argumentative essay prompts 3rd grade

Engaging Writing Prompts for 3rd Graders

Students in 3rd grade should be writing regularly in a variety of styles and for a variety of audiences. Useful writing projects for 3rd graders include  opinion , informative, and narrative essays, as well as short research projects.

For many students, the most difficult part of writing is facing the blank page. The following grade-level appropriate writing prompts provide plenty of inspiration to help your students get started on a number of different writing assignments.

Narrative Essay Writing Prompts

Narrative essays tell a story based on real or imagined events. Students should use descriptive writing and dialogue to tell their tale.

• Scary Stuff. Think of something that scares you and explain what makes it so frightening.
• Grouchy Pants. Describe a day when you were grouchy. What made you so grumpy and how did you get in a better mood?
• School Rules. If you could make a new school rule, what would it be? How would your rule change an average day at school?
• Snappy Travel. Imagine you could snap your fingers and be anywhere else in the world. Write about where you’d go.
• Family Tales. What is the most interesting story that a family member has ever told you about their life?
• Food Forever. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you choose?
• Book Bound. If you could be the main character from your favorite book, who would you be? Write about an adventure you might have.
• Seeing Double. Imagine that you have an identical twin who is a different class than you. What pranks would you play on your teachers and classmates?
• Nessy's Life. Have you heard of the Loch Ness Monster ? Imagine you’re the monster. Describe your life under the sea.
• Lost. Have you ever been lost? Write about your experience.
• Perfect Party. Describe what the ultimate birthday party would look like if you could do anything you wanted.
• Kindness Counts. You’re given $100 to do random acts of kindness for others. What do you do?
• Memory Eraser . Describe something that happened to you that you wish you could forget. Explain why.

Opinion Essay Writing Prompts

When writing an opinion essay , students should clearly state their opinion, then back it up with sound reasons and facts. Opinion essays should close the essay with a concluding paragraph and a summary of the argument. 

• Be a Friend. What does it mean to be a good friend?
• Growing Up or Down. Would you rather be older than you are right now or younger? Why?
• Hello? Some kids in 3rd grade have cell phones. Do you? Do you think that’s good or bad?
• Best Pets. Which animal makes the best pet? Give at least three reasons for your opinion.
• Tattletale. If you saw one of your friends doing something that you knew was wrong, should you tell on them? Why or why not?
• School Favorites . What do you think is the best subject in school? What makes it the best?
• Off Limits . Is there a TV show that you’re not allowed to watch or a video game that you’re not allowed to play? Explain why your parents should allow it.
• Summer School. Should your school be in session year ‘round with more breaks throughout the year or continue to give students the summer off? Why?
• Junk Food Fans. Should candy and soda machines be available to students on school property? Why or why not?
• School Supplies. What is the most important tool in your classroom? What makes it so useful?
• School Pride . What is the best thing about being a student at your school?
• What’s in a Name? If you could change your name, what would you choose and why?

Informative Essay Writing Prompts

Informative essays introduce a topic, explain a process, or describe an idea, then provide facts, definitions, and details. Students should organize related information into paragraphs in order to write the most logical essay possible. Remember that they should also include introductory and concluding paragraphs.

• Real Superheroes. Superheroes in movies and comics can do some pretty amazing things, but think of someone you consider to be a real-life hero. What do (or did) they do that makes them a hero? 
• Liar, Liar. Someone told your best friend a lie about you and your friend believed them. Explain how you’d handle the situation.
• Student Teacher. Think of something that you found difficult to do at first (such as multiplication or tying your shoes), but that you now understand. Explain the process so that someone else could learn to do it.
• Holidays . What is your favorite holiday? Explain how you celebrate it.
• Pet Sitter. Your family is going on vacation and a pet-sitter is coming to care for your pets. Write a note explaining how to care for them.
• PB&J. Write out the step-by-step process for making the perfect peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
• Chores. What is a household chore for which you are responsible? Explain how to do it.
• Emergency Drills. Think of one emergency drill that your school practices. Write a paper describing exactly how to do it as if you were explaining it to a brand-new student.
• Allergies. Do you have a serious allergy to something like peanuts or milk? Write an essay explaining why it’s so important for you not to come into contact with the allergen.
• Color Wheel. What is your favorite color? Choose an animal or object that is that color and describe it.
• State Fun Facts . Describe some interesting facts about your state to someone who has never visited.
• Family Traditions. Describe a unique family tradition that your family has.
• Game On.  What's your favorite game? Explain the rules to someone who has never played it before.

Research Writing Prompts

Students in 3rd grade can conduct simple research projects that build on their knowledge about a topic. They should use digital and print media to explore the topic , take simple notes, and create a basic outline before beginning the writing process.

• State History. What is the history of your state? Research the history and write an essay about one key event in your state's past.
• Marsupials. Marsupials are animals who carry their babies in pouches. With the exception of the opossum, all marsupials live in Australia. Choose one of them to learn more about.
• Insects. They may be small, but insects play an important role in our environment. Choose an insect to research and write an essay about its characteristics.
• Jaws! Are Great White sharks really man-eaters? Research this question and write an essay about your answer. 
• Bat Signal. How do bats use echolocation?
• Explorers. Choose a famous (or not-so-famous) explorer to research.
• Comic Book Heroes. When was the first comic book published and what was it about?
• Extreme Weather. Choose an extreme weather event such as a tornado, hurricane, or tsunami, and explain its cause.
• International Space Station. Learn more about the International Space Station: how it's used, who visits it, and why it's important. Write an essay about your findings.
• Ben Franklin, Inventor . Many people know Benjamin Franklin as a Founding Father and statesman, but he was also an inventor. Learn about some of the things he invented.
• Legends.  Research a popular legend such as the Lost City of Atlantis, Big Foot, or Paul Bunyan . Write an essay describing the evidence for or against the legend.
• Presidential History. Research the childhood of one American president and write an essay about what you learn.
• 4th Grade Writing Prompts
• Second Grade Writing Prompts
• Writing Prompts for 5th Grade
• First Grade Writing Prompts
• Writing Prompts for 7th Grade
• 24 Journal Prompts for Creative Writing in the Elementary Classroom
• 49 Opinion Writing Prompts for Students
• Fun March Writing Prompts for Journaling
• November Writing and Journal Prompts
• January Writing Prompts
• February Writing Prompts
• October Writing Prompts
• May Writing Prompts
• Writing Prompts for Elementary School Students
• September Writing Prompts
• Martin Luther King Jr. Writing Prompts

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

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50 Creative 3rd Grade Writing Prompts (Free Printable!)

Taking the leap from the primary level to the intermediate grades.

