South Dakota ELA 1.W.1.b
The Standard
- 1.W.1
- Write opinion pieces that:
Supply reasons for the opinion.
South Dakota English Language Arts Standards (2025)
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students say what they think about a familiar choice and explain why. They give a reason that fits their choice instead of just repeating it.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student writes, 'I like the library because I can find books about dogs.' When asked, they can give another reason for choosing the library.
Common Misconceptions
- Some students write 'I like it because I like it' without explaining why. Others add a fact that does not support their choice.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: 'Which class read-aloud should we reread? Write your choice and one reason.' Check whether the reason explains the choice.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs picture cards of two playground games; have them pick one and add a sticky note explaining why.
Ask, 'Should our class read outside or inside today? Why?' Have partners share a choice and a reason.
Play Reason Match: say 'I prefer crayons,' then have students pick the better reason from 'They come in many colors' and 'My shoes are wet.'
List two classroom jobs on the board; have students write which job they would choose and why it fits them.
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