Town Showdown Day One Slides Day 1 • 30 Minutes Opinion Writing Unit
Town Choice Showdown
Where Would You Like to Live?
Read the prompt, read both articles in full, choose your favorite town, and craft a 3-sentence introduction!
Article 1: Sunny Beach Town
VS
Article 2: Mountain Pine Village
Today: Read Prompt + Full Articles + Draft Intro Step 1 of 4: Essay Done by Friday
The Writing Prompt & Task
Min 1–5: Connect
Official Prompt
“Which place would you like to live? Write an opinion piece telling which place you would choose and why. Use evidence from BOTH articles to support your opinion.”
Our first step today is to read both articles in full!
Writer Checklist
State opinion clearly in intro
Give at least TWO reasons
Cite facts from BOTH articles
Restate opinion in conclusion
Ready to explore? Let's read Article 1 together!
Article 1: Life in Sunny Beach Town (Part 1)
Full Text • Paragraphs 1–3
Welcome to Sunny Beach Town! This small town sits right next to the ocean. The weather is warm and sunny almost every day of the year. In fact, Sunny Beach Town has about 300 sunny days each year. That means there are very few rainy days!
The beach is the heart of this town. Families spend their weekends building sandcastles and swimming in the warm water. The waves are gentle, so even young children can play safely in the shallow parts. Many kids learn to surf by the time they are eight years old. There are also tide pools along the rocky areas where you can see starfish, crabs, and tiny fish.
Sunny Beach Town has a boardwalk that stretches for two miles along the shore. On the boardwalk, you can find ice cream shops, a small aquarium, and places to rent bikes. Every Saturday, there is an outdoor market where local farmers sell fresh fruits like oranges, strawberries, and mangoes.
Notice: 300 sunny days, surfing, tide pools, boardwalk market Article 1 continues on next slide →
Article 1: Life in Sunny Beach Town (Part 2)
Full Text • Paragraphs 4–6
The schools in Sunny Beach Town are special because students get to do outdoor learning. Science classes often take trips to study ocean animals. Art classes sometimes paint pictures right on the beach. Many students say that going to school feels like a vacation!
One thing to know about Sunny Beach Town is that it can get very hot in the summer. Temperatures sometimes reach 95 degrees! Most homes have air conditioning to stay cool. Also, because the town is near the ocean, big storms called hurricanes can sometimes come in the fall. When this happens, families have to be prepared and stay safe indoors.
People who live in Sunny Beach Town love the relaxed way of life. They enjoy being outside, eating fresh seafood, and listening to the sound of the waves. As one kid who lives there said, “I wake up every morning and can’t wait to go to the beach after school!”
Notice: Outdoor beach classes, summer heat & storms, relaxed living Now let's read Article 2 →
Article 2: Life in Mountain Pine Village (Part 1)
Full Text • Paragraphs 1–3
High up in the mountains, you will find a cozy town called Mountain Pine Village. This town is surrounded by tall pine trees and snow-capped peaks. The air is fresh and clean, and you can see for miles from the top of the hills. About 5,000 people call this peaceful place home.
Mountain Pine Village has four distinct seasons. In winter, the town gets covered in fluffy white snow. Kids go sledding, build snowmen, and have snowball fights. There is even a small ski slope where families can ski and snowboard together. Spring brings wildflowers in every color, and summer is perfect for hiking on the many trails through the forest.
The town has a charming main street with a library, a bakery that makes fresh bread every morning, and a general store. There is also a nature center where you can learn about the animals that live in the mountains, like deer, foxes, and eagles. Many families enjoy camping at the nearby lake during the summer months.
Notice: Fresh mountain air, 4 seasons, ski slope, fresh bakery bread Article 2 continues on next slide →
Article 2: Life in Mountain Pine Village (Part 2)
Full Text • Paragraphs 4–6
Schools in Mountain Pine Village take advantage of the natural surroundings. Students learn about plants and animals by exploring the forest. In winter, some schools have ski days instead of regular gym class! The classes are small, so teachers know every student by name.
Living in the mountains does come with some challenges. Winters can be very cold, with temperatures dropping below zero degrees. Snow can pile up to three feet deep, and sometimes the roads are hard to drive on. The town is also far from big cities, so families have to drive about an hour to reach large stores or movie theaters.
People who live in Mountain Pine Village love the quiet, natural beauty of their home. They enjoy watching the seasons change and spending time outdoors in the forest. One student shared, “My favorite thing is when the first snow falls. Everything looks magical, like we live inside a snow globe!”
