Today is rung 1 of 11 on this topic
Opinion writing with real reasons
Can do: States an opinion and backs it with at least two reasons, using because, also and finally.
Why it matters
Every essay from here on is this shape. Learning to separate an opinion from its evidence is a thinking skill long before it's a writing skill.
What it looks like when it's wobbly
Reasons that just restate the opinion — "Pizza is best because it's the best."
⏱️ Two-minute check
"What's the best day of the week? Give me two reasons that aren't 'because it's good'."
Solid looks like: Two genuinely different reasons with something concrete in each.
The full activity for this topic · 15 minutes
Convince Me
- 1Pick something they actually want — a later bedtime, a pet, a film choice.
- 2They write the opinion in one sentence, then list three reasons.
- 3Push on each reason: "Why does that matter to me?"
- 4Add the linking words: first, also, finally.
- 5They read it aloud to you as a real argument, and you respond honestly.
If it's too hard
Two reasons, spoken not written, with you scribing.
If it's too easy
Add a counter-argument: "Some people think… but…"
Say this
"That's the same reason twice. Give me a different one — why else?"