3.12.C

ELA3rd GradeThe student uses genre characteristics and craft to compose multiple texts that are meaningful.

The Standard

compose argumentative texts, including opinion essays, using genre characteristics and craft

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for English Language Arts and Reading

Teacher's field guide

What This Standard Means

What Students Need to Do

Students state a clear opinion or claim and support it with logical reasons and relevant examples. They organize the writing with an opening, linking words, and a conclusion.

What Mastery Looks Like

Students write a clear claim and organize their ideas for a specific audience. They support the claim with relevant reasons and examples, use linking words, and end with a conclusion.

Common Misconceptions

Students may state a preference but give no reasons. They may repeat the same reason, confuse examples with reasons, or leave out a conclusion.

How to Assess It

Ask: “Should third graders have more recess?” Students write a claim, two different reasons, one supporting example, and a concluding sentence.

Lesson moves

Ways to Teach It

  1. Give groups sentence strips labeled claim, reason, evidence, and conclusion, then have them arrange the strips into a logical opinion essay.

  2. Ask students to discuss and write: “Which class read aloud should we choose next, and why?”

  3. Play Reason or Evidence by reading cards aloud while students hold up the matching label and explain their choice.

  4. Have students write the principal a letter proposing one realistic school improvement, supported by two reasons and specific examples.

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