TEXT Master Teacher Guide AZ
Arizona Grade 3 ELA • Writing Unit Plan
Multi-Paragraph TEXT Opinion Writing
Standard: AZ.3.W.1 (a–d)
3-Day Paired Article Sequence
The Paired Articles Debate
Students read two contrasting informational articles: Article 1: The Grand Canyon and Article 2: Saguaro National Park . Students choose one destination and write a 4-paragraph opinion essay defending their choice with text evidence.
Essay Architecture
¶ 1: Intro (Opinion + 2 Reasons)
¶ 2: Body 1 (TEXT Reason 1)
¶ 3: Body 2 (TEXT Reason 2)
¶ 4: Conclusion (Tie Together)
3-Day Instructional Pacing (60 Minutes Each)
Day 1 Explore
Read Paired Articles & Harvest Evidence AZ.3.W.1a, AZ.3.W.1b
• Direct (15m): Introduce prompt & slides. Unpack multi-paragraph essay structure and TEXT strategy.Shared Read (20m): Read both Arizona articles aloud; annotate key facts and features for each site.Guided/Indep (20m): Students choose their stance and complete the Evidence Hunter Blueprint.Exit Wrap (5m): Whip-around share of chosen destination and Reason 1.
Day 2 Connect
eXplain (X), Transitions, & Tie Conclusions AZ.3.W.1c, AZ.3.W.1d
• Direct (15m): Present Day 2 slides on elaborating evidence (X) and paragraph transitions.Guided (15m): Model drafting Body Paragraph 1 with linking words (for example, because, therefore ).Indep (25m): Students draft Body Paragraphs 1 & 2 on Bridge Builder Worksheet.Exit Wrap (5m): Partner share of strongest explanation sentences.
Day 3 Publish
Multi-Paragraph Essay Drafting & Assessment Full AZ 3.W.1 Cycle
• Review & Checklist (10m): Review the 4-paragraph architecture and scoring rubric.Independent Writing (35m): Students draft complete 4-paragraph essay on Assessment Booklet.Self-Assessment (10m): Students complete the 4-Star Self-Checklist and make revisions.Celebration (5m): Author's chair highlights.
Multi-Paragraph TEXT Tip
In a multi-paragraph essay, the TEXT strategy powers each body paragraph ! Body ¶1 uses Reason 1 (T=Reason sentence, E=Fact from chosen article, X=Explain why it matters, T=Tie back to main opinion). Body ¶2 repeats this with Reason 2.
Multi-Paragraph Rubric & Student Exemplar
AZ 3.W.1 Analytical Scale
Multi-Paragraph Analytical Rubric (16 Points Total)
Trait 4 - Advanced 3 - Proficient 2 - Developing 1 - Beginning Intro & Opinion (3.W.1a) Engaging hook; clearly states chosen article; previews 2 distinct reasons. Introduces chosen article clearly; states opinion and 2 reasons. States opinion, but reasons are vague or missing preview. Missing clear opinion; no clear introductory structure. Text Evidence (3.W.1b) Includes 2+ precise text-based facts/quotes from the chosen article. Includes at least 1 accurate fact/quote for each body paragraph. Includes general facts; weak direct connection to text. No text evidence; relies only on personal guesses. Explanation & Links (3.W.1c) Insightfully explains why facts prove claim; uses diverse linking words. Explains how facts support opinion using words like because, therefore . Merely restates facts; repetitive or missing linking words. No explanation; no linking words used. Conclusion & Tie (3.W.1d) Skillfully restates opinion with new phrasing; ends with strong punch. Provides a clear concluding paragraph that wraps up the 2 reasons. Abrupt ending; directly copies the introduction sentence. Missing conclusion entirely.
Grade 3 Anchor Exemplar: 4-Paragraph Essay (Score: 16/16)
¶ 1: INTRO Have you ever wondered what the most magnificent place in Arizona is? While both parks are spectacular, in my opinion, Grand Canyon National Park is undeniably the greatest destination to explore. It is superior because of its mind-boggling rock formations and unforgettable thrill-seeking adventures.
¶ 2: BODY 1 (TEXT) First of all, the canyon's natural features are more awe-inspiring than anything on Earth. According to the article, the canyon is over one mile deep, 277 miles long, and carved with millions of years of colorful rock layers. This shows that visitors can see geological history that exists nowhere else, proving it is a true world wonder.
¶ 3: BODY 2 (TEXT) In addition, the Grand Canyon offers more exciting adventures for visitors. The text states that travelers can raft down the rushing Colorado River, walk on a glass Skywalk 4,000 feet high, and spot giant California condors. Therefore, every explorer will find thrilling memories they will never forget.
