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Clear Opinion Writing: Reasons and Details

A complete B1 classroom lesson designed in the EnglishDrills teacher-lesson format.

B150–60 minutesWriting skillsPrintable
Teacher lesson: Look at the title and picture. What do you already know about this topic? Write two ideas, then compare with a partner. Work through the nine panels in order, or choose the sections that suit your class. Teacher answers and the listening script are stored separately.
Teacher AnswersBack to Teacher Lessons
1 Lesson Goals
A student writing at a cosy desk

By the end of this lesson, I will be able to:

  • understand the main ideas and key details in Clear Opinion Writing: Reasons and Details.
  • learn and use important vocabulary from the lesson.
  • use the lesson language in speaking or writing.
Start here: What do you already know about this topic? Tell a partner one idea.
2 Reading
Before you read:

Look at the title and picture. What do you already know about this topic? Write two ideas, then compare with a partner.

A clear opinion paragraph usually does four things. First, it tells the reader the writer's opinion. Next, it gives a reason and explains it with a detail or example. Then it gives another reason with support. Finally, it ends with a closing sentence.

Compare these two ideas: “School uniforms are good.” and “School uniforms can be helpful because they reduce pressure to wear expensive clothing.” The second sentence is stronger because it gives a reason. A paragraph becomes clearer when each reason is supported by a detail.

Planning before writing can save time. A simple plan can include the opinion, two reasons, two examples and a conclusion idea. After writing, the student should check whether every sentence is clear, whether each reason has support, and whether basic spelling and punctuation are accurate.
3 Vocabulary
Key words: opinion · reason · detail · support · conclusion

Write a short meaning or synonym for each word.

opinion –

reason –

detail –

support –

conclusion –

4 Check Your Understanding

1. What should come first in an opinion paragraph?

2. Why is the second uniform sentence stronger?

3. What can a simple plan include?

4. What should students check after writing?

5. Why can planning save time?

5 Language Focus

Complete each sentence with the best linking word or phrase.

1. I think school uniforms are useful they reduce clothing pressure.

2. One reason is students can focus on learning.

3. example, uniforms can make mornings simpler.

4. conclusion, uniforms can have practical benefits.

6 Listen & Speak

Listen

Listen to your teacher. You will hear the text twice. Answer the questions.

1. What does Liam write first?

2. How many reasons does he plan?

3. What does he add for each reason?

4. What three things does he check?

Speak

Discuss with a partner or small group.

• What makes an opinion convincing?
• Is an example always necessary?
• Which part of writing do you find hardest: planning, drafting or editing?

Clear Opinion Writing: Reasons and Details — Continued
7 Use Your English

Something New

Choose a school topic. One student argues FOR and one AGAINST for 30 seconds each. Then swap sides and try the opposite argument.

Write

Write 100–130 words on one topic: school uniforms, homework, mobile phones at school, or school start times. Give two reasons and examples.

8 Puzzle or Game
Two Truths and a Trick

Write three short statements about the Reading panel. Make two true and one false. Read them to a partner. Can your partner find the trick?

9 Success Criteria ✓

Tick each statement when you can do it.

  • I can explain the main idea of the lesson.
  • I can use at least three new words correctly.
  • I can complete the language task.
  • I can share an idea in spoken or written English.

One thing I am proud of today:

10 Show What You Can Do
Final challenge: Clear Opinion Writing: Reasons and Details

Plan: Note your strongest idea, 3 useful words or phrases, and one supporting detail from the lesson.

Respond: Write a short paragraph of 6–8 sentences, or prepare a 45-second spoken response, showing what you learned.

Reflect: Underline the part of your response that best shows your progress.