Kentucky Reading and Writing C.1.1.b

ELA1st GradeComposition

The Standard

C.1.1: Compose opinion pieces, using a combination of drawing, dictating, writing and digital resources, to state the topic and an opinion.

Introduce the topic.

Kentucky Academic Standards for Reading and Writing (2025) · Text Types and Purpose

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students name what their writing is about near the start. They give the reader a clear topic before adding details.
What Mastery Looks Like: Given a picture or prompt, a student writes an opening sentence that names the topic. A reader can tell what the rest of the piece will be about.
Common Misconceptions: Students may start with a detail like “It is big” without saying what “it” means. Some write a title but no opening sentence, or use “I am going to write about” every time.
How to Assess It: Ask students to write one opening sentence about an animal they know. Have them circle the words that tell the reader the topic.

Lesson moves

Give students a picture of a pet, a park, or a snack; have them choose one and write an opening sentence that names it.
Show “It was fun” and “Our class trip to the farm was fun”; ask which opening tells the reader more and why.
Put topic cards in a bag; partners draw one and write an opening sentence before the timer rings.
Have students write a note to the principal about one playground change, starting with a sentence that names the change.

Free download

A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to C.1.1.b, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.

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