Notice: Ski gym days, below zero weather, 3-foot snow, magical snow globe feeling Now let's compare both towns →
Compare the Evidence & Pick Your Stance
Min 16–18: Teach
Sunny Beach Town
Article 1
• 300 warm sunny days each year
• Surf by age 8, tide pools, sandcastles
• 2-mile boardwalk with ice cream & bikes
• Outdoor schools: ocean science & beach art
Mountain Pine Village
Article 2
• 4 distinct seasons with fluffy snow
• Sledding, snowball fights, skiing slopes
• Bakery with fresh bread, nature center & lake
• Forest science trips & winter ski gym days
Prompt Rule: Pick ONE town for your opinion, but remember you will mention both!
The 3-Sentence Introduction
Min 19–23: Guided Practice
Sentence 1
The HOOK
Grab reader attention with a question or bold fact.
“Have you ever imagined living right next to the warm ocean?”
Sentence 2
OPINION
Clearly name the place and state what you believe.
“I would choose to live in Sunny Beach Town because it is fun and exciting.”
Sentence 3
PREVIEW
Give a hint of your two reasons (don't spoil all proof yet!).
“There are many outdoor activities and unique learning opportunities.”
Formula: Hook + My Opinion + Two Reason Preview
Your Turn: Day 1 Mission
Min 24–30: Independent Writing
Open Your Day 1 Activity Sheet (Page 3):
1 Check off or highlight facts you loved in Article 1 and Article 2.
2 Circle your chosen town and list your TWO strongest reasons.
3 Draft your 3-sentence introduction (Hook, Opinion, Preview).
Success Ticket
Have your teacher check your 3-sentence introduction before packing up!
Ready for Body 1 tomorrow!
Timer: 6 minutes remaining Keep your reading packet safe for all 4 days!
Town Showdown Day One Worksheet Day 1 • Reading & Planning Packet
Opinion Writing: Where Would You Live?
Part 1: Prompt & Article 1
Read carefully before choosing
Name:
Date:
Official Writing Prompt
“Read the two articles about Sunny Beach Town and Mountain Pine Village. Think about what each place is like and what you could do there. Which place would you like to live? Write an opinion piece telling which place you would choose and why. Use evidence from BOTH articles to support your opinion.”
State your opinion clearly in the introduction
Give at least TWO supporting reasons
Use evidence (facts/details) from BOTH articles
Use linking words and write a conclusion
Article 1: Life in Sunny Beach Town
Unabridged Text
Welcome to Sunny Beach Town! This small town sits right next to the ocean. The weather is warm and sunny almost every day of the year. In fact, Sunny Beach Town has about 300 sunny days each year. That means there are very few rainy days!
The beach is the heart of this town. Families spend their weekends building sandcastles and swimming in the warm water. The waves are gentle, so even young children can play safely in the shallow parts. Many kids learn to surf by the time they are eight years old. There are also tide pools along the rocky areas where you can see starfish, crabs, and tiny fish.
Sunny Beach Town has a boardwalk that stretches for two miles along the shore. On the boardwalk, you can find ice cream shops, a small aquarium, and places to rent bikes. Every Saturday, there is an outdoor market where local farmers sell fresh fruits like oranges, strawberries, and mangoes.
The schools in Sunny Beach Town are special because students get to do outdoor learning. Science classes often take trips to study ocean animals. Art classes sometimes paint pictures right on the beach. Many students say that going to school feels like a vacation!
One thing to know about Sunny Beach Town is that it can get very hot in the summer. Temperatures sometimes reach 95 degrees! Most homes have air conditioning to stay cool. Also, because the town is near the ocean, big storms called hurricanes can sometimes come in the fall. When this happens, families have to be prepared and stay safe indoors.
People who live in Sunny Beach Town love the relaxed way of life. They enjoy being outside, eating fresh seafood, and listening to the sound of the waves. As one kid who lives there said, “I wake up every morning and can’t wait to go to the beach after school!”
Underline facts that make Sunny Beach exciting! Turn to Page 2 to read Article 2 →
Day 1 • Reading & Planning Packet
Article 2: Mountain Pine Village
Town Showdown Day Two Slides Day 2 • 30 Minutes Opinion Writing Unit
Town Choice Showdown
Mastering the T.E.X.T. Strategy
Turn your first reason into a rock-solid body paragraph packed with facts and explanation.
T Topic Sentence
E Evidence
X eXplain
T Tie Back
Focus: Body Paragraph 1 (Reason 1) Step 2 of 4: Completed by Friday
What Does T.E.X.T. Stand For?
Min 1–8: Teach
T
Topic Sentence (Reason)
States your big reason clearly so the reader knows what's coming.
Starter: “One reason I would choose [town] is...”
E
Evidence (Proof from Text)
Shares real facts, quotes, or details directly from the article.
Starter: “The article explains that...” / “According to the text...”
X
eXplain (What It Means)
Tells WHY your evidence matters and how it proves your point.
Starter: “This shows that...” / “This means that...”
