Conclude the Opinion Piece
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4th Grade ELA › Conclude the Opinion Piece
Keisha writes an opinion piece recommending “Charlotte’s Web” as a great book. She gives reasons: strong characters, an exciting plot, and an important message. At the end she writes, “In summary, that is why.” Is Keisha’s conclusion effective and related to her opinion?
Yes, because it uses “In summary,” so it must be a strong conclusion.
No, because it is too vague and does not restate her opinion about the book.
Yes, because it includes all three reasons with many details.
No, because it should switch topics and talk about a different book instead.
Explanation
This question tests 4th grade opinion writing skills: providing a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented (CCSS.W.4.1.d). An effective opinion piece conclusion has three main jobs: (1) Relate to the opinion presented—the conclusion must be about the same topic as the opinion and connect to the opinion and reasons discussed; (2) Provide closure—the conclusion wraps up the essay and gives a sense of ending, not just an abrupt stop; (3) Restate the opinion in different words OR summarize the main reasons OR provide a final thought, often using concluding signal words (In conclusion, To sum up, For these reasons, Therefore). A good conclusion ties back to the introduction and helps the reader remember the main point. A weak or missing conclusion either: doesn't exist (essay just stops after last reason), doesn't relate to the opinion (different topic or too vague), introduces brand new ideas that weren't discussed in the body, or provides no sense of closure. Keisha writes an opinion piece recommending "Charlotte's Web" as a great book. Keisha provides reasons: strong characters, an exciting plot, and an important message. In the conclusion, Keisha writes "In summary, that is why." The conclusion is too vague and doesn't clearly relate to the opinion about "Charlotte's Web." Choice B is correct because Keisha's conclusion is too vague ("In summary, that is why") without saying why WHAT—effective conclusions specifically restate opinion or summarize reasons. The problem is the conclusion is too vague ("that is why") without saying what. Keisha could improve by making conclusion relate to the opinion about "Charlotte's Web" instead of being too vague, specifically restating the opinion "Charlotte's Web is a great book." Choice A is incorrect because this focuses only on signal words "In summary" when the real problem is the vagueness—signal words alone don't make a conclusion effective if it doesn't specify what "that" refers to. Choice C is incorrect because this claims the conclusion includes all three reasons when it actually says nothing specific—"that is why" doesn't mention characters, plot, or message. Choice D is incorrect because this suggests switching topics to a different book when the conclusion should stay focused on "Charlotte's Web"—the problem is vagueness, not the topic. To help students provide concluding statements related to opinion: Teach conclusion strategies explicitly—provide conclusion frames: "In conclusion, [restate opinion]. These reasons show that [summarize main point]." model: "My opinion was 'Charlotte's Web is a great book.' In my conclusion, I should NOT write: 'In summary, that is why.' Too vague! Instead: 'In summary, Charlotte's Web is a great book because of its memorable characters, exciting plot, and important message.'" Watch for: students who write too-vague conclusions ("So that's what I think") without specifics; students who write too-vague conclusions ("So I think that" without saying what); teach: Don't be too vague ("that is why") without saying why WHAT; Be specific about your opinion topic; Model frequently; Practice evaluating: Is this conclusion specific about the opinion or too vague?
At the end of Amir’s essay on classroom pets, what is the problem?
His conclusion uses “Therefore,” which should never be used.
His conclusion is too long because it has three sentences.
His conclusion summarizes his reasons and restates his opinion clearly.
His conclusion is missing; he stops right after his last reason.
