Engage students with this Opinion Writing Prompt! Students complete nonfiction reading comprehension activities, then write an essay about their own opinion of the topic. Differentiated learning helps students develop strong arguments and write persuasively. Perfect for opinion writing lessons and critical thinking practice!
About this Text Set
The Zoo Debate: Safe space or show place?
Are zoos a safe haven for animals or just entertainment for humans? In this text set, students explore both sides of the debate through three informational articles.
Students will answer standards-aligned comprehension questions and write an opinion essay, using text evidence to support their stance. This set builds critical thinking, reading comprehension, and text-based writing skills in an engaging, real-world context.
What’s Included?
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Articles:
- Pro-Zoo Perspective – Highlights conservation, education, and species protection.
- Anti-Zoo Perspective – Examines ethical concerns and the impact on animal welfare.
- Balanced Perspective – Presents arguments for both sides.
- Questions aligned to CCSS
- Opinion Writing Prompt: Are zoos a good place for animals?
- Writing Plan Example (boxes and bullets) for both sides of the argument
- Example Essay for both sides of the argument
- Boxes & Bullets Organizers
- Writing Paper
How It Works
Students read the texts, answer comprehension questions, and use the provided writing prompt to craft an opinion or informational essay. The structured approach allows students to deeply engage with the topic while reinforcing essential literacy skills.
Try the free text set here:
https://theliteracyloft.co/FREETextSet
These text sets go perfectly with the Informational and Opinion Writing Units:
Check out the Monthly Text Set Bundle and save up! The bundle includes ALL of the text sets that are currently available.
What topics are included for each month?
The topics included are thematically related to that month. However, the text sets can be used at any time of the year based on your needs.
January - MLK (Opinion Text Set)
February - Equality in Education: Thurgood Marshall & Mary Mcleoud Bethune (Informational Text Set)
March - Ants: Perk or Pest (Opinion Text Set)
April - The Benefits of Bees (Informational Text Set)
May - Sea Turtles (Informational Text Set)
June - Sharks Text Set (Try for FREE here!)
July- Hurricanes Text Set (Informational Text Set)
August - Video Games: Harmful or Helpful? (Opinion Text Set)
September - Homework: Harmful or Helpful? (Opinion Text Set)
October- Bats (Informational Text Set)
November - Paid to Play: Should College Athletes be Paid?
December - Polar Bear Problems (Informational Text Set)
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