South Dakota ELA 2.W.1

2.W.1 is a cluster heading. These are the individual standards under it.

• 2.W.1.a

  Introduce an opinion using a topic sentence.

• 2.W.1.b

  Supply reasons and details that support the opinion.

• 2.W.1.c

  Use grade-level appropriate linking words to connect the opinion and reasons (e.g., so, but, because, for example).

• 2.W.1.d

  Provide a concluding sentence or paragraph.

01

What Students Need to Do

Students pick a side on a familiar question, such as whether the class should have a pet. They explain their choice with reasons and examples. They use words like because to connect ideas and finish with a closing thought.

02

What Mastery Looks Like

A reader knows the student's choice from the first sentence. The student gives reasons that fit, adds a specific detail, and connects ideas clearly. The last sentence wraps up without adding a new point.

03

Common Misconceptions

Students may name the topic without saying what they think about it. They may give a detail that does not support their reason. Some add a new reason at the end instead of wrapping up.

04

How to Assess It

Ask students to write four sentences answering, 'Should our class have a pet?' Look for a clear choice, a reason with a detail, a linking word, and a closing sentence.

1. 01

   Give pairs paper strips about longer recess, with an opening opinion, reasons, details, and an ending; have them arrange a paragraph.

2. 02

   Ask, 'Should we read outdoors on Fridays?' Have partners explain their choice with one reason and a specific example.

3. 03

   Play Linking Word Match: students use because, but, or so to join sentence pairs about class pets, then read each sentence aloud.

4. 04

   Have students write a note to the librarian recommending a book for the class shelf, with two reasons and a closing sentence.

• 1.W.1

  The 1st Grade version of this standard.

• 1.W.2

  Write informative/explanatory texts that:

• 1.W.3

  Write narratives that: