Big Debate Slides
The Big Debate
Mastering Opinion Writing
What is an Opinion?
Fact
A statement that can be proven true.
"Blue whales are the largest animals on Earth."
Opinion
What someone thinks, feels, or believes.
"Dolphins are the smartest animals in the ocean."
The OREO Method
O
Opinion
Tell your readers exactly how you feel.
R
Reason
Explain why you feel that way.
E
Evidence
Give examples or facts to support your reason.
O
Opinion
Restate your opinion in a new way!
Today's Prompt
Should wild animals be kept in zoos?
Consider animal safety, conservation, education, and the difference between life in the wild vs. captivity.
Think Before You Write
The "Yes" Side
- Zoos protect endangered species.
- People learn to care about animals.
- Injured animals are given care.
The "No" Side
- Animals have limited space to move.
- Captivity can cause stress for wildlife.
- It's not their natural habitat.
Convince Us!
"A strong opinion without a reason is just a feeling."
Use strong transitions:
For example • In addition • Furthermore • Therefore
Persuasion Pro Teacher Guide
Teacher Guide
Zoo Debate Lesson
Grade Level
5th Grade
Topic
Zoos
Standard
W.5.1
Focused Debate Question
"Should wild animals be kept in zoos?"
1
The Hook: Fact vs. Opinion
Present animal statements (e.g., "Tigers live in Asia"). Have students move to one side for Facts and the other for Opinions (e.g., "Zoos are beautiful"). Discuss the difference between provable facts and individual beliefs.
2
Direct Instruction: OREO
Use the slides to introduce the OREO method. Focus on the distinction between a Reason (the 'Why') and Evidence (the 'Proof'). Show students that evidence can be facts from a book or a personal observation.
3
Guided Drafting
Hand out the Animal Debate Worksheet. Work through the first 'O' (Opinion) together as a class. Allow students to choose their stance independently for the rest of the OREO organizer before they start their final draft.
Scoring Rubric on next page
Scoring Rubric
Opinion Writing Mastery
| Category | Level 4 | Level 3 | Level 2 | Level 1 |
|---|
| Opinion & Claim | Clear, bold claim stated immediately and maintained. | Opinion is clearly stated in the introduction. | Opinion is present but unclear or buried. | Opinion is missing or off-topic. |
| Reasons & Evidence | 2+ logical reasons with specific details or facts. | 1-2 reasons with some supporting evidence. | Reasons given but lack depth or facts. | No logical reasons provided. |
| Organization | Sophisticated and consistent OREO structure. | Follows OREO structure throughout draft. | Partial OREO structure; some gaps or missing parts. | No clear organization or structure. |
| Transitions | Variety of strong, varied transitions used smoothly. | Uses basic transitions (First, Also) correctly. | Few transitions; ideas feel disconnected. | No transitions used to link ideas. |
Facilitation Tips
- • Remind students that evidence can be a scientific fact or a specific observation.
- • During the debrief, have students share their strongest 'Reason' to see if it changes any minds.
- • Focus on the final restatement – it's the last chance to convince the reader!
Animal Debate Worksheet
Animal Argument
Opinion Writing Prompt
Name:
Date:
The Big Question
Should wild animals be kept in zoos?
Think about both sides. Do zoos protect endangered species, or is it unfair to keep animals in captivity? Use the OREO method to organize your thoughts.
O
Opinion Statement
R
Strong Reason
E
Evidence / Fact / Example
O
Opinion Restated
Turn the page to write your final draft! →
Final Argument
Opinion?
Reason?
Evidence?
Transitions?