Third grade is a huge transitional year in elementary school. Third grade writers have learned foundational concepts and skills and have had time to practice. Now they are developing more complex skills as they dig deeper, learn to make connections, and analyze the topics they write about. Here are 50 third grade writing prompts to help your students master and refine their writing skills.

If you’d like even more upper elementary writing prompts, we publish new ones twice a week on our kid-friendly site: the Daily Classroom Hub . Make sure to bookmark the link!

(Want this entire set in one easy document? Get your free PowerPoint bundle by submitting your email here, so you’ll always have the prompts available!)

1. Tell about a special event in your life.

2. What are you best at?

3. What do you want to learn more about?

4. I could never live without______.

5. If you could go anyplace in the world, where would you go and why?

6. Interview one of your parents or grandparents and ask them to tell you a story from their childhood. Share their story here.

7. Describe one of your favorite book characters. Tell three things about their personality.

8. Do you think third graders should have to do chores at home? Why or why not?

9. What is something you would change about school if you could?

10. Tell about a time you helped somebody.

11. Tell about a time somebody helped you.

12. Tell about a memorable “first” in your life. For example, the first time you ate a particular kind of food, the first time you met your teacher, etc.

13. Describe step by step how to make a pizza.

14. What does it mean to be a hero?

15. I am afraid of _______ because_______.

16. What is the difference between being polite and rude? Give three examples.

17. What is the most important rule in the classroom?

18. What are the three most important qualities you look for in a friend?

19. Do you think kids should be assigned homework? Why or why not?

20. Nature gives us many beautiful things—plants, animals, water, weather, stars and planets, etc. What is one of your favorite things in nature and why?

21. If I were a spider, I’d _______.

22. Three things that make me happy are ______.

23. What is your favorite holiday and why?

24. Tell about one of your family’s unique traditions.

25. If you could have a pet, what would you choose? How would you take care of it?

26. Write about a dream you recently had.

27. Tell about a person that inspires you and why.

28. Name five things you are thankful for and why you are thankful for them.

29. What are ways you can be a good citizen?

30. When you and a friend disagree, how do you work it out?

31. What do you think the world will be like in one hundred years?

32. What is your favorite type of weather? Why?

33. What superpower do you wish you had? Why?

34. What famous person would you like to meet? Why?

35. In your opinion, which animal makes the best pet? Give three reasons for your answer.

36. If someone gave you $100, how would you spend it?

37. Should third graders have cell phones? Why or why not?

38. If you could be an Olympic athlete, what sport would you participate in?

39. Write about your “getting ready for school” routine.

40. Write about your “getting ready for bed” routine.

41. If you could travel through time like Jack and Annie in the Magic Tree House, where would you go?

42. In your opinion, what does a perfect weekend look like?

43. Write about the last time you felt really angry. What happened and how did it all work out?

44. Pretend there was a special zoo where animals could talk. Which animal would you talk to and what are three questions you would ask?

45. What is your favorite thing with wheels? Why?

46. Tell the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears from the point of view of Baby Bear.

47. What do you think would grow if you planted a magic bean?

48. Which would you rather be able to do—fly or read people’s minds? Why?

49. Tell about an adult in your life that you admire.

50. If you were traveling for a week and could only bring a backpack, what would you pack?

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What Is An Argumentative Text? How to Teach It in 3rd Grade

You’ve spent hours scouring the internet and are about to pull your hair out and/or break your computer. You’re not alone.

Searching for resources to teach argumentative text can drive you crazy. There’s not a whole lot out there for it that’s appropriate for our third and fourth graders. Partially, I believe, this is because it’s just so dang hard to teach. And, it’s often confused as the same thing as persuasive text, which you can find resources for all over the place.

To teach it best, we need to start with our knowledge of it.

So, What Is Argumentative Text?

Before we do anything else, we need to be able to answer the question, “What is an argumentative text?” An argumentative text is a piece of writing in which the author states a claim, or position, and supports it with evidence to make the reader understand it as a valid argument.

The author relies on logic, facts, and credible sources to make his/her argument. This means that a lot of the real work begins before the author puts pen to paper with his/her thoughts. The actual starting place is in researching the topic. Then the author chooses a side or an argument.

Argumentative texts, especially those geared toward an audience above the age of 9, present the other side of the argument in the text. The author does this to show his/her fair-mindedness, but also to counter the argument with facts and evidence to show the reader that the author’s claim has more merit.

Basic Structure of Argumentative Text at the 3rd Grade Level

Understanding how an argumentative text is structured is extremely helpful in identifying the author’s claim. While there are different types of argumentative texts, and many can have a much more complex structure, below is a basic starting point for our third graders.

• Introduction – The author states or implies the claim.
• Body – The author supports the claim with reason, evidence, and facts.
• Conclusion – The author restates the claim.

Argumentative vs. Persuasive Text

Argumentative text and persuasive text are NOT the same thing. We should not be using these words interchangeably with our third graders. Click here to learn more about the differences between argumentative and persuasive text.

How do we teach argumentative text to our third graders?

Let’s start by looking at what the kids need to be able to do by the end of the unit:

• recognize the characteristics and structures of argumentative text,
• identify the claim,
• distinguish facts from opinions,
• and identify the intended audience.
• And, looking ahead to fourth grade, they will also need to be able to explain how the author used facts to support the argument.

Start with the Prerequisites

There are a couple of things that your students must be able to do before analyzing an argumentative text such as how to determine key ideas. Read more about the skills you want to practice before and during your argumentative text unit here .

Choose the Right Argumentative Text

Choose an appropriate high-interest text with a simple structure. Read more tips on how to find a great article here .

Here’s a free argumentative text for third grade:

Build Literacy Knowledge of Argumentative Text

It’s important to introduce the genre and its essential terms in an engaging way prior to reading. Get a free video to show your students here .

Create an anchor chart to give students a reference for the basic structure and characteristics of argumentative text. Read more about this here .

Get into the Text

This is where we’ll break down the actual lesson planning that goes into creating your unit. Below is a basic outline. You can find in-depth explanations in this blog post about how to teach argumentative text to third graders.

• Build Background Knowledge Before Reading the Argumentative Text
• Read & Discuss the Introduction and Claim
• Read & Discuss the Body and Supporting Evidence
• Read & Discuss the Conclusion
• Read & Discuss the References
• Determine the Intended Audience
• Analyze the Structure
• Evaluate the Author’s Claim
• Compare Argumentative Texts with the Same Topic
• Provide Student Practice
• Evaluate & Compare Arguments Made in the Same Text
• Assess Understanding

Want to Save Time? It’s All Done for You Here:

This bundle has everything you need to teach argumentative text to your third graders and lifts all the hard work off your shoulders. It is all planned and ready to go.

