CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.1.1
The Standard
Write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic or name the book they are writing about, state an opinion, supply a reason for the opinion, and provide some sense of closure.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Writing Standards
What This Standard Means
First graders need to write a short opinion piece that names the topic or book, clearly says what they think, gives one reason, and ends the writing. They are not just telling facts or retelling a story. They are making a simple claim, like “I like this book,” and backing it up with “because.”
Mastery looks like a few connected sentences with a clear opinion and a reason that matches it. Students often get stuck by giving only “I like it,” forgetting the reason, or ending suddenly. Many need sentence frames and oral rehearsal before writing.
Ways to Teach It
- Hands-on activity: Give students picture cards, have them choose one, then sort opinion, reason, and closing sentence strips into order.
- Prompt: Write about a class read-aloud using “My opinion is,” “I think this because,” and “That is why.”
- Quick assessment: Ask students to underline their opinion in red, their reason in blue, and their ending in green.
- Real-world connection: Have students write a note to the librarian recommending one book and giving one reason classmates should read it.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.1.1
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.