¶ 4: CONCLUSION As you can see, the Grand Canyon is unmatched in beauty and excitement. For all of these reasons, if Arizona students could only visit one national park, the Grand Canyon must be the top choice!
Support Scaffolds (ELL / Tier 2): Provide paragraph sentence frames ("First of all,..." ), pre-highlighted evidence in both articles, and allow a 3-paragraph format if needed.
Extension (Gifted / Tier 1): Require a counter-argument acknowledgment in the conclusion ("Although Saguaro has giant cacti, the Grand Canyon has..." ).
Arizona ELA Standards • Grade 3 Multi-Paragraph Opinion Writing Unit
Opinion Launch Slides AZ
Arizona 3rd Grade Writing
Day 1: Paired Articles & Essay Blueprint
The Great Arizona Debate: Multi-Paragraph Opinion Essays
Two amazing articles. One big choice. Learn how to write a 4-paragraph opinion essay using the TEXT strategy!
2 Informational Articles
Multi-Paragraph Structure (AZ.3.W.1)
The Ultimate Choice
Which Wonder is the Greatest in Arizona?
Article 1 World Wonder
Grand Canyon National Park
One mile deep, 277 miles long, carved by the wild Colorado River, home to soaring California condors and glass skywalks!
Key Appeal: Massive scale, rafting, geology
Article 2 Desert Forest
Saguaro National Park
Giant 50-foot cactus monarchs that hold 200 gallons of water, secret elf owls, javelinas, blooming desert flowers, and starry night skies!
Key Appeal: Unique desert wildlife, cactus forests
Your Mission: Read both articles, choose your favorite, and gather two strong reasons with facts!
Essay Architecture
How a 4-Paragraph Essay Fits Together
Paragraph 1
Introduction
Catch the reader's attention, name the chosen park, state your clear opinion, and preview 2 reasons.
Hook + Opinion
Paragraph 2
Body ¶ 1
Reason 1 built with the TEXT strategy : Topic sentence, Article Evidence, eXplain, Tie back!
TEXT: Reason 1
Paragraph 3
Body ¶ 2
Reason 2 built with the TEXT strategy : Transition word, new Evidence, eXplain, Tie back!
TEXT: Reason 2
Paragraph 4
Conclusion
Restate your opinion in fresh words, summarize both reasons, and leave a final memorable punch!
Tie Essay Together
Notice how TEXT powers each body paragraph ! That's how 3rd graders write like pros.
Step 1 & 2
Harvesting Evidence for Two Separate Reasons
The Two-Reason Rule
In a multi-paragraph essay, you can't just give one reason twice! You need two distinct reasons from your article.
Reason 1 (Body ¶ 1)
Focus on one major feature (e.g., breathtaking geology & landscape).
Evidence: "The canyon is over 1 mile deep and 277 miles long."
Reason 2 (Body ¶ 2)
Focus on a totally different feature (e.g., thrilling activities & wildlife).
Evidence Hunter Worksheet TEXT Strategy • Paired Articles Debate
Arizona Wonders: The Paired Texts
Name:
Date:
Essay Prompt:
If Arizona students could only visit one national park on a class expedition, which destination is the greatest wonder to explore: Grand Canyon National Park or Saguaro National Park ? Read both articles carefully to find evidence for your opinion.
Article 1: Grand Canyon World Wonder
The Grand Canyon in northern Arizona is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, the canyon stretches 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and plunges over one mile deep into Earth's crust!
Visitors from across the globe come for heart-pounding adventures. You can hike steep scenic trails, raft roaring white-water rapids on the river, or step onto the glass Skywalk bridge suspended 4,000 feet above the canyon floor.
The canyon is also a refuge for rare wildlife, including the massive California condor with its 9-foot wingspan, bighorn sheep that leap across sheer cliffs, and elk grazing in pine forests along the rim.
Key Features: 1-mile deep chasm, rock history, river rafting, condors, glass Skywalk.
Article 2: Saguaro Park Living Desert
Located near Tucson, Saguaro National Park protects America's most iconic cactus forests. Giant saguaros can reach 50 feet tall, weigh up to 6 tons, and live for more than 175 years! A single cactus can soak up and store over 200 gallons of water during desert monsoons.
The park is a bustling desert wildlife paradise. Gila woodpeckers and tiny elf owls carve cozy homes inside cactus trunks, while nocturnal javelinas and venomous Gila monsters roam below. In spring, brilliant white flowers blanket the cacti.