What You’ll Get:

• 5 easy to follow, scripted lesson plans take out all the guesswork.
• 3 of the 5 are PowerPoint lessons that make introducing the genre a breeze.
• A total of 7 high-interest passages will keep your students engaged.
• An assessment with an answer key is included.
• Interactive notebook pages help your students interact with the text and give them a tool to refer back to.
• Task cards help your students practice distinguishing fact from opinion and identifying evidence that supports the author’s claim.
• Plus, you’ll get resources for tier 2 vocabulary, grammar, and more!

Read More Details About All the Above:

Free Argumentative Text Passage for 3rd Grade

How to Teach Argumentative Text to 3rd Graders

Argumentative vs Persuasive Text: What’s the Difference?

Reading Comprehension Strategies That Will Help 3rd Graders Understand Argumentative Text

How to Introduce Argumentative Text to 3rd Graders

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STAAR Prep: A K-5 Argumentative/Opinion Writing Strategy

As we all know here in Texas, every grade level will have an “extended constructed response” on the STAAR test this school year. This response will either be informational or argumentative and will be an “essay.” Let’s take a look at exemplars and rubrics before we dive into an argumentative/opinion writing strategy for the elementary grades.

STAAR Test Example Responses

Here are some exemplars for grades 3 and 5 (for both short and extended constructed responses) provided by TEA (Texas Education Agency). These prompts and exemplars come from the field test, and this document walks you through the scoring. I go over more information about the constructed responses, STAAR test tools, and provide a few resources in Reading Language Arts STAAR Test Resources .

STAAR Argumentative Writing Rubrics

• RLA Grades 3-5 Argumentative/Opinion Writing Rubric   (10/18/22)
• RLA Grades 3-5 Argumentative/Opinion Writing Rubric-Spanish   (10/18/22)
• RLA Grades 3-5 Informational Writing Rubric   (10/18/22)
• RLA Grades 3-5 Informational Writing Rubric-Spanish   (10/18/22)

What’s the Difference Between Short and Extended Constructive Responses?

Here are exemplars from the stand-alone field test. The 5th grade prompts and responses are for the same passage, “Steam and Sail”. The responses on the left are short constructed responses (SCR), and the one on the right is an extended constructive response (ECR). The grade 3 response is within the writing domain, not the reading domain. There are no exemplars for grades 3 and 4 to reference for ECR in the scoring guide.

How to Teach Argumentative/Opinion Writing

So, of course, there are lots of ways to teach opinion writing to elementary students. But I’m a huge fan of the Gradual Release of Responsibility (GRR) , and I’m also a huge fan of discussion and verbal practice before beginning the writing process. That said, I’m going to walk through using GRR with some resources for teaching opinion/argumentative writing at the elementary level. This strategy is adaptable and meant to be built on over time, so the example given isn’t necessarily 5th grade, score point 5 level, but it can get students there with practice and some adapting!

Review: Fact vs. Opinion

Whether you’re teaching first grade or fifth grade, it’s always good to start with a review of the difference between fact and opinion. Here are a few resources for this.

• Florida Center for Reading Research Fact or Opinion Game
• Factile Fact vs. Opinion Game
• Teaching with a Mountain View: Four Activities to Teach Fact vs. Opinion in Upper Elementary

Talk Before You Write!

This is what I like to call, the “Speak Cycle.” Students may need to practice one or more of these steps, or the whole cycle, multiple times before moving on to writing. Speaking before writing helps students learn to organize their thoughts, look for text evidence, and also familiarizes them with proper sentence structures for opinion writing before they actually start writing. You might think, “Ok, maybe for lower elementary.” Sure, but even older students benefit from verbal practice before writing! It’s a form of rehearsal and planning.

1. Whole Group: Read the text. Discuss opinions as a class. Highlight the evidence.

Before broaching the topic of supporting evidence for an opinion, read the text and discuss opinions. Then ask students for supporting evidence. It’s much easier to talk about supporting evidence than it is to start writing about it from the get go! Here is an example text that works well for third and fourth grade from Education.com . I recommend starting with short texts and then, as stamina improves, introducing longer texts over time.

“Today, we’re going to read a text together about ___________. We’re going to discuss our opinions on ___________ based on what we read, and I’m going to highlight facts from the text to help support our opinion.” [Read the text] [Read the question] “So, what are our opinions?” [Student one offers an opinion.] “Thanks for sharing your opinion! What information in this text led you to think that?” [Highlight what the student references in the text. Repeat this with other examples.] “Ok! So, from our reading today, we formed the opinion ______. And we formed that opinion because [read off highlights of the text].”

In this practice, you are showing the students how to identify and highlight supporting evidence in the text, but this is first a verbal exercise. Start with easier texts and move to more difficult texts as students become more autonomous.

You can create your own questions, but here are a few resources that offer texts with questions for opinion writing.

• Education.com
• Ereadingworksheets.com
• National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)

2. Small Group: Read the text. Discuss opinions with a small group. Highlight the evidence together.

This works best if you group students on similar reading levels. Give each student in the group the same short text that’s on their reading level. Read it together, discuss an opinion, and have students highlight the supporting facts with your guidance. Then, have students verbalize their opinions and reference the highlighted text evidence. Students should speak using the same sentence structures you want them to use when writing. Having these up as a visual is great for practice! This is all to get students ready to write.

• “I think…”
• “In my opinion,…”
• “I believe that…”
• “This is my opinion because…”
• “According to the text,…”
• “First, the author states…”
• “Second, I read that…”

3. Independently: Students read the text, highlight evidence, and discuss their opinion and supporting evidence with a partner or group.

Have students read a short text, think about their opinion, and highlight facts to support their opinion on their own. Students can discuss an explanation of their opinion and text evidence with a partner, or they can explain it in a small group setting. Students should still be speaking using the same sentence structures you would like them to write with.

It’s Time to Write!

Now that students are familiar with reading, forming an opinion, highlighting evidence to support their opinion, and using sentence structures verbally, it’s time to start writing. But it’s not quite time for them to write independently. First, we will model good writing for them, following a similar process to the speaking cycle.

1. Whole Group: Read the text. Highlight the evidence. Model the writing for the class.

So this step is similar to step one of the speak cycle, but instead of just discussing, you are going to be modeling the writing. Here’s one formula I like to use called, “It’s Peanut Butter Jelly Time!,” and I’ve included an example using the video game article from the beginning of this post.

The Bread: The Introduction (2-3 sentences)

• Write one sentence to state your opinion.
• Write a second sentence introducing two main facts from the text that support your opinion.

“In my opinion, video games are harmful to kids. Video games can be unhealthy. They can also be too violent.” (Just an example! This is not necessarily reflective of my actual opinion on video games.)

