English Language Arts · Learning & practice

Which Starter Pokémon Is the Best?

Learn to build a strong opinion paragraph — state your view, back it with reasons, link your ideas, and finish with a clear conclusion. Then assemble your own argument for the best starter Pokémon.

Section 1 · Topic sentence

State Your Opinion Clearly

By the end of this section I can write a clear topic sentence that tells the reader my opinion — so my argument makes sense from the very first line.

Success criteria 0 / 3 ticked

Tick each one when you can do it without help.

1A The four parts of an opinion paragraph

Every strong opinion paragraph has the same four building blocks. Learn them once and you can argue for anything — including your favourite starter Pokémon.

The four parts of an opinion paragraph

Topic sentence Reasons Linking words Conclusion

The topic sentence states your opinion. The reasons explain why you think that. Linking words (like because, first, also) glue the reasons together. The conclusion restates your opinion at the end.

Sample opinion paragraph — labelled

In my opinion, Bulbasaur is the best starter Pokémon. ← topic sentence (states the opinion)
First, Bulbasaur is a Grass type, so it has an advantage against the first two gyms. ← reason 1, linked with "First"
Also, Bulbasaur is calm and easy to train. ← reason 2, linked with "Also"
For all these reasons, Bulbasaur is the best starter to choose. ← conclusion (restates opinion)

Check yourself

An opinion paragraph has four main parts. Which part states your opinion right at the beginning?

It is the very first sentence — the one that opens the paragraph and names your opinion.
The first sentence of an opinion paragraph is the topic sentence. It tells the reader your opinion before you give any reasons.

Is this a fact or an opinion? "Squirtle is a Water-type Pokémon."

Ask: can this be checked and proven true or false, or is it someone's personal view?
A Pokémon's type can be looked up and proven, so this is a fact. An opinion would be a judgement, like "Squirtle is the coolest Pokémon."

1B Writing a strong topic sentence

A weak topic sentence is vague. A strong one names your opinion clearly and can even hint at your reasons.

What makes a strong topic sentence

A strong topic sentence states your opinion clearly. It often begins with a signal phrase like In my opinion or I believe. Avoid fuzzy words such as "cool" or "nice" on their own — say what you think and why.

Strong vs weak topic sentences

Weak: Charmander is cool. no clear opinion, too short
Strong: In my opinion, Charmander is the best starter because it grows into a powerful Fire type. states opinion + hints at a reason

Check yourself

A topic sentence must state your _____ clearly. (Write the missing word.)

The whole point of an opinion paragraph is to share what you think about the topic.
A topic sentence states your opinion — what you personally think about the topic.

Which is the stronger topic sentence — A or B?
A: Bulbasaur is okay.   B: I believe Bulbasaur is the best starter because it is easy to train.

Look for the sentence that names a clear opinion and hints at a reason.
Sentence B states a clear opinion ("I believe Bulbasaur is the best starter") and hints at a reason ("because it is easy to train"). Sentence A is vague.

Section 2 · Reasons, links & conclusion

Back It Up With Reasons

By the end of this section I can support my opinion with reasons, connect them with linking words, and write a conclusion — so my whole paragraph works together to persuade the reader.

Success criteria 0 / 3 ticked

Tick each one when you can do it without help.

2A Reasons and linking words

A topic sentence alone is not an argument. Add reasons, and use linking words to connect them so the paragraph flows smoothly.

Linking words that connect ideas

because First Also For example Another reason

Give at least two reasons. Linking words show how each reason connects to your opinion. Because explains why; First and Also order your reasons; For example gives evidence.

Adding reasons and linking words

Opinion: I believe Squirtle is the best starter.
+ reason: Because Squirtle is a Water type, it does well against the first gym. "Because" links the reason
+ another: For example, Squirtle's high defence keeps it safe in long battles. "For example" adds a second reason

Check yourself

Which linking word fits best to add a second reason? "Charmander is strong. _____, it is easy to train."

You already gave one reason. Pick a word that signals you are adding another.
Also signals a second, added reason. "First" would only fit at the very first reason, and "Because" explains a single cause.

In a short opinion paragraph, what is the minimum number of reasons you should give to support your opinion?

One reason is a start, but a stronger argument lists more than one.
Give at least two reasons so your opinion is well supported, not just stated once.

2B The conclusion & build your paragraph

The conclusion restates your opinion in a fresh way. It never adds brand-new reasons. Try the builder below to assemble a full opinion paragraph for your favourite starter.

Writing the conclusion

A good conclusion restates your opinion. It often starts with For all these reasons or Clearly. Do not introduce new reasons here — just remind the reader of your view.

Interactive · opinion paragraph builder

Pick a starter to begin.

0 of 5 parts ready

Writing the conclusion

Paragraph so far: In my opinion, Bulbasaur is the best starter. First, it is a Grass type. Also, it is easy to train.
Conclusion: For all these reasons, Bulbasaur is the best starter to pick. restates the opinion — no new reasons

Check yourself

A good conclusion does which of these — A or B?
A: Adds a brand-new reason.   B: Restates your opinion.

Think about what the conclusion's job is — to wrap up, not to start something new.
A conclusion restates your opinion (B). New reasons belong in the middle of the paragraph, not at the end.

Finish this conclusion: "For all these _____, Squirtle is the best starter."

The conclusion sums up everything you just wrote. What did you give to support your opinion?
You gave reasons, so the conclusion is "For all these reasons, Squirtle is the best starter."

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