Saguaro is also famous for glowing purple sunsets against the Rincon Mountains and world-class dark night skies where visitors can gaze at thousands of twinkling stars and the Milky Way.
Key Features: 50-ft giant cacti, 200-gal water storage, elf owls, javelinas, stargazing.
Turn to Page 2 to pick your side and collect your evidence blueprint Page 1 of 2
Planning Your 4-Paragraph Essay
Evidence Hunter Blueprint
Day 1 Blueprint
Step 1: Choose Your Stance (Check ONE):
Grand Canyon National Park Saguaro National Park
¶ 1 Introduction: State your Opinion and Preview 2 Reasons Starter: In my opinion, [Park] is the greatest because...
¶ 2 Body Paragraph 1 • Reason 1 & Evidence TEXT Reason 1
Reason 1 Focus (e.g., Natural geology / Giant cacti):
Connect and Conclude Slides AZ
Arizona 3rd Grade Writing
Day 2: Transitions, Explanations & Conclusions
Connecting the Essay: eXplain (X) & Tie It Together
Learn how to transition smoothly between body paragraphs, explain why your facts matter, and write a memorable conclusion!
AZ.3.W.1c: Paragraph Transitions & Linking Words
AZ.3.W.1d: Concluding Paragraphs
Standard AZ.3.W.1c
The Multi-Paragraph Transition Bridge
To Launch Reason 1 (Body ¶ 1)
Opening Transitions
• "First of all,..."
• "To begin with,..."
• "One compelling reason is that..."
Signals your very first big point!
To Add Reason 2 (Body ¶ 2)
Adding Transitions
• "In addition,..."
• "Furthermore,..."
• "Another exciting feature is that..."
Bridges smoothly to your second reason!
Transitions tell your reader that a brand-new idea is arriving!
Building Strong Reasons
X: Explain WHY the Evidence Matters
Don't Just Drop a Fact!
In each body paragraph, explain how your evidence proves that your chosen national park is the greatest.
Grand Canyon Example (X):
"This proves that the Grand Canyon is unmatched because standing on a glass bridge 4,000 feet above the Earth is an unforgettable rush you can't experience anywhere else."
Saguaro Park Example (X):
"This clearly shows how extraordinary Saguaro is because watching tiny elf owls peek out of 50-foot cactus trunks lets students discover wildlife that exists nowhere else in America."
Explanation Starters: "This shows that..." • "This is important because..." • "This proves..."
Paragraph 4
Tie It Together: The Concluding Paragraph
The 3-Sentence Conclusion Formula
Your final paragraph wraps up the entire essay like a neat ribbon on a gift.
1 Restate Opinion
Say your opinion again using fresh, exciting words!
2 Summarize 2 Reasons
Remind the reader of Reason 1 and Reason 2 together.
3 Final Punch
Leave the reader with a memorable call to adventure!
Closer Starters: "As you can see,..." • "For all of these reasons,..." • "Without question,..."
Writing Studio
Bridge Builder Worksheet Mission
Your Goals Today:
1
Bridge Builder Worksheet TEXT Strategy • Day 2 Practice
Bridge Builder: Transitions & Explanations
Name:
Date:
X eXplain: Connect your facts to your opinion!
T Tie: Conclude with a strong 3-part finish!
Part 1: Paragraph Transition Toolkit (AZ.3.W.1c)
Fill in the best transition word from the bank.
Word Bank: First of all • In addition • Therefore • For example • As you can see
1. , the Grand Canyon features geological wonders that cannot be found anywhere else on Earth.
2. , visitors can experience thrilling adventures like rafting roaring rapids.
3. Giant saguaros store 200 gallons of water; , desert creatures rely on them to survive extreme summer heat waves.
Part 2: Practice Explaining Your Reasons (X)
Use the starters "This shows that... because..." or "This proves that..." to explain why your evidence makes your park the best.
Explanation for Reason 1 (Body ¶ 1):
Explanation for Reason 2 (Body ¶ 2):
Turn to Page 2 to craft your concluding paragraph Page 1 of 2
Paragraph 4 Workshop
The 3-Sentence Conclusion Formula
Tie It Together
How to Wrap Up Like a Master Writer: Your concluding paragraph needs 3 key ingredients: 1. Restate your opinion in fresh words, 2. Remind the reader of both reasons , and 3. End with a memorable final thought .
Sentence 1: Restate Opinion with a Closer Starter Starter: As you can see, [Park] is truly...
