Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons.
Common Core State Standards, Grade 3, Writing · Read it at the source · Checked October 14, 2026
What W.3.1 Means in Plain English
Third graders pick a side and write a short piece defending it: name the topic and the opinion, give reasons in a sensible order, join them with because and for example, and end with a closing sentence. “Recess should be longer” alone is not a piece yet.
Second graders (W.2.1) already state an opinion, give reasons and finish with a closing. Third grade adds the plan: reasons listed in a deliberate order, and linking phrases beyond because, like since, therefore and for example. Fourth grade (W.4.1) wants each reason backed by facts and details.
W.3.1 I Can Statements
I can introduce my topic and state my opinion in my first sentences.
I can give reasons for my opinion and connect them with linking words.
I can end my opinion piece with a concluding sentence.
W.3.1 Worked Example
One prompt, two responses, and what separates them is structure, not length.
Prompt
Should our class get a class pet? Tell your opinion and give your reasons.
Not YetI think we should get a class pet. Pets are fun. I would like a hamster.An opinion and two sentences that circle it. Nothing explains why a pet would be good for the class, nothing links the sentences, and the piece just stops.
Meets the StandardOur class has been talking about getting a class pet, and I think we should get one. First, a pet would teach us responsibility, because we would have to feed it and clean its cage every day. Also, a pet would give us something to write about, since we could keep a journal of what it does. For example, we could record what it eats and how much it grows. For these reasons, I believe a class pet would make our room a better place to learn.Sentence one names the topic and the opinion. Two reasons follow in order, each tied in with a linking word, and the last sentence closes the piece instead of adding a new idea.
Moves to Use
Name the topic and your opinion in the first sentence.Give two reasons, one at a time, in the order you planned.Tie each reason to the opinion with because, since or for example.Finish with a sentence that restates the opinion, not a new reason.
Common Mistakes with W.3.1
A list of likes instead of reasons
“I want a hamster. Hamsters are cute. I like hamsters.”
Try this: Ask “Why would that be good for the class?” after every sentence until the answer could convince someone who disagrees.
Reasons glued together with and
“We should get a pet and it would be fun and we could feed it and it would be cute.”
Try this: Post a linking-word bank (because, since, also, for example, therefore) and have students circle one in each reason sentence.
No opening and no ending
Opens with “Because they are fun” and stops right after the last reason
Try this: Frame the piece first: a first sentence that names the topic and the opinion, and a last one that says it again.
Writing Prompt GeneratorFree ToolA fresh opinion prompt for 3rd grade, on screen for the whole class or printed for each table.OpinionGrade 3On screen or printed