Organize an opinion paragraph with reasons and examples
When to use this goal
For upper elementary students whose opinion writing states the opinion and then wanders, with reasons and examples in no order and no closing. Present levels should show the student can give reasons orally; the target is the opinion, reason, example, opinion again structure.
- Baseline
- Score two opinion paragraphs, each row 0 to 3. Note whether reasons are present but out of order, or whether examples are missing; many students give reasons and stop.
- Tips
- Let the student pick topics they care about. Color-code the parts in model paragraphs. This paragraph structure grows into the body paragraphs of an opinion essay.
- Limits
- Rubric scores depend on how much the student has to say about the topic. The rubric does not score word choice or conventions. Structure can become formulaic; vary prompts.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID wr-par-027.
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Goal
By the annual IEP review date, given an opinion prompt on a familiar topic and 25 minutes, the student will write an opinion paragraph that states the opinion, gives at least two reasons each followed by an example, and restates the opinion in a closing sentence independently, earning a score of at least 9 out of 12 on a 12-point opinion paragraph rubric, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored paragraphs, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected every two weeks.
Baseline: 3 out of 12 rubric points.
- Condition
- Observable behavior
- Criterion
- Measurement method
Measurability check11 of 11 met
Met: Observable behavior. Stated as an action.
Met: Condition. Stated.
Met: Unit fits the behavior. Rubric score fits this behavior.
Met: Explicit criterion. Number and unit stated.
Met: Mastery rule and schedule. Both stated.
Met: Method produces the metric. Rubric scoring gives rubric score data.
Met: Review timeframe. Stated.
Met: Baseline and target compatible. Same unit, change in the right direction.
Met: Aligned with area of need. Still about Paragraph Organization.
Met: Level of support. Defined.
Met: Blanks filled in. Nothing left to fill in.
Checks structure and wording only. Whether the goal fits the student is the team's call.
Short-term objectives (optional)
When are objectives required?Required for students on alternate assessments (34 CFR §300.320(a)(2)(ii)); some states require them for everyone.
Paste into your IEP system
Most district systems have a separate box for each part of a goal. Copy them one at a time, or all at once as labeled text.
- Area of need
- Writing - Paragraph Organization
- Baseline
- 3 out of 12 rubric points.
- Annual goal465 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, given an opinion prompt on a familiar topic and 25 minutes, the student will write an opinion paragraph that states the opinion, gives at least two reasons each followed by an example, and restates the opinion in a closing sentence independently, earning a score of at least 9 out of 12 on a 12-point opinion paragraph rubric, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored paragraphs, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected every two weeks.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- Given an opinion prompt on a familiar topic and 25 minutes
- Behavior
- The student will write an opinion paragraph that states the opinion, gives at least two reasons each followed by an example, and restates the opinion in a closing sentence independently
- Criteria
- Earning a score of at least 9 out of 12 on a 12-point opinion paragraph rubric, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored paragraphs
- Evaluation method
- A defined scoring rubric
- Schedule
- Every two weeks
Copied as plain text, with straight quotes and plain dashes.
Matching data sheet
Rubric tracker. Scores each rubric criterion and totals them.
Rubric tracker
Rubric score- Student label:
- Target:
- earning a score of at least 9 out of 12 on a 12-point opinion paragraph rubric
- Mastery rule:
- on 3 of 4 consecutive scored paragraphs
- Collection schedule:
- every two weeks
- Method:
- Rubric scoring
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, given an opinion prompt on a familiar topic and 25 minutes, the student will write an opinion paragraph that states the opinion, gives at least two reasons each followed by an example, and restates the opinion in a closing sentence independently, earning a score of at least 9 out of 12 on a 12-point opinion paragraph rubric, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored paragraphs, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected every two weeks.
| Date | Task / sample | States a clear opinion first | Gives at least two reasons | Follows each reason with an example | Closes by restating the opinion | Total (of 12) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Preview shows 4 of 12 rows.
- Score each sample with a 12-point opinion paragraph rubric. Attach or reference the rubric's score descriptors.
- Use the same prompt type and conditions for each scored sample.
- If two people score, check agreement on a few samples before relying on the data.
The CSV opens in Excel or Google Sheets, with formulas. Sheets print blank; no student data is stored.