Explanation
This question tests 4th grade opinion writing skills: providing a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented (CCSS.W.4.1.d). An effective opinion piece conclusion has three main jobs: (1) Relate to the opinion presented—the conclusion must be about the same topic as the opinion and connect to the opinion and reasons discussed; (2) Provide closure—the conclusion wraps up the essay and gives a sense of ending, not just an abrupt stop; (3) Restate the opinion in different words OR summarize the main reasons OR provide a final thought, often using concluding signal words (In conclusion, To sum up, For these reasons, Therefore). A good conclusion ties back to the introduction and helps the reader remember the main point. A weak or missing conclusion either: doesn't exist (essay just stops after last reason), doesn't relate to the opinion (different topic or too vague), introduces brand new ideas that weren't discussed in the body, or provides no sense of closure. Amir writes an opinion piece arguing that classrooms should have pets. Amir provides reasons supporting classroom pets but does NOT include a conclusion—the essay ends abruptly after the last reason without any closing statement. The conclusion is missing entirely, leaving the essay feeling incomplete. Choice B is correct because Amir does NOT provide a concluding statement—the essay ends abruptly after the last reason without any closing section, leaving no sense of closure or final thought. The problem is the conclusion is missing—essay just stops, providing no wrap-up of his opinion about classroom pets. Choice C is incorrect because this claims the problem is conclusion length (three sentences being too long) when the actual problem is that no conclusion exists at all—conclusions can be one sentence or several sentences as long as they relate to the opinion and provide closure. Students sometimes focus on superficial features like length instead of whether a conclusion exists and relates to the opinion. To help students provide concluding statements related to opinion: Teach what NOT to do—don't end abruptly without conclusion (reason 3. The end. ← no conclusion); provide conclusion frames: "In conclusion, [restate opinion]. These reasons show that [summarize main point]." "For these reasons, I believe [opinion]. I hope [final thought]."; teach concluding signal words: In conclusion, To sum up, For these reasons, Therefore—these tell reader conclusion is starting. Watch for: students who don't write conclusions—just stop after last reason; students who confuse ending (where essay stops) with conclusion (deliberate closing statement); students who think conclusion must be specific length when it just needs to relate to opinion and provide closure; teach: A concluding statement that relates to your opinion is essential for effective opinion writing. Without a conclusion, essays feel unfinished—like a story that just stops.
Yuki writes that the library needs more graphic novels. Is her conclusion effective?
No, because it introduces a new idea about buying new computers instead.
Yes, because it repeats her introduction word-for-word without adding closure.
No, because it uses the phrase “In the end,” which is incorrect.
Yes, because it restates her opinion and summarizes interest, reading, and choice.
Explanation
This question tests 4th grade opinion writing skills: providing a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented (CCSS.W.4.1.d). An effective opinion piece conclusion has three main jobs: (1) Relate to the opinion presented—the conclusion must be about the same topic as the opinion and connect to the opinion and reasons discussed; (2) Provide closure—the conclusion wraps up the essay and gives a sense of ending, not just an abrupt stop; (3) Restate the opinion in different words OR summarize the main reasons OR provide a final thought, often using concluding signal words (In conclusion, To sum up, For these reasons, Therefore). A good conclusion ties back to the introduction and helps the reader remember the main point. A weak or missing conclusion either: doesn't exist (essay just stops after last reason), doesn't relate to the opinion (different topic or too vague), introduces brand new ideas that weren't discussed in the body, or provides no sense of closure. Yuki writes an opinion piece arguing that the library needs more graphic novels. Yuki provides reasons: student interest, improved reading skills, and more choice. In the conclusion, Yuki restates her opinion about needing more graphic novels and summarizes her three main reasons (interest, reading, and choice), using "In the end" as a concluding signal and providing clear closure. Choice C is correct because Yuki provides a concluding statement that restates her opinion about the library needing more graphic novels and summarizes the three main reasons discussed (interest, reading, and choice), which relates to the opinion presented. This conclusion is effective because it relates to the opinion about graphic novels, restates it, summarizes the key reasons, and provides closure. Choice D is incorrect because this claims "In the end" is incorrect as a concluding phrase, but "In the end" is actually an acceptable concluding signal word just like "In conclusion" or "To sum up"—the effectiveness depends on whether the conclusion relates to the opinion and provides closure, not which specific signal word is used. Students sometimes think only certain phrases can start conclusions, but various signal words work. To help students provide concluding statements related to opinion: Teach concluding signal words: In conclusion, To sum up, For these reasons, Therefore, To summarize, Finally, In the end—these tell reader conclusion is starting; teach conclusion strategies: Combination approach—"In the end, [restate opinion]. [Summarize reasons]."; model effective conclusions that both restate and summarize. Watch for: students who think only specific phrases like "In conclusion" are correct; students who repeat introduction word-for-word instead of varying; students who don't recognize various acceptable concluding signals; teach: Multiple concluding signal words are acceptable; Focus on relating to opinion and providing closure, not just using "right" words.