The Peanut Butter : Paragraph 2 (2-3 sentences)

• Write a few sentences to support the first fact.

“According to the text, video games can be unhealthy if children play them for too long and don’t move around or exercise. This can make kids overweight and have health issue.”

The Jelly : Paragraph 3 (2-3 sentences)

• Write a few sentences to support the second fact.

“Sometimes, violence can make kids fight, and this can be harmful to friendships. Violence isn’t good for kids’ brains and can lead them to become bullies.”

The Bread: The Conclusion (2-3 sentences)

• Say your opinion – again.
• Say why your opinion is true – again.

“I believe that video games can be harmful to kids. Sitting for too long in front of the game can cause health problems and violence can lead to aggressive behavior. It’s better for kids to be active and be more positive and less violent.”

2. Partnered Writing: Students read the text together, highlight the evidence, and write with a partner.

It’s similar to the whole group exercise, except that students are practicing writing more independently with a writing partner/buddy. In this step, you can offer students graphic organizers or an outline template to help them remember all the elements of their argumentative writing. They can work together to write one essay or they can each write an essay and then review each other’s writing.

3. Independently: Read the text. Highlight the evidence. Write the essay.

At this stage, students are practicing writing on their own. They may or may not need supports like sentence starters, graphic organizers , checklists , and visuals to reference in the room. But the goal is for students to be able to produce writing that expresses their opinion in response to a text and provide text evidence to support that opinion.

Practice, Practice, Practice!

It takes a lot of time and a lot of repetitive practice. As Miguel Guhlin references in his article, Writing Strategies: Insights from a Twitter Chat , discussing, teaching sentence structures/vocabulary, and showing examples isn’t enough. Deliberate, repetitive practice, and time, are key to teaching writing.

Do you have other ideas, strategies, or resources that have worked well for you and your K-5 students when it comes to argumentative/opinion writing? Please share them with us in the chat! We’d love to hear what’s worked in your classroom.

Additional STAAR and TEKS Articles You May Find Useful

Reading Language Arts STAAR Test Resources

The K-5 ELAR TEKS and Free, Editable Spreadsheets

The K-5 Math TEKS and Free, Editable Spreadsheets

A Practical Strategy for Teaching Editing Skills

A Powerful and Easy Strategy for Teaching Text Evidence

Emily has been in education since 2008. Prior to joining TCEA in 2021, she worked as a preK-8 grade principal for four years. Additionally, she taught middle school music, preschool, prekindergarten, and second grade in a trilingual school setting. Before that, she was a K-8 technology integrator and taught second through fifth grade enrichment classes and kindergarten, fifth, and sixth grade technology classes. She has a master’s degree in teaching, specializing in elementary education, and her Certificate of School Management and Leadership (CSML) from Harvard Graduate School of Education. Outside of work, she enjoys seeing movies, attending concerts, going camping and hiking, and spending time with her two cats.

Writing Strategies: Insights from a Twitter Chat

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Loved the succinct info!

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3rd Grade Opinion Writing Prompts with Passages Free: Express Views

My name is Debbie, and I am passionate about developing a love for the written word and planting a seed that will grow into a powerful voice that can inspire many.

Are⁣ you ready to unleash your child’s inner opinionated genius? Look no further! We’ve rounded up a collection of captivating 3rd grade opinion writing​ prompts with passages, and the ‍best part⁤ is,‍ they’re absolutely free! Opinion writing plays a crucial ⁤role in developing‌ critical thinking ⁢and communication ‌skills, ​and what could be more ‍exciting than expressing one’s own⁤ views? So, dear ⁢parents and educators, join us on this⁣ adventure as we delve into the world ‍of opinion ‌writing and​ provide your little⁢ ones with the ⁤tools they need to⁤ express⁣ their thoughts confidently⁤ and persuasively. Let’s⁣ empower our young minds to become articulate, independent thinkers who boldly‌ share their opinions with the world. Get ready⁣ to​ witness ​the magic⁢ of ⁢words as‍ those⁢ creative sparks ignite within⁢ each 3rd grader!

Choosing the Right 3rd Grade Opinion Writing Prompts: A Comprehensive Guide

Unleashing creativity: how opinion ⁢writing prompts foster expressing views, benefits‌ of‍ using passages in opinion⁤ writing:, developing critical thinking: why ‌3rd graders benefit from opinion writing prompts, boosting engagement: making opinion writing prompts fun and exciting, creating confidence: nurturing ⁣young writers ‍with free opinion ‍writing prompts, encouraging independent thought: empowering 3rd graders through opinion writing, unlocking the power of opinion writing⁢ prompts, frequently asked questions, insights ‍and conclusions.

When it comes to opinion writing prompts for ⁢3rd‍ graders, finding the​ perfect ones⁣ can be challenging. However,⁤ with our comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to select the right prompts that will not only engage your students but also help them‌ develop​ strong opinion writing skills.‌ Here are a few factors⁣ to consider when​ choosing the best prompts:

• Relevance: Look for age-appropriate⁣ prompts that resonate with 3rd ⁣graders. Topics that are‌ familiar to them or relate to their⁢ experiences ​will encourage deeper thinking and personal engagement.
• Diversity: Provide a variety of prompts that ‌cover ⁢different subjects, such as food, animals, sports, or technology. ‍This will cater to ⁣different interests and allow each ‍student to find a topic they feel passionate about.
• Open-endedness: Opt for prompts that encourage students to provide well-constructed arguments and support their opinions with reasons ⁤and evidence. This will challenge them to think critically ​and communicate their⁣ thoughts effectively.

By selecting opinion writing prompts that meet these ‍criteria, ‍you’ll create​ a stimulating environment where‍ 3rd graders can ⁣express their thoughts and develop their unique voices. It will ⁣foster their creativity, language skills, and‌ ability to articulate opinions confidently, preparing ‌them for future writing endeavors.

Opinion writing prompts provide a platform for individuals to freely express their views and unleash their creativity. By presenting ‍thought-provoking topics, these prompts encourage individuals to delve deep into their⁤ thoughts, allowing⁢ them to articulate their opinions in a structured manner. Here’s how opinion writing prompts can foster the expression of unique viewpoints:

• Encourage ‌critical thinking: Opinion writing prompts challenge individuals to‌ analyze different perspectives and consider various arguments. Engaging with ⁤these prompts prompts us to think critically about the world ⁢around us, ultimately honing our ability to form well-rounded opinions.
• Promote individuality: With ​opinion ‍writing prompts, the focus is on personal opinions rather than seeking the “right ‍answer.” This freedom opens⁢ the door to self-expression, allowing individuals to embrace their unique thoughts and ​voice them confidently. It empowers us to celebrate our individuality and appreciate diverse perspectives.
• Foster effective communication: ⁢ Articulating our opinions ⁢through writing helps us develop ‍strong ‍communication skills . Opinion writing prompts prompt individuals to organize their ideas coherently, providing ‌practice in expressing thoughts clearly and persuasively, fostering effective communication both⁢ on paper and in ⁢real-life conversations.

