Opinion Intro Slides VOICE POWER
Lesson 1: Stating Your Opinion
What is an Opinion?
An opinion is what you think, feel, or believe about something.
Examples:
"I think soccer is the best sport."
"Pizza is delicious."
"Reading is fun!"
It's in your mind!
Magic Starters
Use these to sound like an expert!
1
"In my opinion..."
The classic way to start.
2
"I believe that..."
When you feel strongly.
3
"I feel that..."
Perfect for your feelings.
GAME TIME: FOUR CORNERS
How to Play:
I will show a topic.
Go to the corner that matches your opinion.
Tell a partner: "In my opinion, ________."
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
TOPIC 1:
Ice cream is better than cake.
Opinion Builder Worksheet Opinion Builder
Lesson 1: Voice Power Argumentation
Name:
Date:
1
Match the Starter to its Job
Draw a line to match the sentence starter with the best situation.
"In my opinion..."
"I believe that..."
"I feel that..."
Talking about your deep feelings.
Stating a general idea you have.
Showing you are very sure about a fact.
2
Write Your Own!
Use a Magic Starter to write an opinion about each topic.
The best lunch at school:
Recess vs. Gym Class:
Homework on weekends:
Partner Check
Read one of your sentences to a partner. Check if they used a starter!
Used a starter
Clear opinion
Opinion Starters Chart VOICE POWER
Opinion Starters
How do I start?
"In my opinion..."
"I believe that..."
"I feel that..."
"From my perspective..."
"Opinions are what you think. Use your voice!"
Logical Links Slides LOGICAL LINKS
Lesson 2: Connecting with "Because"
The Power of "Why?"
An opinion alone is good.
Compare:
Weak:
"I like dogs."
Strong!
"I like dogs because they are friendly."
WHY?
Three Ways to Connect
Because
Most common and perfect for any reason!
"...because it is cold."
Since
Use this to sound more sophisticated.
"...since it is raining."
As
Short and formal way to give a reason.
"...as I was late."
The "Why?" Chain
How to Play:
1 Teacher gives an opinion.
2 Student adds "because..."
3 Next student asks "Why?" and you must keep going!
Level 1
"I like summer..."
Level 2
"...because it is hot."
Reason Connector Worksheet Reason Connectors
Lesson 2: Voice Power Argumentation
Name:
Date:
A
Finish the Chain
Fill in the blanks using BECAUSE, SINCE, or AS.
1. I think we should have more recess ___________________ students need to move around.
2. ___________________ it is raining today, we cannot play outside.
3. Reading is important ___________________ it helps our brains grow.
4. ___________________ fruits are healthy, we should eat them every day.
B
Build Your Own Chain
Choose one topic and write a full sentence with a STARTER, an OPINION, and a REASON.
Starter + Opinion + Connector + Reason
Topic: Video Games
Topic: Cats or Dogs
Used BECAUSE?
Used SINCE?
Used AS?
The Why Chain Activity Cards The Why Chain
Activity Cards
Instructions: Cut out these cards. In pairs, Student A reads the opinion. Student B adds a reason using "because". Then Student A asks "Why?" again, and Student B must provide a deeper reason! Challenge: Use "since" or "as" for extra points.
Opinion Card
Summer is the best season...
Opinion Card
Pizza should be served every day...
Opinion Card
Recess should be one hour long...
Opinion Card
Every student needs a robot...
Opinion Card
We should plant more trees...
Opinion Card
Sleeping in a tent is fun...
OPINION
REASON
WHY?
Polite Perspectives Slides Polite Perspectives
Lesson 3: The Art of Disagreeing
It's Okay to Disagree!
We don't always have the same opinion.
The Rule:
"Be hard on the ideas,
The Disagreement Bridge
Use these "bridges" to stay polite while disagreeing:
The "Acknowledge" Bridge
"I see your point, but..."
Shows you are listening.
The "Respect" Bridge
"I respectfully disagree because..."
Shows you are professional.
The "Different" Bridge
"From my perspective, it looks different..."
Shows there is another view.
The "Addition" Bridge
"I understand, however..."
Moves to the "however" part.
Which is Better?
"No! You are wrong! Pizza is bad!"
RUDE & UNHELPFUL
"I see your point, but I respectfully disagree because pizza has healthy cheese."
POLITE & CLEAR
Respectful Talk Worksheet Respectful Talk
Lesson 3: Voice Power Argumentation
Name:
Date:
1
The Polite Fix-Up
These students are being a little rude. Rewrite their sentences using a Bridge Starter.
RUDE: "No! Dogs are better than cats! You are wrong!"
POLITE FIX:
RUDE: "I don't care about your idea. Recess should be longer!"