Read Jamal’s opinion that school uniforms help students. What is missing at the end?
A hook that grabs the reader in the first sentence.
More facts about sports at school, not uniforms.
Another body reason about uniforms, even if it repeats.
A concluding statement that relates to uniforms and wraps up.
Explanation
This question tests 4th grade opinion writing skills: providing a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented (CCSS.W.4.1.d). An effective opinion piece conclusion has three main jobs: (1) Relate to the opinion presented—the conclusion must be about the same topic as the opinion and connect to the opinion and reasons discussed; (2) Provide closure—the conclusion wraps up the essay and gives a sense of ending, not just an abrupt stop; (3) Restate the opinion in different words OR summarize the main reasons OR provide a final thought, often using concluding signal words (In conclusion, To sum up, For these reasons, Therefore). A weak or missing conclusion either: doesn't exist (essay just stops after last reason), doesn't relate to the opinion (different topic or too vague), introduces brand new ideas that weren't discussed in the body, or provides no sense of closure. Jamal writes an opinion piece arguing that school uniforms help students. Jamal provides reasons about reducing bullying, saving money, and improving focus. In the conclusion, Jamal does NOT include a conclusion—the essay ends abruptly after the last reason without any closing statement. The conclusion is missing entirely, leaving no sense of closure or final thought about school uniforms. Choice B is correct because Jamal does NOT provide a concluding statement—the essay ends abruptly after the last reason without any closing section, leaving no sense of closure or final thought. The missing element is a concluding statement or section that wraps up the opinion piece about uniforms, relates to the opinion, and provides closure. Jamal could improve by adding a concluding statement that restates his opinion "School uniforms help students" and summarizes his three main reasons, using a concluding signal word like "In conclusion" or "For these reasons." Choice A is incorrect because this suggests adding a hook (which belongs in the introduction, not the conclusion), and Choice C is incorrect because this suggests adding another body reason when what's missing is a conclusion to wrap up the existing reasons. Students sometimes forget to include a conclusion—just stop after the last reason, or don't understand that a conclusion must relate to the opinion presented—not random ending. To help students provide concluding statements related to opinion: Teach conclusion strategies explicitly—model: "My opinion was 'School uniforms help students.' In my conclusion, I'll restate this: 'For these reasons, I believe our school should require uniforms.' I'll summarize reasons: 'Reducing bullying, saving money, and improving focus make uniforms beneficial.'" Teach what NOT to do—don't end abruptly without conclusion (reason 3. The end. ← no conclusion); use checklist: Does my conclusion (1) Relate to my opinion topic? (2) Restate opinion or summarize reasons? (3) Provide closure? (4) Use concluding signal word? Watch for students who don't write conclusions—just stop after last reason; teach: Conclusion MUST relate to opinion presented—same topic, references opinion and reasons; Use concluding signal words; Provide closure—sense of ending.
Read Emma’s opinion about longer recess. Is her conclusion related and effective?
No; it talks mostly about changing homework instead of recess.
Yes; any last sentence is a good conclusion, even if it’s new.
Yes; it restates longer recess, summarizes reasons, and gives closure.
No; her last reason about focus is the conclusion already.