Opinion writing prompts‌ serve as⁣ a potent tool ‍to foster⁤ self-discovery ⁢and creativity. By engaging with them, we embrace the opportunity to reflect upon our own beliefs⁢ and⁢ values, refining our ability to express them. Whether through⁤ structured essays ‌or ⁢free-form responses, opinion writing allows us to share ⁤our unique ‌perspectives with the world. So, let these writing prompts ignite your creativity and unleash the power of your opinions!

The Power of Passages: Enhancing Opinion Writing with Supporting Evidence

In the realm of persuasive writing, the ability to back up⁢ your opinions ‌with compelling evidence⁤ is crucial.‌ One effective way to enhance‍ your opinion writing skills is‍ by utilizing⁣ passages that⁣ provide strong supporting evidence. These passages not only⁢ lend credibility⁣ to your arguments but also help you captivate ⁣your readers, leaving a ⁢lasting impact on their minds. By incorporating‌ relevant and well-researched passages into your writing, you ⁢can significantly strengthen ⁤your persuasive abilities.

An important aspect​ of⁣ utilizing passages to enhance your opinion writing is selecting ⁤ones that resonate ⁢with your target audience. Consider the interests, values,⁣ and beliefs of your readers, and choose ‍passages that align​ with their perspectives. By ⁣doing so, you can establish a deeper connection with your audience, as they will see their own thoughts and experiences reflected​ in the supporting evidence. ⁣Moreover, well-chosen passages also demonstrate your⁣ respect for diverse viewpoints and your commitment to presenting ⁣a well-rounded argument.

• Increased Credibility: Incorporating passages ⁢with supporting evidence from⁢ reliable sources enhances ‍the credibility of your​ opinions, making them more persuasive​ and ⁣trustworthy.
• Enriched Persuasiveness: Well-crafted ⁤passages effectively support your ⁣opinion, making your arguments more convincing ‌and compelling.
• Enhanced Engagement: ⁤ Passages that resonate with your target audience grab their ‌attention‌ and keep them engaged throughout your writing.
• Multiple Perspectives: Including passages that represent different viewpoints demonstrates‌ your ‍understanding and consideration of⁣ diverse opinions.
• Memorable Impact: ⁢ Compelling passages help create a lasting impression on your readers, ensuring that ⁤your arguments stay with them long after reading.

‍ ‍ Opinion writing prompts serve as⁢ a key tool in nurturing critical thinking skills among third graders. Encouraging young ⁤learners to express their thoughts and opinions ‌about various ⁤topics has proven‌ to be highly ‍beneficial for⁣ their⁤ intellectual growth. ‌By engaging in opinion writing, children are exposed to a multitude of ideas, ​perspectives, and values from their peers. This fosters an environment where they not only ⁤learn to articulate their opinions but also develop the⁢ ability to consider alternative viewpoints and think critically about different issues. ⁣

​ ​ ⁤ Through opinion writing prompts, third‌ graders are‍ provided with ⁣the opportunity to develop a range of essential skills that extend beyond writing itself. Here’s a glimpse into ⁤some of the benefits that this type of writing brings to young minds:

• Enhances communication skills: Opinion writing prompts encourage students to ⁢organize their thoughts effectively, structuring them into a coherent and⁣ persuasive‌ argument. This practice results in improved communication skills, both written and verbal, as children learn to express themselves clearly and confidently.
• Stimulates critical thinking: By formulating⁣ opinions‌ and defending them with logical ‌reasoning, third graders are exposed to ​the art of ‍critical thinking. They learn to evaluate the validity of their own arguments and analyze⁤ different perspectives, fostering the ability to make informed decisions‌ throughout​ their lives.
• Boosts confidence: Writing opinion pieces ⁢allows children to⁤ express their individuality and assert their beliefs. As they receive constructive feedback from⁢ teachers and peers, ⁣their self-confidence grows, empowering them to communicate their thoughts with conviction‍ and navigate discussions ​with confidence.
• Expands⁤ empathy and understanding: Opinion writing prompts⁢ create opportunities for children to explore diverse⁢ topics and consider varying opinions. This exposure‌ helps develop empathy and understanding⁢ towards different perspectives, cultures, and values, fostering​ a more inclusive and compassionate mindset.

Are you tired of your​ students groaning at the thought of‌ opinion writing? Spice up‌ your lessons with these creative and exciting ⁢ideas that will‍ have your students eager to share their ‍opinions:

• Themed Debates: Organize classroom debates on popular topics that your⁢ students ⁤care about. Encourage them to research and ⁤prepare arguments for both sides, fostering critical thinking skills and the‍ ability to⁤ analyze different⁣ perspectives.
• Guest Speaker Sessions: Invite guest speakers to​ share ​their opinions on topics related to your curriculum. This not only​ adds variety to your lessons but also exposes students to diverse viewpoints, encouraging open-mindedness and empathy.
• Real-World Opinion Writing: Engage your students by relating opinion writing ⁣to real-world ⁤experiences. Assign them to write a ​persuasive⁤ letter to a ⁣local politician or a renowned organization, addressing issues that they are passionate ‍about. This ⁤helps students understand the power of their voice‍ and how they can make a difference.

By ⁤incorporating these ​fun and exciting activities into your lesson plans,⁤ you can transform opinion writing from a mundane task to an engaging and enjoyable experience. Remember to provide constructive feedback and encourage your students to express their thoughts freely. With these strategies, you’ll see a ​boost ⁢in enthusiasm, creativity, and the development of strong communication ⁣skills in your classroom.

Encouraging young writers⁢ to​ express their opinions can⁤ play a vital role in‍ boosting their confidence and honing their writing skills. To nurture their growth,⁣ we have compiled a⁣ collection of free opinion‍ writing prompts​ designed to stimulate their creativity and encourage them to articulate their thoughts⁢ effectively. These prompts cater to a wide ‌range of interests and provide a platform for young writers to explore ⁢their unique perspectives.

