Opinion/Persuasive/Review Writing UnitMs. Goodwin’s Grade 2 English Class

Pre-Assessment

1. Think of a book, movie, restaurant, game, or other experience that you have strong feelings about.

2. Tell your opinion and tell the reasons why you feel this way.

Vocabulary to know● persuasive/persuasion - trying to get other people to

think like you● reviews - opinion writing about a certain book, movie,

game, etc.● reviewer - the author who wrote the review● opinion - what you think● argument - reasons to support your opinion● audience - the person/people who will read your review

Home/School Connection

● Letter to Parents with information about unit● Students interview adults in their lives to learn

how those grown-ups rely on reviews to affect their decisions.

● Give students “Reviewers’ Notebooks” to use at home.

Part I: Getting Started Writing

ReviewsFocus Traits: Ideas, Voice

Writers write to share our opinions with the world. We write about people, places, and things we like and don’t like – musical groups, restaurants, games, movies, books, vacation spots, shows, and songs. We put our opinions down on paper to convince others why something is exceptionally great, terrible, or just okay. This kind of writing is called a review.

Let’s explore some reviews!

Spaghetti Book Club

Common Sense Media

Kids First

Mentor Texts

Writers consider their audience when writing a review. They use details and reasons to persuade those people and support their opinion/argument. Reviews should sound like you are talking to the reader.

Learning Target: I can listen to and read the poem “Mother Doesn’t Want a Dog” and write a persuasive letter to “mother.” I can state my argument and support it with reasons and details.

Mother Doesn’t Want a DogJudith Viorst, 1931Mother doesn’t want a dog.

Mother says they smell,

And never sit when you say sit,

Or even when you yell.

And when you come home late at night

And there is ice and snow,

You have to go back out because

The dumb dog has to go.

Mother doesn’t want a dog.

Mother says they shed,

And always let the strangers in

And bark at friends instead,

And do disgraceful things on rugs,

And track mud on the floor,

And flop upon your bed at night

And snore their doggy snore.

Mother doesn’t want a dog.

She’s making a mistake.

Because, more than a dog, I think

She will not want this snake.

Writers consider their audience when writing a review. They use details and reasons to persuade those people and support their opinion/argument. Reviews should sound like you are talking to the reader.

Learning Target: I can choose a book to review. I can complete a book recommendation graphic organizer to organize my thoughts and opinions about my book, so I can share them with a friend.

Things We Notice in the Reviews We’ve Read

● book info - title, author, genre, what books it is similar to● summary - what the book is about (without giving away the

juiciest details or ending!) ● opinion - why the person likes it (with detail)● recommendation - who they think would enjoy the book (try to

recommend it to a wide group of people)● rating - how many stars they give the book

Writing Agenda

1. Mini Lesson 15min (whole group) 2. Brainstorming 5 ideas for Reviews (20min) 3. Wrap up (whole group) 4. Pass Exit ticket (Review Sheet) to Ms. Goodwin.

Learning Target: I can generate a list of ideas for a meaningful review by thinking of something that I REALLY enjoy or dislike that I would like to communicate to someone else and explain why.

Something I really enjoyed or disliked

Why do I want to write about it?

Big Daddy’s Pizza - restaurant It has really interesting flavors, like potato, bacon, ranch. The dough bites are OUT OF THIS WORLD!

TJ Maxx - store It’s affordable, they have really cute clothes, and they have great gifts there.

Sugarbush Ski Resort in VT - place It’s beautiful there and there’s a lot of terrain for every ability of skier. The chili bread bowls in the cafeteria are yummy.

Tangled - movie I think it’s really funny - especially the chameleon and horse. I love the song “I Have a Dream.” The characters are interesting.

The Quiltmaker’s Gift I like that it has a lesson at the end. It has interesting characters and great illustrations.

Writing Agenda

1. Mini Lesson 15min (whole group)

2. Write my introduction to my review (20min)

3. Wrap up and share (whole group)

4. Pass exit ticket (packet) in to Ms. Goodwin.

Learning Target: I can write a review with an introduction that engages the audience they are writing to.