Explanation
This question tests 4th grade opinion writing skills: providing a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented (CCSS.W.4.1.d). An effective opinion piece conclusion has three main jobs: (1) Relate to the opinion presented—the conclusion must be about the same topic as the opinion and connect to the opinion and reasons discussed; (2) Provide closure—the conclusion wraps up the essay and gives a sense of ending, not just an abrupt stop; (3) Restate the opinion in different words OR summarize the main reasons OR provide a final thought, often using concluding signal words (In conclusion, To sum up, For these reasons, Therefore). A good conclusion ties back to the introduction and helps the reader remember the main point. Emma writes an opinion piece arguing that students should have longer recess. Emma provides reasons about health benefits, social skills, and improved focus. In the conclusion, Emma restates her opinion about longer recess, summarizes her three main reasons (health, social skills, and focus), and provides closure by wrapping up her argument with a final thought about why the school should make this change. The conclusion relates to the opinion presented about longer recess by directly referencing the opinion and summarizing the specific reasons discussed in the body paragraphs. Choice A is correct because Emma provides a concluding statement that restates the opinion about longer recess and summarizes the three main reasons discussed, which relates to the opinion presented. Her conclusion is connected to the topic of longer recess, references the opinion and reasons from the essay, provides closure by wrapping up the argument, and ties back to the thesis. The conclusion is effective because it relates to the opinion about recess, restates it, summarizes the specific reasons, and provides closure. Choice B is incorrect because this claims the conclusion talks mostly about homework when Emma's conclusion actually stays focused on recess and summarizes her recess-related reasons. Students sometimes think any mention of another topic means the conclusion is unrelated, but Emma's conclusion clearly relates to her recess opinion. To help students provide concluding statements related to opinion: Teach conclusion strategies explicitly—Restate opinion: "In conclusion, I believe longer recess benefits students"; Summarize main reasons: "To sum up, health benefits, social skills, and improved focus show why we need longer recess"; provide conclusion frames: "In conclusion, [restate opinion]. These reasons show that [summarize main point]." Teach "related to opinion presented" explicitly—conclusion must be about SAME TOPIC as opinion: if opinion is about recess, conclusion is about recess, NOT about homework; use checklist: Does my conclusion (1) Relate to my opinion topic? (2) Restate opinion or summarize reasons? (3) Provide closure? Watch for students who think effective conclusions must introduce new ideas or who don't recognize when a conclusion properly relates to the opinion through restating and summarizing.
Amir writes about longer lunch. Which conclusion BEST relates to his opinion?
In conclusion, we should get more field trips because they are fun.
To sum up, lunch is food. Food is important. That is all.
In conclusion, longer lunch helps us eat calmly, talk politely, and waste less.
Finally, I also think we need new computers and extra recess too.
Explanation
This question tests 4th grade opinion writing skills: providing a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented (CCSS.W.4.1.d). An effective opinion piece conclusion has three main jobs: (1) Relate to the opinion presented—the conclusion must be about the same topic as the opinion and connect to the opinion and reasons discussed; (2) Provide closure—the conclusion wraps up the essay and gives a sense of ending, not just an abrupt stop; (3) Restate the opinion in different words OR summarize the main reasons OR provide a final thought, often using concluding signal words (In conclusion, To sum up, For these reasons, Therefore). A good conclusion ties back to the introduction and helps the reader remember the main point. Amir writes an opinion piece arguing that students need longer lunch periods. Amir provides reasons about eating calmly, talking politely, and wasting less food. The question asks which conclusion BEST relates to his opinion about longer lunch. Choice A restates the opinion about longer lunch and summarizes the specific reasons (eat calmly, talk politely, waste less), while the other choices either change topics or are too vague. Choice A is correct because the conclusion "In conclusion, longer lunch helps us eat calmly, talk politely, and waste less" BEST relates to the opinion about longer lunch because it specifically restates this opinion and summarizes these specific reasons discussed in the body. This conclusion is connected to the topic of longer lunch, uses the concluding signal word "In conclusion," and provides closure on this topic without introducing new ideas. The conclusion relates to the opinion presented and provides an effective wrap-up. Choice B is incorrect because this introduces a different topic—opinion about longer lunch, conclusion about field trips; Choice C is too vague ("lunch is food") without specifically mentioning longer lunch or the reasons; Choice D introduces brand new ideas (computers and recess) that weren't discussed in the body. Students sometimes introduce brand new ideas in conclusion that should have been body paragraphs, or write conclusions about different topics than their opinion. To help students provide concluding statements related to opinion: Teach conclusion strategies explicitly—Restate opinion AND summarize reasons: "In conclusion, longer lunch [restates opinion] helps us eat calmly, talk politely, and waste less [summarizes specific reasons]"; provide conclusion frames that ensure relatedness. Teach what NOT to do—don't introduce brand new ideas in conclusion ("we need computers and recess" introduces new ideas); don't write conclusion about different topic (opinion about lunch, conclusion about field trips ← not related); don't be too vague without mentioning your specific topic. Watch for students who introduce different topics in conclusions; students who add new arguments instead of wrapping up existing ones; teach: Conclusion must stay focused on YOUR opinion topic and YOUR reasons from the body—no new ideas, no topic changes.
