South Dakota ELA 2.W.1.a
The Standard
- 2.W.1
- Write opinion pieces that:
Introduce an opinion using a topic sentence.
South Dakota English Language Arts Standards (2025)
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students write an opening sentence that names their topic and tells what they think about it. The reader should know their opinion right away.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Given a choice between two class pets, a student writes, 'A fish would be the better class pet.' The sentence tells readers both the topic and the student's opinion.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may write only a topic, such as 'Class pets,' without giving an opinion. They may start with 'They are quiet' without naming what they are talking about.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: 'Should our class have a fish or a hamster?' Write one opening sentence that tells your opinion.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give students word cards reading 'I think,' 'tag,' 'four square,' and 'is the best recess game'; have them build an opening sentence.
Ask, 'Should we read a mystery or a funny story next?' Have partners say one opening sentence that states their choice.
Play Fix the Start: display 'Dogs are pets' and have pairs rewrite it to say which pet they think is best.
Show a lunch menu with pizza and tacos; students write one opening sentence telling the cafeteria which meal they want Friday.
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Printable 2.W.1.a Worksheet
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