates little to
Ø W–1b understanding of topic/text of topic/text understanding of topic/text no understanding of topic/text
Ø W-4
• Organizes ideas and information • Organizes ideas and information • Organizes ideas and • Does not organize ideas and
into purposeful, coherent into logical introductory, body, information in an attempted information coherently due to
Organization
paragraphs that include an and concluding paragraphs paragraph structure that lack of paragraph structure
elaborated introduction with • Uses linking words and phrases includes a sense of and/or a missing introduction,
CCSS:
clear thesis, structured body, and appropriately to connect reasons introduction, body and body, or conclusion
Ø W – 1a
insightful conclusion to opinion conclusion • Uses no linking words or
Ø W – 1c
• Uses linking words, phrases, and • Uses some linking words phrases
Ø W – 1d
clauses skillfully to connect and/or phrases to connect
Ø W–4
reasons to opinion reasons to opinion but
simplistically
Evidence/ • Supports opinion skillfully with • Supports opinion with relevant • Supports opinion with minimal • Does not support opinion
Elaboration substantial and relevant facts, facts, details, and/or reasons and/or irrelevant facts, details, with facts, details, and/or
details, and/or reasons • Provides clear explanation/ and/or reasons reasons
CCSS: • Provides insightful analysis of how evidence • Provides some explanation/ • Provides no or inaccurate
Ø RIT – 1 explanation/analysis of how supports opinion analysis of how evidence explanation/analysis of how
Ø W – 1b evidence supports opinion supports opinion evidence supports opinion
Ø W – 9b
• Uses purposeful, correct, and varied • Uses correct and varied sentence • Uses some repetitive yet correct • Does not demonstrate
sentence structures structures sentence structure sentence mastery
Language • Demonstrates creativity and • Demonstrates some grade level
• Demonstrates grade level • Demonstrates limited
flexibility when using conventions appropriate conventions; errors appropriate conventions, but understanding of grade level
CCSS: (grammar, punctuation, errors obscure meaning
are minor and do not obscure appropriate conventions, and
Ø L–1 capitalization, and spelling) to
enhance meaning meaning errors interfere with the
Ø L–2 • Uses limited academic and/or
• Uses precise and sophisticated • Uses academic and domain- domain-specific vocabulary for
meaning
academic and domain-specific specific vocabulary appropriate the audience and purpose • Uses no academic or domain-
vocabulary appropriate for the for the audience and purpose specific vocabulary
audience and purpose
*CCSS – Common Core State Standards alignment (“W” = Writing strand; “RIT”= Reading – Informational Text; “L”= Language strand)

Adapted from Elk Grove Unified School District

 CA Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Alignment

NOTES: In the left criterion boxes of the rubric, the CCSS-aligned standards have been identified. As a resource for teachers, below are the standards for the current grade (4th) as
well as the preceding and subsequent grade. Since the rubric score of “4” represents “above grade level” work, the 5th grade standards were referenced.

The letter abbreviations are as follows: CCSS = Common Core State Standards W = Writing RIT= Reading – Informational Text L=Language
Strand 3rd 4th 5th
1. Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, 1. Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a 1. Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a
supporting a point of view with reasons. point of view with reasons and information. point of view with reasons and information.
a. Introduce the topic or text they are a. Introduce a topic or text clearly, state an opinion, a. Introduce a topic or text clearly, state an
writing about, state an opinion, and and create an organizational structure in which opinion, and create an organizational structure
create an organizational structure that related ideas are grouped to support the writer’s in which ideas are logically grouped to support
lists reasons. purpose. the writer’s purpose.
b. Provide reasons that support the b. Provide reasons that are supported by facts and b. Provide logically ordered reasons that are
opinion. details. supported by facts and details.
c. Use linking words and phrases (e.g., c. Link opinion and reasons using words and phrases c. Link opinion and reasons using words, phrases,
because, therefore, since, for (e.g., for instance, in order to, in addition). and clauses (e.g., consequently, specifically).
example) to connect opinion and d. Provide a concluding statement or section related to d. Provide a concluding statement or section
Writing reasons. the opinion presented. related to the opinion presented.
d. Provide a concluding statement or
section.

4. With guidance and support from adults, 4. Produce clear and coherent writing (including multi- 4. Produce clear and coherent writing (including multi-
produce writing in which the paragraph texts) in which the development and paragraph texts) in which the development and
development and organization are organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and
appropriate to task and purpose. audience. audience.

9. Begins in 4th grade. 9. Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to 9. Draw evidence from literary or informational texts
support analysis, reflection, and research. to support analysis, reflection, and research.

1. Ask and answer questions to demonstrate 1. Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining 1. Quote accurately from a text when explaining what
Reading –
understanding of a text, referring what the text says explicitly and when drawing the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences
Informational
explicitly to the text as the basis for the inferences from the text. from the text.
Text
answers.
1. Demonstrate command of the 1. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard 1. Demonstrate command of the conventions of
conventions of standard English English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. standard English grammar and usage when writing
grammar and usage when writing or or speaking.
speaking.
Language
2. Demonstrate command of the 2. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard 2. Demonstrate command of the conventions of
conventions of standard English English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when standard English capitalization, punctuation, and
capitalization, punctuation, and spelling writing. spelling when writing.
when writing.

Adapted from Elk Grove Unified School District