Our carefully curated opinion ⁣writing prompts cover ​various⁤ topics, including current events, social issues, personal ⁤experiences, and more. By engaging with these prompts, ‌young writers ⁢can develop⁣ their critical thinking abilities, learn to communicate their ideas with clarity,‍ and gain greater self-assurance in expressing their ⁢viewpoints. Here‌ are some benefits of utilizing our free‌ opinion writing prompts:

• Enhanced Writing⁢ Fluency: Consistent practice with opinion writing prompts helps young writers ⁣improve their proficiency ⁢in conveying their thoughts and ideas through written words.
• Expanded Vocabulary: Exploring diverse ⁣topics prompts young writers to expand their ⁢vocabulary ⁣as they search for ⁢the ‍right ‍words to articulate their opinions precisely.
• Boosted Confidence: As⁣ young writers engage‌ with various ‍writing prompts, they become more comfortable expressing their ⁣opinions, ultimately boosting their ​self-confidence.
• Increased ​Critical Thinking Skills: Responding‌ to thought-provoking prompts challenges young writers to ⁢analyze situations, evaluate arguments, and form well-reasoned opinions.

At [Website Name], we believe in fostering a love ⁣for writing and empowering young minds to embrace their individual voices. Our carefully ​crafted⁢ opinion writing prompts provide an opportunity for young⁣ writers to grow, express their opinions freely, and develop their unique writing styles. Join us today and⁢ unlock ​the potential ⁣within⁣ every young writer!

Opinion writing is a powerful tool that can nurture and develop critical thinking‌ skills in young minds. In our 3rd-grade classroom, we aim to foster independent thought by encouraging students to express their opinions in a structured and⁢ confident ⁤manner. By providing a safe ‍and inclusive environment, we empower our students to embrace their ⁢unique perspectives and engage in thoughtful discussions ​with their ‌peers.

Throughout the school year, we introduce various strategies to ‌help students form strong arguments ⁤backed​ by evidence and logical reasoning. We kickstart the⁣ process by encouraging them to select topics close to their hearts, whether it be choosing ⁢their favorite book​ or advocating for a playground renovation. We ⁤guide them in gathering facts,‍ statistics, and personal experiences to support their opinions, enabling ⁢them to form a solid foundation for their writing. ⁣Additionally, ‍we teach⁣ our students ⁤how to anticipate and address counterarguments, honing their ability to see multiple perspectives and engage in respectful debates. In doing so, ​we instill‍ a ⁣sense of ownership⁢ and agency in our young writers, preparing them for a lifelong journey ⁤of independent thought.

Fostering Effective ‍Communication: Utilizing Opinion Writing ⁢Prompts ​for Stronger Expression

Opinion ‌writing prompts serve as powerful tools to‌ enhance communication skills and foster stronger expression in individuals of all ages. By encouraging individuals to articulate their ‌thoughts and opinions on various topics, these prompts help‌ develop ‍critical thinking abilities ,‌ persuasive writing skills, and the confidence to express oneself effectively.

1. Encouraging critical thinking: Opinion ⁣writing prompts ⁢prompt individuals ​to analyze a given topic from different perspectives, encouraging them to think critically ‍and evaluate multiple sides of an ⁤argument. This process enriches their ability to form well-rounded opinions and consider ⁣the strengths ‌and weaknesses of ⁣various arguments.

2. Enhancing persuasive writing skills: Crafting ​a strong opinion requires ‌individuals to support their stance with evidence, reasoning, and ​examples. Opinion writing prompts provide the opportunity to ⁢develop and strengthen persuasive writing skills, as individuals‍ learn​ to effectively communicate their⁢ ideas in a logical and compelling manner.

Q: What is ‌3rd‍ grade opinion ⁤writing? A: 3rd grade ‌opinion writing refers to a specific type of writing ​where ​third-grade students express their personal opinions on various‍ topics or issues. It helps them​ develop critical thinking ⁤skills while ⁣learning‍ how‌ to back up their opinions with ⁣evidence and logical ​reasoning.

Q: Why​ is opinion writing important for 3rd graders? A: ‍Opinion writing is ⁣crucial for 3rd graders as it allows them to learn to articulate their thoughts and beliefs effectively. It enhances their persuasive skills, encourages creativity, ‍and boosts ⁢their ability to think independently. ⁢Additionally, opinion writing⁢ helps students develop a stronger understanding of different perspectives‍ and how to respect others’ opinions.

Q: ⁢What are opinion writing prompts with passages? A: Opinion writing prompts with passages are specially⁣ designed prompts that provide third graders ⁤with a ⁤short passage or text to read before expressing‌ their opinion on a‍ given topic. These prompts aim to⁢ stimulate critical thinking and help students form a⁣ well-rounded ⁤viewpoint based on the information ⁢provided.

Q: How can‍ 3rd grade students ‌benefit from opinion writing prompts with passages? A: ‌Opinion writing⁣ prompts with passages offer 3rd graders valuable opportunities to practice their reading ​comprehension skills while encouraging them ⁢to express their thoughts⁢ clearly and compellingly. By engaging with different passages, students learn how to analyze texts, gather relevant information, and develop⁤ logical arguments to support ​their opinions.

Q: Where can I find free 3rd ⁤grade opinion writing prompts with passages? A: There‌ are several ‍online ⁣platforms and educational websites that offer free 3rd grade opinion⁤ writing prompts with passages. These resources can‍ be found‌ on websites specifically dedicated to elementary education or by conducting a simple internet search. Additionally, many school districts and libraries may also have relevant materials available.

Q: How can parents and educators support 3rd graders in developing their opinion writing skills? A: ⁣Parents and⁢ educators can ‌support 3rd graders in developing their opinion writing skills by providing them with a variety of​ opinion prompts with passages to ‍practice on. Encouraging open ​discussions, active listening, and asking questions about their opinions can also help students develop a more ⁢comprehensive understanding of different topics. Additionally, providing constructive feedback and modeling effective‌ writing techniques can further ​enhance their skills.

Q: Are ⁢there any specific tips for teaching opinion writing to 3rd graders? A: Yes! When teaching opinion‍ writing to 3rd graders, it’s important ⁢to start by brainstorming topics that students ⁢are ‌interested in. Encourage them to choose subjects ‌they feel passionate ​about. ‍Additionally, emphasize ​the ⁣importance ​of providing reasons and evidence to support their opinions. Model the⁢ writing process by thinking aloud, sharing drafts, and revising together, promoting collaboration and critical thinking skills.

Q: How can opinion writing ‌benefit 3rd⁣ graders in their ⁤overall academic development? A: Opinion writing has numerous benefits for 3rd graders’⁣ overall academic development. It enhances their communication skills,​ fosters critical thinking abilities, develops their vocabulary, improves reading comprehension, and sharpens their ability to express themselves clearly and persuasively.‌ Furthermore, it⁤ promotes self-confidence and⁢ provides a solid foundation for future writing assignments across various subjects.

In ⁣conclusion, these free 3rd grade opinion writing prompts with ⁢passages⁣ provide a valuable resource⁣ for ⁢young‍ students to express their views confidently and enhance their​ writing skills.