T
Tie Back (Wrap It Up)
Connects back to your opinion one more time in a new way.
Starter: “That is one reason why...” / “This proves that...”
Every body paragraph has all 4 letters: T • E • X • T
Teacher Model: See T.E.X.T. in Action
Min 9–16: Model
T
Topic: “One reason I would choose Sunny Beach Town is because there are many outdoor activities.”
E
Evidence: “The article explains that families swim, build sandcastles, and explore tide pools. Many children even learn to surf when they are young.”
X
eXplain: “This shows that Sunny Beach Town is a great place for kids who enjoy being active.”
T
Tie Back: “That is one reason I would like to live there.”
Notice how the eXplain sentence doesn't just repeat the facts—it explains why kids love active towns!
Guided Practice: Mountain Pine Village
Min 17–22: Guided Practice
What if your choice is Mountain Pine Village? Let's build T.E.X.T. together:
T One reason Mountain Pine Village is great is because winter offers fun snow sports.
E According to the text, kids go sledding, build snowmen, and even ski on a town slope.
X This proves that winter in the mountains is full of exciting outdoor adventures for kids.
T This is one big reason why I would love calling Mountain Pine Village my home.
Both towns work perfectly with T.E.X.T.! Use whichever town you chose yesterday.
Town Showdown Day Two Worksheet Day 2 of 4 • Opinion Writing
Body Paragraph 1: T.E.X.T. Planner
T = Topic • E = Evidence • X = eXplain • T = Tie Back
Goal: Draft 4-Sentence Body Paragraph 1
Name:
Date:
My Town Choice: Reason 1 Focus:
Step 1: Plan Your 4 Sentences
Fill in your notes or sentences for each letter
T TOPIC SENTENCE (State your big reason) Try: "One reason I would choose [town] is..."
E EVIDENCE (Fact or detail from the text) Try: "According to the article..." or "The text explains that..."
X eXPLAIN (Tell what this proof means / why it matters) Try: "This shows that..." or "This means..."
T TIE BACK (Connect back to your opinion in a new way) Try: "That is one reason why..." or "This proves that..."
Step 2: Put It Together into Body Paragraph 1
Remember to indent your first line!
Day 2 Checklist: T: Topic Reason E: Text Evidence X: eXplain T: Tie Back
2 Paragraphs Down!
Town Showdown Day Three Slides Day 3 • 30 Minutes Opinion Writing Unit
Town Choice Showdown
Linking Words & Reason Two
Connect your ideas with smooth transition words and prove your opinion using facts from BOTH texts!
Use Transitions: Another reason, Also, For instance
Prompt Secret: Mention BOTH Articles
Focus: Body Paragraph 2 (Reason 2 + Comparing Details) Step 3 of 4: Completed by Friday
The Writer's Transition Tool Chest
Min 1–8: Teach
Adding Reason 2
“Another reason I would choose...”
“In addition, ...”
“Furthermore, ...”
Introducing Evidence
“The article explains that...”
“According to the author, ...”
“For example, the text says...”
Comparing Both
“While [other town] has..., [my town] has...”
“Even though [other town] has..., I prefer...”
“Unlike [other town], [my town] offers...”
Transitions glue your ideas together so your essay flows like a story!
Using Evidence from BOTH Articles
Min 9–15: Teach & Model
The Prompt Requirement
“Use evidence from BOTH articles to support your opinion.”
To get a top score (Score 4), your reader must see that you read and considered BOTH towns!
How to Win with Comparison:
Option A: Compare school learning (outdoor ocean science vs. forest science).
Option B: Compare weather (300 warm sunny days vs. freezing below zero).
Option C: Compare activities (surfing & boardwalk vs. ski slopes & sledding).
Mentioning the other place shows your reader that you made a thoughtful, smart choice!
Teacher Model: Body Paragraph 2
Min 16–22: Guided Practice
T
Topic: “Another reason I would choose Sunny Beach Town is because the schools are unique.”
E
Evidence: “The article explains that students study ocean animals during science lessons and sometimes paint on the beach in art class.”
X
eXplain: “This shows that learning can be exciting and connected to the real world.”
T
Tie Back: “That is another reason I would want to live there.”
Look at the transition starter: “Another reason...” signals to the reader that proof #2 has arrived!
Your Turn: Day 3 Mission
Town Showdown Day Three Worksheet Day 3 of 4 • Opinion Writing
Body Paragraph 2: Transitions & T.E.X.T.
Transitions • Reason 2 • Both Texts
Goal: Draft Body Paragraph 2
Name:
Date:
✨ Transition Word Bank (Pick one): Connects your ideas smoothly
Another reason... In addition,... Also,... Furthermore,... While [other town] has..., [my town] offers...