POLITE FIX:
Bridge Word Bank
"I see your point, but..."
"I respectfully disagree..."
"I understand, however..."
"From my perspective..."
2
My Turn
Partner A thinks reading is better than math. You disagree. Write your response:
Respectful Role Play Cards Respectful Role Play
Scenario Cards
Teacher Instructions
Assign students in pairs. Student A reads the opinion card. Student B must disagree using one of our "Bridge Starters" (I see your point, but... / I respectfully disagree... / I understand, however...). Swap roles!
Scenario 1
"Watching TV is better than playing outside because you can learn from shows."
Scenario 2
"We should wear school uniforms because it makes getting ready in the morning fast."
Scenario 3
"Chocolate cake is a healthy breakfast because it has eggs and milk in it."
Scenario 4
"Winter is the best season since you can play in the snow and drink cocoa."
Polite Respectful Clear
Complex Contrast Slides Complex Contrast
Lesson 4: Looking at Both Sides
The Balance Scale
A great argument looks at both sides of the story.
The Secret Recipe:
Acknowledge the other side first.
Use a contrast word.
State your strong opinion!
SIDE A
SIDE B
Level Up Your Sentences
Type A: Start with it
Although
"Although candy is tasty, it is bad for your teeth."
Best for conceding!
Type B: Use a bridge
However
"I like summer. However, winter is better for sports."
Best for debating!
The Balance Game
How to Play:
Fact 1:
Homework takes time.
Fact 2:
It helps us learn more.
"Although homework takes time,..."
Opinion Balancer Worksheet Opinion Balancer
Lesson 4: Voice Power Argumentation
Name:
Date:
A balanced argument looks at both sides! Practice using ALTHOUGH and HOWEVER to weigh different ideas.
The Other Side
Recess is only 20 minutes.
My Opinion
It is the best part of the day.
Connect them with "ALTHOUGH":
"Although ______________________________________________________________________,
________________________________________________________________________________."
2
Your Turn
Pick a topic (Homework, Food, Sports). Put the "other side" on one side and your opinion on the other.
Other Side / Concession
Your Opinion / Claim
Write your full "ALTHOUGH" sentence:
Contrast Reference Guide VOICE POWER
Contrast Guide
Type 1
Although
The Formula:
"Although" + [Opposite Idea], [My Opinion].
"Although reading is hard, I believe it is important."
Type 2
However
The Formula:
[Opposite Idea]. "However," [My Opinion].
"Some people like cake. However, I feel pie is better."
Voice Power Tip
"Using contrast makes your argument look smart and balanced!"
The Great Debate Slides THE GREAT DEBATE
Lesson 5: Final Showdown
Rules of the Room
Only ONE person speaks at a time.
Listen with RESPECT to every idea.
Use your VOICE POWER (Starters & Connectors!)
Your voice is
The Debate Flow
1
Opinion
"I believe..."
2
Reason
"...because..."
3
Contrast
"Although..."
4
Response
"I see your point, but..."
Today's Topic
"Should we have homework on weekends?"
Debate Strategy Sheet Debate Strategy
Final Project Preparation
Debater:
Team:
Today's Question
"Should we have homework on weekends?"
1
State Your Claim
Use a starter (In my opinion / I believe that...)
2
The "Because" Chain
Reason #1 (Connect with "because")
Reason #2 (Connect with "since" or "as")
3
The Balance Scale
Acknowledge the other side (Start with "Although...")
Voice Power Bank
"I see your point, but..." "I respectfully disagree..." "However..." "From my perspective..."
Debate Master Rubric Debate Master Rubric
Teacher Assessment Guide
Level: Intermediate ESL
Skill Area Expert (3) Practicing (2) Beginning (1) Starters & Opinions Always uses a starter like "I believe" or "In my opinion." Sometimes uses a starter; opinion is clear. States opinion without any starter. Logical Connections Uses "because," "since," or "as" correctly for every reason. Uses "because" correctly; needs help with others. Lists reasons without using any connectors. Polite Disagreement Uses bridge phrases and maintains respectful tone. Uses "but" or simple phrases; remains calm. Interrupts others or uses rude language. Contrast (Although) Uses "although" or "however" to acknowledge the other side. Tries to use contrast words with some errors. Does not acknowledge the other side's view.
Observation Log
Student Name Opinion Used? Reason Used? Polite?
Facilitation Tips
• Use a physical "microphone" (even a fake one) to control turn-taking.
• Pause the debate if things get heated to revisit Lesson 3 (Polite Perspectives).
• Award "Voice Power Points" for using advanced connectors like 'although' or 'since'.
