Lesson
3
:

Writing an Opinion Piece About Courage

Grade

Grade 4

UNIT

5

Courage

Last Updated:

May 26, 2025

In Unit 5, Lesson 3, “Writing an Opinion Piece About Courage,” students will write an opinion piece in which they introduce the topic they are writing about, state an opinion, create an organizational structure that lists reasons, use linking words and phrases, and provide a concluding statement or section.

SUGGESTED TIME:

20 minutes

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

  • Demonstrate comprehension of the word courage
  • Write an opinion piece that introduces the topic, states an opinion, creates an organizational structure that lists reasons, uses linking words and phrases, and provides a concluding statement or section.
  • Demonstrate understanding of standard English sentence structure and grammar

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

  • Prohuman Grade 4 Unit 5 Worksheet 3: Writing an Opinion Piece About Courage

VOCABULARY:

  • Courage: I do what I think is right even when I am afraid.

ELA COMMON CORE STANDARDS MET

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1

Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1.A

Introduce a topic or text clearly, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure in which related ideas are grouped to support the writer's purpose.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1.B

Provide reasons that are supported by facts and details.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1.C

Link opinion and reasons using words and phrases (e.g., for instance, in order to, in addition).

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1.D

Provide a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.1

Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.1.F

Produce complete sentences, recognizing and correcting inappropriate fragments and run-ons.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.2

Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.2.A

Use correct capitalization.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.2.D

Spell grade-appropriate words correctly, consulting references as needed.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.3

Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.3.A

Choose words and phrases to convey ideas precisely.

CHARACTER AND SOCIAL EMOTIONAL (CSED) NATIONAL STANDARDS MET

Intellectual Character B4

Demonstrate the ability to analyze data, facts, and information

Self-Awareness A1

Understand and explain why different situations may set in motion or give rise to different emotions (e.g., learning something new or difficult, meeting someone new)

Self-Awareness A3

Explain the ways in which you use and practice your personal strengths (e.g., your willingness to help others, your positivity)

LESSON PROCEDURE

Today we will write an opinion piece about a way you can show courage and why it is important to show courage. An opinion piece does five things. 

  1. First, it introduces the topic you are writing about.
  2. Second, it states your opinion.
  3. Third, it supplies reasons that support your opinion
  4. Fourth, it uses linking words (because, and, also) to connect opinion and reasons
  5. Finally, it provides a concluding statement or section
  6. Here is an example of an opinion piece about courage. Write on the board:

    Topic: There are many different ways we can show courage.
    Opinion: The best way I can show courage is by giving a speech in front of a large audience.
    Reason 1: The best way to learn how to show courage is by doing something that makes us feel afraid.
    Reason 2: Giving a speech in front of a large audience makes me feel afraid.
    Reason 3: If I give a speech in front of a large audience, even though I am afraid, I will become a stronger person and not let fear control me.
    Conclusion: In my opinion, the best way I can show courage is by giving a speech in front of a large audience so that I can overcome my fear, become a stronger person, and gain more confidence.
  7. Now each student will write their opinion piece on their worksheet.

NOTE: Collect and keep the worksheet on the following page for the next day’s lesson in which students will share their opinion pieces with a partner.

GRADE 4 UNIT 5 WORKSHEET 3: WRITING AN OPINION PIECE ABOUT COURAGE

Courage: I do what I think is right even when I am afraid.

ACTIVITY: Write an opinion piece about one way you can show courage and 3 reasons it is important to show courage.

Topic:

Opinion: 

Reason 1: 

Reason 2: 

Reason 3: 

Closure:  

Prohuman K-12 Curriculum © 2025 by Prohuman Foundation is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.
To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

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