An opinion tells what you think or feel: “I think dogs are the best pets.” A good opinion gives a reason, often with because: “…because they love to play.”
A fact is different: it can be checked. “Dogs have four legs.” is a fact. Other people may not share your opinion, and that’s fine.
Key idea
An opinion says what you think and gives a reason: “I think…, because….”
Why it works
A reason helps your reader understand you. They may still disagree, but they know why you think so, and that is how people share ideas.
Worked example: Add a reason
“I think summer is the best season.”
- That is the opinion.
- Why? Ask yourself what you love about summer.
- Add because and the reason.
Answer: “I think summer is the best season because we can swim every day.”
Common mistake
Giving an opinion with no reason, or giving a fact (“Dogs have four legs.”) when you were asked for an opinion. Check: does it say what I think? Does it say why?
For the grown-up. Opinion writing at this age is about favorites: foods, seasons, books, games. Ask your child for a reason and then a second one; this grows into persuasive writing in the Composition course.