Opinions With Linking Words
A 40-minute Grade 2 lesson on writing an opinion piece with reasons joined by because, and and also.
Opinions With Linking Words is a free 40-minute Grade 2 English lesson plan for Common Core standard W.2.1 — write an opinion with reasons, joined by linking words, and a conclusion. It is timed across 5 sections, gives the exact wording to use where the wording carries the mathematics, names 3 misconceptions with the teaching move that addresses each, and ends with an exit ticket and a printable worksheet with its answer key.
- Grade:
- Grade 2
- Length:
- 40 minutes
- Standard:
- W.2.1
Grade 2 · Writing
W.2.1
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.
Objective
Students will be able to write an opinion piece with two reasons joined by linking words and a concluding statement.
Students are successful when they can
- States the opinion in the first sentence.
- Gives two distinct reasons.
- Uses because, and or also to join them.
- Ends with a concluding statement.
What you need
- Linking word cards: because, and, also
- A four-part planner
- The printable practice sheet linked at the end of this plan
The lesson
Warm-up — join these two
5 min- Give an opinion and two reasons as separate sentences.
- Join them three ways with the three cards. Ask which reads best.
Teach — two reasons, not one twice
13 min- Write the opinion sentence.
- Add reason one with 'because'.
- Add reason two and deliberately make it a reword of reason one. Ask whether it is new.
- Replace it with a genuinely different reason and join with 'also'.
- Write the concluding statement — one that follows from both reasons, not a restatement.
“Two reasons means two different reasons. Saying it twice is one reason with more words.”
Guided practice — plan then join
12 min- Students plan an opinion and two reasons in note form.
- A partner checks the two reasons are different before any sentence is written.
- They write the piece with linking words and a conclusion.
Independent practice
8 min- Students complete the opinion writing page.
- The prompt and the checklist are on the sheet.
Close
2 min- Read one piece. The class names the two reasons.
What goes wrong, and why
Each of these is a reasoning error rather than carelessness. The fix addresses the reasoning.
The second reason repeats the first.
Why: One reason is genuinely held and the second is a requirement rather than a belief.
Fix: Partner check before writing. Two notes that say the same thing are visible in note form and invisible in prose.
Uses 'because' to start every sentence.
Why: It was taught as the reason word, so every reason gets one.
Fix: Three cards. 'Also' and 'and' exist so the piece does not chant.
The conclusion restates the opinion word for word.
Why: A conclusion and a restatement look the same.
Fix: The conclusion should follow from the reasons. 'That is why I think...' at least names them.
If they are not there yet
- One reason rather than two.
- Give the linking words as a printed strip.
If they finish early
- Give a third reason and rank all three.
- Answer an objection somebody might raise.
- Write the same opinion for a different reader.
Exit ticket
Write your opinion and two reasons, joined with linking words.
What to look for: Two genuinely different reasons. A reworded second reason means the partner check has to happen at the note stage.
Printable practice for W.2.1
Free to print and copy, answer key included. Each sheet can generate a fresh set of problems for a retake.
- Opinion, Reasons, ConclusionWrite on the lines. Use the checklist.
Questions about Opinions With Linking Words
How long does the Opinions With Linking Words lesson take?
40 minutes, split across 5 timed sections: warm-up 5 min, teach 13 min, guided practice 12 min, independent practice 8 min, close 2 min. The minutes are stated per section and add up to the stated length, so the plan can be cut or extended at a section boundary rather than abandoned halfway.
Which standard does Opinions With Linking Words teach?
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.1 — W.2.1, Writing for Grade 2: “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.” In plain terms, write an opinion with reasons, joined by linking words, and a conclusion.
What do I need to teach this lesson?
Linking word cards: because, and, also, a four-part planner and the printable practice sheet linked at the end of this plan. Everything listed is either ordinary classroom equipment or a free printable from this site — there is nothing to buy and nothing to prepare beyond photocopying.
What mistakes should I expect in this lesson?
Three, each a reasoning error rather than carelessness: the second reason repeats the first; uses 'because' to start every sentence and the conclusion restates the opinion word for word. The plan gives the thinking behind each one and the teaching move that addresses the thinking rather than the symptom.
How do I know whether the lesson worked?
The exit ticket asks: “Write your opinion and two reasons, joined with linking words.” Two genuinely different reasons. A reworded second reason means the partner check has to happen at the note stage. That tells you whether the class needs a reteach or a thirty-second conversation before you plan tomorrow.
Is there a worksheet to go with Opinions With Linking Words?
Yes — 1 printable W.2.1 worksheet, linked at the end of the plan and free like the rest of the site. Each one comes with an answer key and 25 versions, so the practice after the lesson can be a different paper on every desk.
Is Opinions With Linking Words free to use?
Yes. The plan, its printables and their answer keys are free to read, print and photocopy for your own class, with no account and no email capture. It was last reviewed on 7 September 2026. Please do not resell it or republish it as your own.
Last reviewed 2026-09-07. Aligned to W.2.1 of the Common Core State Standards for English language arts.