Telling an Argument from an Opinion

Grab these first

• Paper and pencil
• Highlighter or colored pencil (optional)

1. 1

   Read this together: “Two Takes on School Uniforms”

   Every morning at Lincoln Middle School, students pull on the same navy pants or skirts and white shirts. Some kids like the look. Others roll their eyes and tug at their collars. Two writers recently shared their thoughts on the policy.

   Writer A says school uniforms are a terrible idea. She writes that uniforms make everyone look the same and that this kills creativity. She adds that she hated wearing them when she was a kid and that most students she knows feel the same way. In her view, schools should let kids choose their own clothes so they can express who they are.

   Writer B takes the opposite side. She claims that school uniforms actually help students focus on learning instead of fashion. She points to three studies that found schools with uniform policies saw fewer behavior problems and a small rise in test scores. She also notes that uniforms can reduce bullying over expensive sneakers or designer jackets. Finally, she explains that the time saved in the morning means more sleep and less stress for families. She concludes that the benefits outweigh the complaints about lost creativity.

2. 2

   Explain the idea

   An opinion is just what someone thinks or feels. It might sound strong, but it stands on its own without proof. An argument, on the other hand, is a claim that is supported by specific evidence, such as facts, studies, examples, or logical reasons that anyone can check.

   Look at the difference in these two short examples on the same topic.

   Opinion: Video games are a waste of time. I think kids should read books instead because reading is better for your brain.

   Argument: Video games can improve problem-solving skills. A 2022 study from the University of Wisconsin tracked 180 middle-schoolers and found that those who played strategy games for 45 minutes a day solved puzzles 27 percent faster than kids who did not play. The same study also showed better teamwork scores in group projects. These results suggest that certain games offer real cognitive benefits worth considering.

   Notice how the argument names its source, gives exact numbers, and ties the evidence straight back to the claim. That is what makes it more convincing.

3. 3

   Sit with Maya and read the passage titled "Two Takes on School Uniforms" aloud together. Pause after each writer's section so she can tell you in her own words what the writer is claiming.

4. 4

   Ask her which writer she finds more convincing and why. Listen without correcting, then point out that Writer B gave specific studies, numbers, and real-world effects while Writer A only shared feelings.

5. 5

   Explain the difference between opinion and argument using the concept explanation above. Walk through the video-game examples together, underlining the evidence in the argument version on paper.

6. 6

   Have Maya look back at Writer A's passage and underline every opinion word or phrase she sees (words like terrible, hated, most students, should). Then do the same for Writer B, underlining each piece of evidence (studies, numbers, effects).

7. 7

   Talk through her findings. Ask her to name at least two reasons Writer B's piece is a stronger argument. Write her reasons on a shared sheet so she can see them clearly.

8. 8

   Do this together

   Give Maya a fresh sheet of paper and ask her to write a one-paragraph opinion about whether kids her age should be allowed to run longer distances in races (a topic tied to her interest in distance running). Then hand her the same paper again and challenge her to turn that opinion into an argument by adding at least three specific pieces of evidence she can think of or that you can look up together quickly on a phone. When she finishes, read both versions aloud and discuss which one would be more likely to change someone's mind and why. Keep the whole activity light, no more than 15 minutes.