Read Jamal’s opinion piece saying students should have less homework. He lists reasons: more family time, better sleep, and less stress. After the last reason, his writing stops with no wrap-up sentence. What is missing from Jamal’s opinion piece?
A concluding statement that restates his opinion and gives closure.
A new reason about why recess should be longer.
More body paragraphs, because conclusions are not needed.
A title, because titles are the most important part.
Explanation
This question tests 4th grade opinion writing skills: providing a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented (CCSS.W.4.1.d). An effective opinion piece conclusion has three main jobs: (1) Relate to the opinion presented—the conclusion must be about the same topic as the opinion and connect to the opinion and reasons discussed; (2) Provide closure—the conclusion wraps up the essay and gives a sense of ending, not just an abrupt stop; (3) Restate the opinion in different words OR summarize the main reasons OR provide a final thought, often using concluding signal words (In conclusion, To sum up, For these reasons, Therefore). A good conclusion ties back to the introduction and helps the reader remember the main point. A weak or missing conclusion either: doesn't exist (essay just stops after last reason), doesn't relate to the opinion (different topic or too vague), introduces brand new ideas that weren't discussed in the body, or provides no sense of closure. Jamal writes an opinion piece arguing that students should have less homework. Jamal provides reasons: more family time, better sleep, and less stress. In the conclusion, Jamal does NOT include a conclusion—the essay ends abruptly after the last reason without any closing statement. The conclusion is missing entirely, leaving the essay feeling incomplete. Choice A is correct because Jamal does NOT provide a concluding statement—the essay ends abruptly after the last reason without any closing section, leaving no sense of closure or final thought. The missing element is a concluding statement or section that wraps up the opinion piece, relates to the opinion, and provides closure. Jamal could improve by adding a concluding statement that restates opinion "students should have less homework" or summarizing the three main reasons in conclusion or using concluding signal word like "In conclusion" or "For these reasons." Choice B is incorrect because this suggests adding a new reason when the problem is the missing conclusion, not missing body content—conclusions wrap up, they don't add new reasons. Choice C is incorrect because this claims titles are most important when the actual missing element is a concluding statement that provides closure. Choice D is incorrect because this claims conclusions are not needed when effective opinion writing requires a conclusion that relates to the opinion and provides closure. To help students provide concluding statements related to opinion: Teach conclusion strategies explicitly—Restate opinion: "In conclusion, I believe [restate opinion in different words from intro]"; Summarize main reasons: "To sum up, [reason 1], [reason 2], and [reason 3] show why [opinion]"; model: "My opinion was 'Students should have less homework.' In my conclusion, I'll restate this: 'For these reasons, I believe reducing homework would benefit students.' I'll summarize reasons: 'More family time, better sleep, and less stress make this change important.' Notice I didn't introduce NEW ideas like tests or grades—I stuck to the topic of homework."; practice identifying: give opinion pieces, students identify concluding statement and evaluate if it relates to opinion. Watch for: students who don't write conclusions—just stop after last reason; students who think "The End" is a conclusion (it's not—just stopping); teach: Conclusion MUST relate to opinion presented—same topic, references opinion and reasons; Use concluding signal words; Restate opinion OR summarize reasons OR final thought (or combination); Provide closure—sense of ending; Model frequently; Use frames and checklists.
