Text Practice
Learn
In this lesson, you will practice finding opinions and reasons in short texts. Good readers can spot when a writer shares what they think and why they think it.
What is an Opinion in a Text?
When you read a story or article, sometimes the writer tells you what they believe. This is their opinion. Look for clue words like:
- I think...
- I believe...
- The best...
- My favorite...
- Everyone should...
Finding Reasons in a Text
After a writer shares their opinion, they usually give reasons to help you understand why. Look for clue words like:
- Because...
- First... Second... Third...
- One reason is...
- For example...
Examples
Example 1: Read and Find
"I think dogs are the best pets. First, dogs are friendly and like to play. Second, dogs can learn tricks. Third, dogs are good at keeping you company."
Opinion: Dogs are the best pets.
Reasons:
- Dogs are friendly and like to play.
- Dogs can learn tricks.
- Dogs are good at keeping you company.
Example 2: Read and Find
"My favorite season is summer because I can go swimming. I also love summer because school is out and I can play outside longer."
Opinion: Summer is my favorite season.
Reasons:
- I can go swimming.
- School is out.
- I can play outside longer.
Practice
Read each text and answer the questions. Find the opinion and the reasons.
Practice 1
"I believe everyone should read books every day. Reading helps you learn new words. It also makes your imagination grow stronger."
Question: What is the writer's opinion?
Question: What are the two reasons the writer gives?
Practice 2
"The best fruit is an apple. Apples are crunchy and sweet. You can eat them anywhere because they are easy to carry. Apples come in many colors too!"
Question: What is the writer's opinion?
Question: List the three reasons given.
Practice 3
"I think recess should be longer. Kids need time to run and play. Playing helps us feel happy. When we come back to class, we can focus better."
Question: What opinion does the writer share?
Question: How many reasons does the writer give? What are they?
Practice 4
"Pizza is the best lunch. First, it tastes delicious. Second, you can choose your own toppings. Third, it is fun to eat with your hands."
Question: Find the opinion and underline it.
Question: What clue words help you find the three reasons?
Practice 5
"Everyone should try to be kind. Being kind makes other people feel good. It also makes you feel good inside. Kind people make the world a better place."
Question: What is the writer trying to convince you to do?
Question: What reasons support this opinion?
Practice 6
"I believe cats make great pets because they are quiet. Cats are also easy to take care of. They clean themselves and do not need walks."
Question: What is the opinion?
Question: List all the reasons you can find.
Practice 7
"My favorite holiday is my birthday. I get to see my family and friends. I eat cake and open presents. Everyone sings to me!"
Question: What opinion is being shared?
Question: Which reasons are about things the writer does? Which are about things others do?
Practice 8
"I think everyone should learn to ride a bike. Riding a bike is good exercise. It is also a fun way to get places. You can ride with your friends too!"
Question: What does the writer think everyone should do?
Question: Find three reasons that support this opinion.
Check Your Understanding
Answer these questions to see how well you understand finding opinions and reasons in texts.
- What clue words help you find an opinion in a text?
- What clue words help you find reasons in a text?
- Why do writers give reasons after their opinions?
- Read this sentence: "I think bikes are better than scooters because they go faster." What is the opinion? What is the reason?
Next Steps
- Practice finding opinions and reasons in books you read at home
- Look for opinion clue words in newspaper articles or magazines
- Move on to the next lesson to practice writing your own opinion pieces