Thursday Is Leftovers Night: Revising an Opinion Letter with Feedback

Leftovers Night (First Draft)

1Dear Family, I think we should have Leftovers Night every Thursday. Food is important.

2Every week, our fridge fills up with containers of food from earlier meals. Last week we threw away half a pan of lasagna and a whole bowl of rice because nobody remembered they were there. Food that sits too long can grow mold, and then nobody can eat it. Sometimes we even buy more of a food that we already have at home. We wasted that food and the money we spent on it. If we ate leftovers every Thursday, we would use up the food before it goes bad.

3Also, nobody would have to cook on Thursdays. Mom gets home late from work that night, and Dad has band practice. A Leftovers Night would give everyone a night off from cooking. My favorite food is tacos. We could each choose something from the fridge and heat it up. That way, each person gets to eat a meal that he or she likes.

4Leftovers Night could be fun to. We could make it like a restaurant, with a menu on the kitchen whiteboard and my little sister Maya as the server. she loves to take orders. Dad could even play quiet music while we eat.

5Thats why we should try it. Love, Jonah

Notes from Jonah's Writing Group

Ava (Jonah's older sister): Your reason about having a night off is strong, but one sentence in paragraph 3 is not about Leftovers Night. Also, your first paragraph could tell the reader your reasons right away.

Dad: Your example about the lasagna really convinced me! Your ending is very short, though. Could you remind us of your reasons before you sign your name?

Ms. Ruiz (Jonah's teacher): You have clear reasons and a fun idea for a menu. Check paragraphs 4 and 5 for spelling, capital letters and apostrophes before you share your final copy.