Carlos revises his park opinion conclusion. Which revision is better and related?
Before: “Fix the park.” After: “The park is a place. The park is a place.”
Before: “Fix the park.” After: “Also, the school should change lunch tomorrow.”
Before: “Parks are nice.” After: “For these reasons, add lights, bins, and swings.”
Before: “Fix the park.” After: “I like pizza because it tastes good.”
Explanation
This question tests 4th grade opinion writing skills: providing a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented (CCSS.W.4.1.d). An effective opinion piece conclusion has three main jobs: (1) Relate to the opinion presented—the conclusion must be about the same topic as the opinion and connect to the opinion and reasons discussed; (2) Provide closure—the conclusion wraps up the essay and gives a sense of ending, not just an abrupt stop; (3) Restate the opinion in different words OR summarize the main reasons OR provide a final thought, often using concluding signal words (In conclusion, To sum up, For these reasons, Therefore). A good conclusion ties back to the introduction and helps the reader remember the main point. Carlos writes an opinion piece arguing that the local park needs improvements. Carlos revises his vague conclusion "Parks are nice" to be more specific. The revised conclusion "For these reasons, add lights, bins, and swings" uses a concluding signal word, relates to the park improvement opinion, and summarizes specific improvements discussed in the body. The revision makes the conclusion relate to the opinion presented by being specific about park improvements rather than vague. Choice A is correct because the revision from "Parks are nice" to "For these reasons, add lights, bins, and swings" is better and related to the park improvement opinion. The revised conclusion specifically references the improvements discussed (lights, bins, swings), uses the concluding signal word "For these reasons," and relates directly to the opinion about fixing the park. The original was too vague; the revision provides specific connection to the opinion and reasons. Choice B is incorrect because this revision changes topics completely from parks to pizza—not related; Choice D introduces a different topic about school lunch instead of staying focused on parks. Students sometimes write too-vague conclusions ("Parks are nice") without specifics, or change topics entirely in revisions. To help students provide concluding statements related to opinion: Teach revision strategies—From vague to specific: "Parks are nice" → "For these reasons, our park needs lights for safety, bins for cleanliness, and swings for fun"; keep same topic: if opinion is about parks, conclusion stays about parks; add concluding signal words in revision: "For these reasons," "In conclusion," "Therefore". Practice revising vague conclusions to be specific and related to the opinion topic. Watch for students who write too-vague conclusions that could apply to any topic; students who change topics when revising instead of improving relatedness; teach: When revising conclusions, make them MORE related to your specific opinion by adding details about YOUR topic and YOUR reasons—don't switch to new topics.
Read Amir’s opinion about longer lunch. Which conclusion BEST relates to his opinion?
That is my opinion.
In conclusion, we should also add recess and more field trips.
In conclusion, longer lunch helps us eat calmly, talk, and waste less food.
In conclusion, our school should buy new computers for every classroom.
