Town Debate Reading Passages Social Studies & Writing Grade 3
The Oak Street Lot: What Should Maplewood Build?
Name:
Date:
Civic Action Writing Prompt
The Maplewood Town Council has voted to turn an empty lot on Oak Street into a public space for all residents. Council members must decide between a Community Vegetable Garden or a Community Sports & Play Park . Read both texts below. Choose which project is best for Maplewood, and gather at least two pieces of text evidence to support your 3-paragraph opinion essay!
1
Text 1: Grow Fresh Food!
By Dr. Elena Ramos, Maplewood Town Ecologist
An empty lot is the perfect place to build a community vegetable garden. First, fresh fruits and vegetables can be expensive at grocery stores. A community garden would allow over 200 local families to grow nutritious tomatoes, carrots, and beans for free.
Second, gardens are living outdoor science classrooms. Students can learn firsthand how seeds sprout, how healthy soil works, and why honeybees and butterflies are vital pollinators for our planet.
Finally, gardens bring people of all ages together. Grandparents and children can plant side by side. Excess harvest can be donated directly to the Maplewood Food Bank to help neighbors in need.
Key Facts to Cite:
Provides free healthy food for 200+ families
Outdoor science learning about plants & pollinators
Donates extra food to the local food bank
2
Text 2: Move and Play!
By Coach Marcus Vance, Youth Program Director
Maplewood needs an active sports and play park on Oak Street. Today, many children spend too much time sitting inside looking at screens. A park with soccer goals, basketball hoops, and a paved walking loop encourages everyone to exercise daily.
Doctors state that 3rd graders need at least 60 minutes of active movement every day for strong hearts and bones. A well-lit park offers a safe, supervised place for kids to play after school.
Furthermore, a sports park builds community teamwork. Maplewood could host neighborhood games, running clubs, and weekend family fun days where everyone can cheer each other on.
Key Facts to Cite:
Helps kids get 60 minutes of active exercise daily
Provides a safe, fun space for after-school sports
Builds town teamwork and hosts neighborhood games
Step 1: Mark Your Opinion
Check one box below to begin planning your T.E.X.T. essay
I support building the Community Garden
I support building the Sports & Play Park
Text Strategy Planning Organizer Graphic Organizer 3-Paragraph Plan
T.E.X.T. Opinion Planning Sheet
Name:
Date:
T
Topic & Opinion
State your main claim
E
Evidence
Cite facts from the text
X
eXplain
Tell why it matters
T
Tie It Up
Conclude & call to action
1
Paragraph 1: Introduction (Topic & Claim)
T = Topic
Hook / Background (What is the town deciding?):
My Clear Opinion Statement (Claim):
2
Paragraph 2: Body (Evidence & eXplanation)
E = Evidence X = eXplain
E1: Fact / Detail from Text (Starters: According to Text... / Dr. Ramos states... / Coach Vance notes... ):
X1: My Explanation (Starters: This proves that... / This is important to our town because... ):
E2 / X2: Second Evidence or Added Reason with Explanation:
3
Paragraph 3: Conclusion (Tie It Together)
T = Tie it Up
Restate Opinion (In different words):
Call to Action for Town Council:
Opinion Writer's Word Bank: Use these transitional phrases in your draft!
Stating Opinion: I strongly believe, In my opinion, Maplewood should...
Giving Evidence: According to Text 1/2, For example, The author states...
Concluding: In conclusion, For these reasons, I urge the council...
Opinion Drafting Pages Drafting Paper Page 1 of 2
My Civic Opinion Essay Draft
Name:
Date:
Essay Title:
1 Paragraph 1: Introduction (Hook & Clear Opinion)
Remember to indent! ➔
[Indent]
2 Paragraph 2: Body (Evidence & Explanation)
Cite from Text 1 or 2 ➔
[Indent]
Turn to Page 2 to draft your conclusion and complete your self-monitoring checklist ➔
Drafting & Review Page 2 of 2
Conclusion & Writer's Checklist
Civic Opinion Writing
3 Paragraph 3: Conclusion (Tie It Together & Call to Action)
Wrap up your ideas ➔
[Indent]
3rd Grade Opinion Writer's Self-Check
Check each box before submitting
T.E.X.T. Structure & Organization
I indented all 3 paragraphs . Paragraph 1 (T): Hooked reader & stated my clear opinion. Paragraph 2 (E & X): Included text evidence and explained it. Paragraph 3 (T): Restated opinion & gave a call to action.
Grammar, Spelling & Mechanics
Every sentence starts with a capital letter . Capitalized proper nouns (Maplewood, Oak Street ). Used correct end punctuation (. ! ? ) on every sentence. Used transition words (For example, In conclusion ).
Author Signature:
Peer or Teacher Reviewer:
Opinion Scoring Rubric Scoring Guide CCSS W.3.1 Aligned
3rd Grade Civic Opinion Writing Rubric
Student:
Total Score: / 16
Use this rubric to see how your 3-paragraph T.E.X.T. opinion essay is scored! Goal: Level 3 or 4
Criteria 4 - Star Writer 🌟 3 - On Target 🎯 2 - Developing 🚀 1 - Getting Started 💡 Paragraph 1: Topic & Opinion (T) Captivating hook; clearly explains the town issue and states a bold, confident opinion. Introduces the Oak Street lot topic and states a clear, direct opinion. Mentions the topic, but the opinion is unclear or hard to find. Missing an introduction or does not state an opinion on the project. Paragraph 2: Evidence & eXplain (E & X) Cites 2+ strong facts from the text; deeply explains how each fact helps Maplewood. Cites accurate text evidence and explains in own words why the reason matters. Gives a reason, but provides weak text evidence or minimal explanation. No evidence from the reading passages; reasons are unclear or off-topic. Paragraph 3: Tie It Up (T) Powerfully restates opinion with new words; leaves an inspiring call to action for the council. Restates opinion clearly and wraps up the 3 paragraphs with a closing thought. Simple closing sentence that just repeats Paragraph 1 word-for-word. Essay ends abruptly without a concluding paragraph or sentence. Conventions & Linking Words Variety of transition words; flawless 3-paragraph indents; accurate capitalization & punctuation. Uses linking words (because, for example ); all 3 paragraphs indented; mostly correct mechanics. Few transitions used; some paragraphs not indented; frequent spelling or punctuation errors. Errors make the essay difficult to read; paragraphs are not separated.
Student Self-Evaluation
Rate how you feel you did before turning in your essay:
🌟 4
🎯 3
🚀 2
💡 1
One thing I am proud of:
Teacher Glow & Grow
Score: ____ / 16
✨ Glow (Strength):
🌱 Grow (Next Step):