Sentence 2: Summarize Reason 1 & Reason 2 Together Starter: It offers both [Reason 1] and [Reason 2]...
Sentence 3: Memorable Final Thought or Call to Action Starter: For all these reasons, every student should...
Day 2 Ready for Essay Drafting:
I used transitions between ideas My conclusion has 3 strong sentences
Desert Debate Slides AZ
Arizona 3rd Grade Writing
Day 3: Multi-Paragraph Assessment
Publishing Day: Your 4-Paragraph Opinion Essay
Time to put it all together! You have the articles, the evidence, the TEXT strategy, and the transitions. Let's write!
Standard AZ.3.W.1 Multi-Paragraph Essay
16-Point Rubric Goal
The 4-Paragraph Blueprint
What Your Final Essay Contains
¶ 1
Introduction
Catchy hook, clear opinion naming the park, and preview 2 reasons.
3-4 Sentences
¶ 2
Body ¶ 1
"First of all," Reason 1 topic sentence, article evidence fact, eXplain, tie.
TEXT Format
¶ 3
Body ¶ 2
"In addition," Reason 2 topic sentence, new article evidence, eXplain, tie.
TEXT Format
¶ 4
Conclusion
Restate opinion, wrap up both reasons, and finish with a strong final thought.
3 Sentences
Remember to indent two fingers at the beginning of each new paragraph!
Writing Studio
Your Assessment Pacing Guide
First 10 Minutes
Pre-Write & Plan
Fill in your Page 1 TEXT Architecture organizer. Double-check your 2 facts from the articles!
Organize before writing!
Next 25 Minutes
Draft the 4 Paragraphs
Write smoothly on Page 2. Indent each paragraph and use linking words (because, therefore ).
Bring your voice to life!
Final 5 Minutes
Self-Check & Polish
Check your work using the 4-Star Checklist. Check capital letters and periods!
Shine like an author!
You are completely prepared. Believe in your ideas and write with confidence!
Standard AZ.3.W.1
The 4-Star Multi-Paragraph Checklist
¶1
Introduction (★)
Clear opinion stated naming your park, with a preview of your 2 reasons.
¶2
Body ¶ 1 (TEXT) (★)
"First of all" transition, real article fact, clear explanation of why it matters.
¶3
Body ¶ 2 (TEXT) (★)
"In addition" transition, new article fact, clear explanation, tie sentence.
¶4
Conclusion (★)
Restates opinion with closer starter, wraps up both reasons, strong final punch!
Desert Debate Assessment AZ ELA Standard 3.W.1 • Summative Writing Assessment
The Great Arizona Wonder Debate
Name:
Date:
Writing Prompt:
Which Arizona national park is the greatest destination for a school expedition: Grand Canyon National Park or Saguaro National Park ? Write a well-developed 4-paragraph opinion essay using the TEXT strategy to state your opinion, support it with facts from your chosen article, explain your reasons, and tie your ideas together.
Article 1: Grand Canyon Facts 1 mile deep, 277 miles long • Millions of years of rock layers • Colorado River rafting • California condors (9-ft wingspan) • Glass Skywalk 4,000 ft high
Article 2: Saguaro Park Facts 50-ft saguaros live 175+ years • Store 200 gallons of rain • Elf owls & woodpeckers nest in trunks • Javelinas & Gila monsters • Mountain sunsets & dark sky stargazing
Pre-Writing Architecture: 4-Paragraph Plan
¶ 1 Introduction (Opinion statement & 2 preview reasons):
¶ 2 Body Paragraph 1 (Reason 1 + Exact Fact from chosen article): TEXT 1
¶ 3 Body Paragraph 2 (Reason 2 + Exact Fact from chosen article): TEXT 2
¶ 4 Conclusion (Restate opinion & wrap up both reasons): Tie
Turn to Page 2 to draft your complete 4-paragraph essay Page 1 of 2
Final Essay Draft
My 4-Paragraph Opinion Essay
Indent 2 fingers for each paragraph!
¶ 1 Intro
¶ 2 Body 1
¶ 3 Body 2
¶ 4 Concl.
Multi-Paragraph 4-Star Self-Checklist
¶ 1: Opinion & 2 reasons previewed ¶ 2: Body 1 has article fact & 'X' ¶ 3: Body 2 has new fact & 'X' ¶ 4: Concluding tie paragraph Used transitions (First, In addition ) Capitals, periods & neat handwriting
Teacher Score:
Intro: __/4 Body 1: __/4 Body 2: __/4 Concl.: __/4
Total Score:
/ 16