Step 1: Plan Body Paragraph 2 with T.E.X.T.
One sentence for each letter
T TOPIC SENTENCE (Transition + Reason 2) Try: "Another reason I would choose [town] is..."
E EVIDENCE (Proof from article; compare or cite specific facts) Try: "The article explains that..." or "While [other town] has..."
X eXPLAIN (Tell what this proof means / why it makes your town best) Try: "This shows that..." or "This proves that..."
T TIE BACK (Restate why you want to live there) Try: "That is another reason I would want to live there."
Step 2: Put It Together into Body Paragraph 2
Indent your first line!
Day 3 Checklist: Transition used All 4 T.E.X.T. parts Used text facts
3 of 4 Paragraphs Complete!
Town Showdown Day Four Slides Day 4 • 30 Minutes Opinion Writing Unit
Town Choice Showdown
Writing the Conclusion & The Final Essay
Draft your strong conclusion, write out all 4 paragraphs on your lined publishing pages, and verify your essay with the checklist on the bottom!
Draft Conclusion (3 Sentences)
Write Full Essay on Lined Pages
Score with Bottom Checklist
Focus: Write Conclusion + Complete 4-Paragraph Essay Essay Complete for Friday!
How to Write a Powerful Conclusion
Min 1–8: Teach
Step 1
Acknowledge Other Town
Mention something interesting about the other town, but confirm your choice still wins!
“Mountain Pine Village has ski days, but I would still choose Sunny Beach Town.”
Step 2
Restate in NEW Words
Remind your reader what you believe without using the exact same sentence from paragraph 1.
“For all these reasons, I believe Sunny Beach Town would be an amazing home.”
Step 3
Final Lasting Thought
Leave your reader with a strong feeling, recommendation, or memorable wish!
“If you visited, you would never want to leave!”
Never write "The End"! End with your strong opinion ringing in the reader's ears!
Teacher Model: The Complete 4-Paragraph Essay
Min 9–15: Model
Putting It All Together: From Drafts to Final Lines
Conclusion Sentence 1: “Mountain Pine Village has interesting features, such as forests and ski days, but I would still choose Sunny Beach Town.”
Conclusion Sentence 2 & 3: “For all these reasons, I believe Sunny Beach Town would be an amazing place to live.”
Page 2: ¶ 1 Intro Page 2: ¶ 2 Body 1 Page 3: ¶ 3 Body 2 Page 3: ¶ 4 Conclusion
Your lined writing pages on Page 2 and Page 3 are where your full essay comes alive!
The Checklist on the Bottom of Page 3
Min 16–22: Guided Practice
Purpose & Focus Score 4
✓ Opinion stated clearly in intro
✓ Stays focused on choice
✓ Smooth transition words used
✓ Strong restated conclusion
Evidence & Proof Score 4
✓ Facts from BOTH articles
✓ At least 2 strong reasons
✓ Explains WHY proof matters
✓ Varied sentence lengths
Conventions Score 2
✓ Capital letters start sentences
✓ Town names capitalized
Town Showdown Day Four Worksheet Day 4 of 4 • Final Essay
Part 1: Writing Your Conclusion
Paragraph 4 of 4
Goal: Finish All 4 Paragraphs
Name:
Date:
Step 1: Plan the 3 Sentences of Your Conclusion
Do not write "The End"!
Sentence 1: Acknowledge Other Town (Compare) Try: "[Other town] has..., but I still choose..."
Sentence 2: Restate Opinion in NEW Words Try: "For all these reasons, I believe... is the best place to live."
Sentence 3: Final Memorable Thought Try: "If you lived there, you would..."
Step 2: Put It Together into Paragraph 4 (Conclusion)
Indent the first line!
All 4 paragraphs drafted! Now turn to Page 2 & 3 to write your complete final essay.
→ Turn to Page 2
Intro (Day 1) + Body 1 (Day 2) + Body 2 (Day 3) + Conclusion (Today) Ready to write full essay!
Final Publishing • Page 1 of 2
My Opinion Essay: Where Would You Live?
¶ 1: Introduction
¶ 2: Body 1 (Reason 1)
Name:
Date:
Essay Title:
✍️ Write in your neatest handwriting. Remember to indent every new paragraph! Paragraph 1 & 2
Continue your essay with Paragraph 3 & 4 on Page 3 Turn to Page 3 →
Final Publishing • Page 2 of 2
My Opinion Essay: Conclusion & Checklist
¶ 3: Body 2 (Reason 2)
¶ 4: Conclusion
✍️ Complete Paragraph 3 (Reason 2) and Paragraph 4 (Conclusion): Paragraph 3 & 4
Official Opinion Essay Writing Checklist
Check each box before turning in!
Purpose & Focus Score 4
Evidence & Elab. Score 4
