CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.1c
The Standard
Link opinion and reasons using words and phrases (e.g., for instance, in order to, in addition).
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
What This Standard Means
Students need to connect an opinion to reasons with clear linking words and phrases. They should use words like because, for example, also, in addition, for instance, and in order to so the reader can follow their thinking.
Mastery looks like a short opinion piece where each reason is tied back to the opinion in a smooth, logical way. Students often get stuck repeating the same connector, dropping in transition words that do not fit, or listing reasons without showing how they support the opinion.
Ways to Teach It
- Hands-on: Give students sentence strips with opinions, reasons, and linking words, then have them build a clear opinion paragraph on a desk.
- Prompt: Write about the best school lunch choice, using at least three different linking words to connect your reasons.
- Quick assessment: Ask students to revise three choppy opinion sentences by adding linking words that make sense.
- Real-world connection: Show a short product review and have students highlight words that connect the opinion to each reason.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.1c
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What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.