Standard: 2.W.1 – Write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic or book they are writing about, state an opinion, supply reasons that support the opinion, use linking words (e.g., because, and, also) to connect opinion and reasons, and provide a concluding statement or section.
Grade level: Grade 2
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Writing
Teacher Overview
This standard focuses on helping Grade 2 students develop their ability to write opinion pieces. By learning to introduce a topic, state an opinion, provide supporting reasons, use linking words, and conclude their writing, students build foundational skills that are crucial for persuasive writing. This skill is essential as it lays the groundwork for more advanced writing tasks in later grades. Before tackling this standard, students should be able to write simple sentences and express their opinions verbally. They should also understand the concept of providing reasons to support their opinions.
After mastering this standard, students will be able to write more complex opinion pieces with multiple reasons, counterarguments, and sophisticated linking words, preparing them for advanced persuasive writing.
Common Misconception 1
One common misconception is that students may believe stating an opinion is enough without providing supporting reasons. This is incorrect because reasons are necessary to persuade the reader and back up the opinion.
Intervention 1
To address this, teachers can use graphic organizers that help students map out their opinion and reasons. Additionally, providing sentence starters can guide students in structuring their writing.
Common Misconception 2
Another misconception is that students may think concluding statements are optional. This is incorrect because a concluding statement helps to summarize and reinforce the opinion and reasons presented.
Intervention 2
Teachers can model writing that includes strong concluding statements and provide practice opportunities where students identify and write their own conclusions.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should be familiar with basic sentence structure, be able to express simple opinions verbally, and understand the concept of reasons supporting an opinion.
Subsequent Knowledge
Students will develop the ability to write more complex opinion pieces, including using multiple reasons, counterarguments, and more sophisticated linking words.
Instructional Activities
- Use graphic organizers to plan opinion pieces
- Practice writing opinion statements with supporting reasons
- Peer review sessions focusing on identifying reasons and conclusions
- Model writing opinion pieces with the class
- Use sentence starters to help students begin their opinion pieces