Name: Ms. Sullivan Date: 1-11-16Review of: Boston Subway System

Have you ever taken the subway in Boston? You know, the public transportation system that claims to be efficient, well-run, clean, and enjoyable to ride? If so, you may have noticed that NONE of these claims are true. In fact, when I tried to take the subway the other day, I discovered a bus had replaced a train making my ride take an HOUR longer! But have no fear! I am here to tell you that instead of suffering through a noisy, dirty, slow, frustrating ride on the subway, there are many other alternatives that you will find to be MUCH more enjoyable. So throw away your subway pass and read on to learn why walking, bike-riding, or uber-ing are much better ways to get around this beautiful city.

We can do this by:

● talking to our readers ● using sensory details● asking engaging

questions● using our own

experiences (telling anecdotes)

Learning Target: I can write a review with an introduction that engages the audience they are writing to.

We can do this by:

● talking to our readers ● using sensory details● asking engaging

questions● using our own

experiences (telling anecdotes)

Name: Ms. Sullivan Date: 1-11-16Review of: Levain Bakery

Hey! Do you LOVE cookies? Can you imagine biting into a moist, warm, gooey, chocolate chip cookie the size of your hand? This scene was something I had only dreamed about… until I heard about Levain Bakery, a small, but famous bakery on 74th Street in New York City. Once I learned this bakery was in my neighborhood, I could hardly wait for my first trip there. I was NOT disappointed! The service was pleasant, the ambiance felt special, and most importantly, the cookies were the best I have ever tasted. If you are ever in New York City, be sure to visit Levain Bakery on the Upper West Side! Read on to find out why.

Name: Ms. Goodwin Date: 2-24-16Review of: Sugarbush Ski Resort

Close your eyes. Imagine yourself gliding down the soft, powdery slopes. It’s a beautiful sunny day. The snow is perfect, the view is outstanding, and you’re happy to be here. You’re at Sugarbush! Well… at least you could be! Sugarbush Ski Resort is the BEST ski mountain around! It has amazing terrain for all levels and a great ski tuning shop. Don’t like to ski? No problem! You can head to the Gatehouse or Valley House lodge for an amaaaaazing chili bowl and Vermont country salad lunch! (One time, they even put mac and cheese in my chili bowl - what a delicious treat!!) Read on to learn more about Sugarbush Ski Resort so you can make it your next great ski vacation!

Learning Target: I can write a review with an introduction that engages the audience they are writing to.

We can do this by:

● talking to our readers ● using sensory details● asking engaging

questions● using our own

experiences (telling anecdotes)

Writing Agenda

1. Mini Lesson 10min (whole group)

2. Write the body my review (20min)

3. Wrap up and share (whole group)

4. Learning Target Check-In

Learning Target: I can reinforce my opinions by adding supporting reasons with evidence.

Sugarbush Ski Resort is the best place to go skiing. First of all, it has lots of different terrain to please all levels of skiers. The “Spring Fling” trail is great for skiers who like to take it easy, “Eden’s Woods” (my personal favorite) is great for dare devils who like to ski the glades (in the trees), and “Stein’s Run” is sure to give mogul fans a thrill. Another reason why Sugarbush is amazing is that it’s such a big mountain. You’ll never get bored! You can ski at Lincoln Peak, Castlerock, or Mount Ellen. Did you know that Sugarbush also has tons of fun winter events? Already this winter, they’ve had a fireworks show, a parade, and a few ski competitions. Later this winter, they’re going to have a festival, a mogul challenge, and don’t forget the pond-skimming event!

Main Idea →

Supporting Reason #1 →

Supporting Reason #2 →

Supporting Reason #3 →

Evidence →

Evidence →

Evidence →

Enjoying the snow with some friends and family at Sugarbush!

Learning Target: I can add information and connect ideas with transition and linking words.

