This writing unit teaches students to write a five paragraph opinion essay with a thesis statement on a personal topic, such as an important life lesson they've learned. It includes graphic organizers, templates, and writing checklists for each step of the writing process, including planning, prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. Students will learn to draft mini-stories and parallel lists to support each of their reasons. Teacher and student rubrics, as well as three exemplars written by