---
title: Opinion Writing- Grade 4 - Palo Pinto
description: Learn how to improve student writing by looking at prescriptive feedback and recommended lessons for a STAAR released opinion sample from grade 4.
---

[Toolbox ](https://blog.empoweringwriters.com/toolbox)

# [Opinion Writing- Grade 4 - Palo Pinto](https://blog.empoweringwriters.com/toolbox/opinion-writing-grade-4-staar)

 Written by [Toolbox](https://blog.empoweringwriters.com/toolbox/author/toolbox) | Dec 8, 2021 10:26:50 PM

<https://blog.empoweringwriters.com/hubfs/Grade%204-STAAR%20Opinion%20Piece.pdf>  
[(Click image to download sample and feedback)](https://blog.empoweringwriters.com/hubfs/Grade%204-STAAR%20Opinion%20Piece.pdf)

**STAAR Released Opinion Writing  
****Grade 4 Sample  
****Palo Pinto **

**Feedback for Improvement**

*Topic: Palo Pinto Elementary*  
*Main Reason 1: Students*  
*Main Reason 2: History*  
*Main Reason 3: Staff*

**What worked:**

- **Organization**- The essay includes an introduction, three main reasons, and a conclusion. The ideas are easy to follow and a clear focus is evident.
- **Introduction**- The lead uses the technique of an amazing fact. This is followed by a topic sentence that includes the author’s main reasons for being proud of their school.
- **Conclusion-** A hypothetical anecdote implies that you will have a good experience when you visit this school. The general restatement of the topic sentence sums up the author’s main opinion of the school.

**Feedback with Prescriptive Lesson:**

**CHOOSE a Focus Skill: **What skill will make the biggest impact for this writer?

Main Reasons- The main reason sentences are clearly stated. The 3rd main reason is combined with the 2nd main reason and is simplistic- *“They have a lot of staff.”*

Suggestion- If space is limited, consider focusing on only 2 main reasons. Otherwise, begin a new paragraph with each new reason. The Main Idea/Reason Sentence Starters provide several options to revise this sentence.

Lessons that support:

- Section 2 Lesson 9: Generating Broad Yet Distinct Main Idea/Reasons
- Section 2 Lesson 10: Alternatives to Boring, Redundant Main Idea/Reason Sentences
- Section 2 Lesson 11: Revising Boring, Redundant Main Idea/Reason Sentences
- Section 2 Lesson 12: Main Idea Blurbs into Sentences

Elaboration- There is evidence of specific details- *“so many different empowering writers…writer’s ideas just splash on the paper…received an ‘A’ from the state” and “strict about the rules…not have a lot of events back then…now we have computers, language arts, and UIL”.* Details with the 3rd main reason are not well elaborated.

Suggestion- Enhance each detail *(nurse, lunch ladies, been around for a long time*) with the *detail generating questions—"What does it ‘look’ like? and Why is it important?”*.

Lessons that support:

- Section 3 Lesson 4: Writing Sentences Using Detail-Generating Questions
- Section 3 Lesson 7: Using Detail-Generating Questions

Word Choice and Sentence Variety- Several phrases show a sense of vivid word choice— *"splendid accomplishments…bizarre history…students that will amaze you…writer’s ideas just splash on the paper…80 years ago…rules were harsh…will doctor you up in seconds…don’t forget about…”*. This allows the voice and personality of the author to shine.

Vocabulary could be further revised through the use of word referents to avoid repetition. (ie. school- educational facility, learning powerhouse, friendly establishment, welcoming institution)

Lesson that supports:

- Section 2 Lesson 15: Word Referents

Recommended Resources

- [Empowering Writer's Methodology](https://www.empoweringwriters.com/how-to-teach-writing)
- [Informational & Opinion Writing Guide for Grade 4](https://store.empoweringwriters.com/collections/grade-4/products/the-hub-grade-4-expository-opinion-writing)<https://store.empoweringwriters.com/collections/grade-3/products/complete-set-editing-revising-and-more-grade-3-digital-guide-with-interactive-student-pages>

## Downloads

 “Palo Pinto" Opinion Writing - Grade 4 Sample

[View full post](https://blog.empoweringwriters.com/toolbox/opinion-writing-grade-4-staar)

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