Sugarbush Ski Resort is the best place to go skiing. First of all, it has lots of different terrain to please all levels of skiers. The “Spring Fling” trail is great for skiers who like to take it easy, “Eden’s Woods” (my personal favorite) is great for dare devils who like to ski the glades (in the trees), and “Stein’s Run” is sure to give mogul fans a thrill. Another reason why Sugarbush is amazing is that it’s such a big mountain. You’ll never get bored! You can ski at Lincoln Peak, Castlerock, or Mount Ellen. Did you know that Sugarbush also has tons of fun winter events? Already this winter, they’ve had a fireworks show, a parade, and a few ski competitions. Later this winter, they’re going to have a festival, a mogul challenge, and don’t forget the pond-skimming event!

(These are the three different peaks that make up the Sugarbush resort.)

Linking Words Transition Words

andalsobut, howeverbecausesincethereforefor examplenot onlyunless

first of all, second, thirdnextlast but not least finallyas you can seeIn conclusionpersonallyin my opinionIf… thenespecially

Learning Target: I can compare my topic to something else to make my writing more persuasive. I can use details and descriptive language, and can also include a small moment story that “storytells” my experience.

Comparing sentence frames to try today:

If you like _______, then you’ll LOVE _______!

It reminds me of...

The ______ make you think of...

Storytelling sentence frames to try today:

One time, I…

Whenever I go to _____, I…

Learning Target: I can choose a strong ending (conclusion) to leave my reader with a lasting impression.

We can do this by:

● Restating our opinions and reasons

● Talking to our readers (“you should...”)

● Making sure our readers are convinced!

Name: Ms. Sullivan Date: 1-11-16Conclusion: Levain Bakery

If you like sweet treats, and especially if cookies are one of your favorite desserts, you will definitely want to make the trip to the Upper West Side in New York City for Levain Bakery’s cookies. I would rank it the #1 bakery in the world, a true 10 out of 10. The cookies there will knock your socks off! The staff is extremely pleasant and the ambiance gives you a warm, fuzzy, cookie-licious feeling every time you go. I highly recommend the bakery to anyone craving a sweet snack, or anyone with a cookie curiosity! You won’t be disappointed!

Learning Target: I can choose a strong ending (conclusion) to leave my reader with a lasting impression.

We can do this by:

● Restating our opinions and reasons

● Talking to our readers (“you should...”)

● Making sure our readers are convinced!

Name: Ms. Goodwin Date: 3-10-16Conclusion: Sugarbush Ski Resort

So, if you love skiing, stop what you’re doing right now and head to Sugarbush Ski Resort! They have the best terrain, plenty of areas to ski, and fun winter events. Don’t forget to try a chili bread bowl when you’re having lunch in the lodge! In conclusion, Sugarbush is simply the best - a five star resort, for sure. Trust me, you’ll thank me for this recommendation later because, well, you’re just going to love it! Thanks for reading!

Learning Target: I can share my work with others. They discuss the review and work together to help the writer appeal to his/her audience.

Learning Target: I can revise and edit my review to make it the best it can be! If a sentence does not match my main idea, I’ll get rid of it!

So, if you love skiing, like I do, stop what you’re doing right now and head to Sugarbush Ski Resort! They have the best terrain, plenty of areas to ski, and fun winter events. Don’t forget to try a chili bread bowl when you’re having lunch in the lodge! In conclusion, Sugarbush is simply the best amazing - a five star resort, for sure. Trust me, you’ll thank me for this recommendation later because, well, you’re just going to love it! Thanks for reading!

To do today:❏ Use the checklists at the bottom of each

page to see what you have and what you need to add

❏ Make sure you introduced your topic and stated your opinion

❏ Make sure you gave 3 reasons with evidence

❏ Make sure you used lots of transition words and linking words

❏ Make sure you wrote a conclusion that leaves your reader with a lasting impression!

Post-Assessment1. Think of a book, movie, restaurant, game, or

other experience, that you have strong feelings about.

2. Tell your opinion and the reasons why you feel this way.

3. Use everything you know about writing reviews.