Writing Prompts for 7th Graders: Foster Expressive Writing

Seventh Grade Writing Prompts: Encourage Middle School Creativity

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130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing

Questions on everything from mental health and sports to video games and dating. Which ones inspire you to take a stand?

By The Learning Network

Note: We have an updated version of this list, with 300 new argumentative writing prompts .

What issues do you care most about? What topics do you find yourself discussing passionately, whether online, at the dinner table, in the classroom or with your friends?

In Unit 5 of our free yearlong writing curriculum and related Student Editorial Contest , we invite students to research and write about the issues that matter to them, whether that’s Shakespeare , health care , standardized testing or being messy .

But with so many possibilities, where does one even begin? Try our student writing prompts.

In 2017, we compiled a list of 401 argumentative writing prompts , all drawn from our daily Student Opinion column . Now, we’re rounding up 130 more we’ve published since then ( available here as a PDF ). Each prompt links to a free Times article as well as additional subquestions that can help you think more deeply about it.

You might use this list to inspire your own writing and to find links to reliable resources about the issues that intrigue you. But even if you’re not participating in our contest, you can use these prompts to practice the kind of low-stakes writing that can help you hone your argumentation skills.

So scroll through the list below with questions on everything from sports and mental health to dating and video games and see which ones inspire you to take a stand.

Please note: Many of these prompts are still open to comment by students 13 and up.

Technology & Social Media

1. Do Memes Make the Internet a Better Place? 2. Does Online Public Shaming Prevent Us From Being Able to Grow and Change? 3. How Young Is Too Young to Use Social Media? 4. Should the Adults in Your Life Be Worried by How Much You Use Your Phone? 5. Is Your Phone Love Hurting Your Relationships? 6. Should Kids Be Social Media Influencers? 7. Does Grammar Still Matter in the Age of Twitter? 8. Should Texting While Driving Be Treated Like Drunken Driving? 9. How Do You Think Technology Affects Dating?

10. Are Straight A’s Always a Good Thing? 11. Should Schools Teach You How to Be Happy? 12. How Do You Think American Education Could Be Improved? 13. Should Schools Test Their Students for Nicotine and Drug Use? 14. Can Social Media Be a Tool for Learning and Growth in Schools? 15. Should Facial Recognition Technology Be Used in Schools? 16. Should Your School Day Start Later? 17. How Should Senior Year in High School Be Spent? 18. Should Teachers Be Armed With Guns? 19. Is School a Place for Self-Expression? 20. Should Students Be Punished for Not Having Lunch Money? 21. Is Live-Streaming Classrooms a Good Idea? 22. Should Gifted and Talented Education Be Eliminated? 23. What Are the Most Important Things Students Should Learn in School? 24. Should Schools Be Allowed to Censor Student Newspapers? 25. Do You Feel Your School and Teachers Welcome Both Conservative and Liberal Points of View? 26. Should Teachers and Professors Ban Student Use of Laptops in Class? 27. Should Schools Teach About Climate Change? 28. Should All Schools Offer Music Programs? 29. Does Your School Need More Money? 30. Should All Schools Teach Cursive? 31. What Role Should Textbooks Play in Education? 32. Do Kids Need Recess?

College & Career

33. What Is Your Reaction to the College Admissions Cheating Scandal? 34. Is the College Admissions Process Fair? 35. Should Everyone Go to College? 36. Should College Be Free? 37. Are Lavish Amenities on College Campuses Useful or Frivolous? 38. Should ‘Despised Dissenters’ Be Allowed to Speak on College Campuses? 39. How Should the Problem of Sexual Assault on Campuses Be Addressed? 40. Should Fraternities Be Abolished? 41. Is Student Debt Worth It?

Mental & Physical Health

42. Should Students Get Mental Health Days Off From School? 43. Is Struggle Essential to Happiness? 44. Does Every Country Need a ‘Loneliness Minister’? 45. Should Schools Teach Mindfulness? 46. Should All Children Be Vaccinated? 47. What Do You Think About Vegetarianism? 48. Do We Worry Too Much About Germs? 49. What Advice Should Parents and Counselors Give Teenagers About Sexting? 50. Do You Think Porn Influences the Way Teenagers Think About Sex?

Race & Gender

51. How Should Parents Teach Their Children About Race and Racism? 52. Is America ‘Backsliding’ on Race? 53. Should All Americans Receive Anti-Bias Education? 54. Should All Companies Require Anti-Bias Training for Employees? 55. Should Columbus Day Be Replaced With Indigenous Peoples Day? 56. Is Fear of ‘The Other’ Poisoning Public Life? 57. Should the Boy Scouts Be Coed? 58. What Is Hard About Being a Boy?

59. Can You Separate Art From the Artist? 60. Are There Subjects That Should Be Off-Limits to Artists, or to Certain Artists in Particular? 61. Should Art Come With Trigger Warnings? 62. Should Graffiti Be Protected? 63. Is the Digital Era Improving or Ruining the Experience of Art? 64. Are Museums Still Important in the Digital Age? 65. In the Age of Digital Streaming, Are Movie Theaters Still Relevant? 66. Is Hollywood Becoming More Diverse? 67. What Stereotypical Characters Make You Cringe? 68. Do We Need More Female Superheroes? 69. Do Video Games Deserve the Bad Rap They Often Get? 70. Should Musicians Be Allowed to Copy or Borrow From Other Artists? 71. Is Listening to a Book Just as Good as Reading It? 72. Is There Any Benefit to Reading Books You Hate?

73. Should Girls and Boys Sports Teams Compete in the Same League? 74. Should College Athletes Be Paid? 75. Are Youth Sports Too Competitive? 76. Is It Selfish to Pursue Risky Sports Like Extreme Mountain Climbing? 77. How Should We Punish Sports Cheaters? 78. Should Technology in Sports Be Limited? 79. Should Blowouts Be Allowed in Youth Sports? 80. Is It Offensive for Sports Teams and Their Fans to Use Native American Names, Imagery and Gestures?

81. Is It Wrong to Focus on Animal Welfare When Humans Are Suffering? 82. Should Extinct Animals Be Resurrected? If So, Which Ones? 83. Are Emotional-Support Animals a Scam? 84. Is Animal Testing Ever Justified? 85. Should We Be Concerned With Where We Get Our Pets? 86. Is This Exhibit Animal Cruelty or Art?

