CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.1c
The Standard
Use linking words and phrases (e.g., because, therefore, since, for example) to connect opinion and reasons.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
What This Standard Means
Students need to make their opinion writing sound connected, not like a list of separate sentences. They should use words and phrases that show why a reason supports the opinion, or that introduce an example that proves the point.
Mastery looks like a paragraph where the reader can easily follow the thinking from opinion to reason to example. Students often get stuck using the same connector over and over, placing it awkwardly, or choosing one that does not match the relationship between ideas.
Ways to Teach It
- Give students sentence strips with opinions, reasons, examples, and connectors, then have them build and read logical opinion paragraphs aloud.
- Prompt students to write: I think recess should be longer because, then add one reason and one example using a different connector.
- Use a four-sentence exit ticket and ask students to circle two connectors and underline the ideas they connect.
- Show a short product review online or in print, and have students highlight words that connect opinions to reasons.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.1c
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What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9-10.1c
Use words, phrases, and clauses to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between claim(s) and reasons, between rea...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.1c
Use words, phrases, and clauses to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between claim(s) and reasons, between rea...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.1c
Link opinion and reasons using words, phrases, and clauses (e.g., consequently, specifically).