Explanation
This question tests 4th grade opinion writing skills: providing a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented (CCSS.W.4.1.d). An effective opinion piece conclusion has three main jobs: (1) Relate to the opinion presented—the conclusion must be about the same topic as the opinion and connect to the opinion and reasons discussed; (2) Provide closure—the conclusion wraps up the essay and gives a sense of ending, not just an abrupt stop; (3) Restate the opinion in different words OR summarize the main reasons OR provide a final thought, often using concluding signal words (In conclusion, To sum up, For these reasons, Therefore). A good conclusion ties back to the introduction and helps the reader remember the main point. A weak or missing conclusion either: doesn't exist (essay just stops after last reason), doesn't relate to the opinion (different topic or too vague), introduces brand new ideas that weren't discussed in the body, or provides no sense of closure. Amir writes an opinion piece arguing that schools should have longer lunch periods. Amir provides reasons: students can eat calmly without rushing, have time to socialize, and waste less food. The question asks which conclusion BEST relates to his opinion about longer lunch. Choice A is correct because the conclusion "In conclusion, longer lunch helps us eat calmly, talk, and waste less food" BEST relates to opinion about longer lunch because it specifically restates this opinion and summarizes these specific reasons, provides closure on this topic, not introducing new ideas. Choice B is incorrect because this conclusion doesn't relate to the opinion when it actually introduces a different topic—opinion about longer lunch, conclusion about new computers. Students sometimes write conclusions about different topics than their opinion. Choice C is incorrect because this conclusion is too vague ("That is my opinion") without saying what opinion, making it not clearly related to the longer lunch topic. Choice D is incorrect because this conclusion introduces brand new ideas (recess and field trips) that weren't discussed in the body about longer lunch. A concluding statement that relates to your opinion is essential for effective opinion writing. It reminds readers of your main point (opinion), shows you've finished your argument (closure), and leaves readers with your final thoughts. To help students provide concluding statements related to opinion: Practice matching: give opinions and multiple possible conclusions, students identify which relate; teach what NOT to do—don't introduce brand new ideas in conclusion ("In conclusion, we should also change lunch and add field trips" introduces new ideas); don't write conclusion about different topic (opinion about lunch, conclusion about computers ← not related); don't be too vague ("So that's why" without saying why WHAT). Watch for: students who write conclusions about different topics than opinion; students who introduce brand new arguments in conclusion instead of wrapping up; students who write too-vague conclusions ("So I think that" without saying what); teach: Conclusion MUST relate to opinion presented—same topic, references opinion and reasons.
Read Maya’s opinion on improving the park. How could she improve her conclusion?
Remove her reasons and only keep the last sentence.
Add brand new reasons about building a movie theater nearby.
Switch to a different topic like school lunches at the end.
Add a concluding statement that restates her opinion and sums up her reasons.
Explanation
This question tests 4th grade opinion writing skills: providing a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented (CCSS.W.4.1.d). An effective opinion piece conclusion has three main jobs: (1) Relate to the opinion presented—the conclusion must be about the same topic as the opinion and connect to the opinion and reasons discussed; (2) Provide closure—the conclusion wraps up the essay and gives a sense of ending, not just an abrupt stop; (3) Restate the opinion in different words OR summarize the main reasons OR provide a final thought, often using concluding signal words (In conclusion, To sum up, For these reasons, Therefore). A good conclusion ties back to the introduction and helps the reader remember the main point. A weak or missing conclusion either: doesn't exist (essay just stops after last reason), doesn't relate to the opinion (different topic or too vague), introduces brand new ideas that weren't discussed in the body, or provides no sense of closure. Maya writes an opinion piece arguing that the local park needs improvements. Maya provides reasons supporting park improvements. The question asks how she could improve her conclusion, suggesting there's a problem with her current ending. Choice A is correct because Maya could improve by adding a concluding statement that restates her opinion about improving the park and sums up her reasons. This would provide closure, relate clearly to her opinion about park improvements, and help readers remember her main point rather than leaving the essay feeling incomplete. Choice D is incorrect because this suggests adding brand new reasons about a movie theater in the conclusion, but conclusions should wrap up existing arguments, not introduce new ideas that weren't discussed in the body—this would make the conclusion less effective, not improve it. Students sometimes think adding more content always improves writing, but conclusions need focus on wrapping up, not expanding. To help students provide concluding statements related to opinion: Teach conclusion strategies explicitly—Restate opinion: "In conclusion, I believe our park needs these improvements"; Summarize main reasons: "To sum up, new equipment, better lighting, and more benches would make our park safer and more enjoyable"; teach what NOT to do—don't introduce brand new ideas in conclusion ("In conclusion, we should also build a movie theater" introduces new ideas). Watch for: students who introduce brand new arguments in conclusion instead of wrapping up; students who think improvement means adding more ideas rather than providing closure; teach: Conclusion MUST relate to opinion presented—same topic, references opinion and reasons; Don't introduce NEW ideas; Model frequently; Use frames and checklists.