Parenting & Childhood

87. Who Should Decide Whether a Teenager Can Get a Tattoo or Piercing? 88. Is It Harder to Grow Up in the 21st Century Than It Was in the Past? 89. Should Parents Track Their Teenager’s Location? 90. Is Childhood Today Over-Supervised? 91. How Should Parents Talk to Their Children About Drugs? 92. What Should We Call Your Generation? 93. Do Other People Care Too Much About Your Post-High School Plans? 94. Do Parents Ever Cross a Line by Helping Too Much With Schoolwork? 95. What’s the Best Way to Discipline Children? 96. What Are Your Thoughts on ‘Snowplow Parents’? 97. Should Stay-at-Home Parents Be Paid? 98. When Do You Become an Adult?

Ethics & Morality

99. Why Do Bystanders Sometimes Fail to Help When They See Someone in Danger? 100. Is It Ethical to Create Genetically Edited Humans? 101. Should Reporters Ever Help the People They Are Covering? 102. Is It O.K. to Use Family Connections to Get a Job? 103. Is $1 Billion Too Much Money for Any One Person to Have? 104. Are We Being Bad Citizens If We Don’t Keep Up With the News? 105. Should Prisons Offer Incarcerated People Education Opportunities? 106. Should Law Enforcement Be Able to Use DNA Data From Genealogy Websites for Criminal Investigations? 107. Should We Treat Robots Like People?

Government & Politics

108. Does the United States Owe Reparations to the Descendants of Enslaved People? 109. Do You Think It Is Important for Teenagers to Participate in Political Activism? 110. Should the Voting Age Be Lowered to 16? 111. What Should Lawmakers Do About Guns and Gun Violence? 112. Should Confederate Statues Be Removed or Remain in Place? 113. Does the U.S. Constitution Need an Equal Rights Amendment? 114. Should National Monuments Be Protected by the Government? 115. Should Free Speech Protections Include Self Expression That Discriminates? 116. How Important Is Freedom of the Press? 117. Should Ex-Felons Have the Right to Vote? 118. Should Marijuana Be Legal? 119. Should the United States Abolish Daylight Saving Time? 120. Should We Abolish the Death Penalty? 121. Should the U.S. Ban Military-Style Semiautomatic Weapons? 122. Should the U.S. Get Rid of the Electoral College? 123. What Do You Think of President Trump’s Use of Twitter? 124. Should Celebrities Weigh In on Politics? 125. Why Is It Important for People With Different Political Beliefs to Talk to Each Other?

Other Questions

126. Should the Week Be Four Days Instead of Five? 127. Should Public Transit Be Free? 128. How Important Is Knowing a Foreign Language? 129. Is There a ‘Right Way’ to Be a Tourist? 130. Should Your Significant Other Be Your Best Friend?

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Praxis Core Writing

Course: praxis core writing   >   unit 1, argumentative essay | quick guide.

• Source-based essay | Quick guide
• Revision in context | Quick guide
• Within-sentence punctuation | Quick guide
• Subordination and coordination | Quick guide
• Independent and dependent Clauses | Video lesson
• Parallel structure | Quick guide
• Modifier placement | Quick guide
• Shifts in verb tense | Quick guide
• Pronoun clarity | Quick guide
• Pronoun agreement | Quick guide
• Subject-verb agreement | Quick guide
• Noun agreement | Quick guide
• Frequently confused words | Quick guide
• Conventional expressions | Quick guide
• Logical comparison | Quick guide
• Concision | Quick guide
• Adjective/adverb confusion | Quick guide
• Negation | Quick guide
• Capitalization | Quick guide
• Apostrophe use | Quick guide
• Research skills | Quick guide

Argumentative essay (30 minutes)

• states or clearly implies the writer’s position or thesis
• organizes and develops ideas logically, making insightful connections between them
• clearly explains key ideas, supporting them with well-chosen reasons, examples, or details
• displays effective sentence variety
• clearly displays facility in the use of language
• is generally free from errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics
• organizes and develops ideas clearly, making connections between them
• explains key ideas, supporting them with relevant reasons, examples, or details
• displays some sentence variety
• displays facility in the use of language
• states or implies the writer’s position or thesis
• shows control in the organization and development of ideas
• explains some key ideas, supporting them with adequate reasons, examples, or details
• displays adequate use of language
• shows control of grammar, usage, and mechanics, but may display errors
• limited in stating or implying a position or thesis
• limited control in the organization and development of ideas
• inadequate reasons, examples, or details to explain key ideas
• an accumulation of errors in the use of language
• an accumulation of errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics
• no clear position or thesis
• weak organization or very little development
• few or no relevant reasons, examples, or details
• frequent serious errors in the use of language
• frequent serious errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics
• contains serious and persistent writing errors or
• is incoherent or
• is undeveloped or
• is off-topic

How should I build a thesis?

• (Choice A)   Kids should find role models that are worthier than celebrities because celebrities may be famous for reasons that aren't admirable. A Kids should find role models that are worthier than celebrities because celebrities may be famous for reasons that aren't admirable.
• (Choice B)   Because they profit from the admiration of youths, celebrities have a moral responsibility for the reactions their behaviors provoke in fans. B Because they profit from the admiration of youths, celebrities have a moral responsibility for the reactions their behaviors provoke in fans.
• (Choice C)   Celebrities may have more imitators than most people, but they hold no more responsibility over the example they set than the average person. C Celebrities may have more imitators than most people, but they hold no more responsibility over the example they set than the average person.
• (Choice D)   Notoriety is not always a choice, and some celebrities may not want to be role models. D Notoriety is not always a choice, and some celebrities may not want to be role models.
• (Choice E)   Parents have a moral responsibility to serve as immediate role models for their children. E Parents have a moral responsibility to serve as immediate role models for their children.

How should I support my thesis?

• (Choice A)   As basketball star Charles Barkley stated in a famous advertising campaign for Nike, he was paid to dominate on the basketball court, not to raise your kids. A As basketball star Charles Barkley stated in a famous advertising campaign for Nike, he was paid to dominate on the basketball court, not to raise your kids.
• (Choice B)   Many celebrities do consider themselves responsible for setting a good example and create non-profit organizations through which they can benefit youths. B Many celebrities do consider themselves responsible for setting a good example and create non-profit organizations through which they can benefit youths.
• (Choice C)   Many celebrities, like Kylie Jenner with her billion-dollar cosmetics company, profit directly from being imitated by fans who purchase sponsored products. C Many celebrities, like Kylie Jenner with her billion-dollar cosmetics company, profit directly from being imitated by fans who purchase sponsored products.
• (Choice D)   My ten-year-old nephew may love Drake's music, but his behaviors are more similar to those of the adults he interacts with on a daily basis, like his parents and teachers. D My ten-year-old nephew may love Drake's music, but his behaviors are more similar to those of the adults he interacts with on a daily basis, like his parents and teachers.
• (Choice E)   It's very common for young people to wear fashions similar to those of their favorite celebrities. E It's very common for young people to wear fashions similar to those of their favorite celebrities.

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