Opinion Writing: Explain Your Reasons (KS1–KS2)

Simple Structure

Opinion: One clear sentence to start.
Reason 1 + example: A short reason and a small example.
Reason 2 + example: A second reason and example.
Wrap-up: Remind the reader of your opinion.

Keep language simple and use short sentences. For younger children, one reason + example is fine; for older KS2 pupils, aim for two reasons with explanations.

Sentence Starters

In my opinion, ...
I believe that ...
One reason is ...
For example, ...
This shows that ...
Therefore, ...

Worked Example

Question: Should school lunches be longer?

Opinion: I think school lunches should be longer.

Reason 1: Children need time to eat properly. For example, when I rush, I do not chew my food and feel hungry soon after.

Reason 2: Longer breaks give more time to play and rest. For example, a few extra minutes can let children finish a game and calm down before lessons.

Wrap-up: For these reasons, lunches should be longer.

Success Criteria & Tips

✓ Start with a clear opinion sentence.
✓ Give at least one reason and a short example (KS1) or two reasons (KS2).
✓ Use linking words: because, for example, therefore.
✓ Finish with a sentence that reminds the reader of your view.

Support ideas for different learners

Low support: Provide two possible opinions to choose from and a sentence starter sheet.
Medium support: Give a planning box with space for opinion, two reasons and examples.
Extension: Add a counter-argument sentence ("Some people think... but...") and then a rebuttal.

Try It

Choose a simple question (e.g. Which is better: reading indoors or outdoors?).
Write your opinion in one sentence.
Add two reasons with short examples for each.
Finish with a wrap-up sentence that restates your opinion.

Peer task: swap with a partner and underline the opinion, reasons and examples in each other's work.

Short lesson plan (30 minutes)

Warm-up (5 min): Quick opinion vote and ask pupils for one reason each.
Model (5–7 min): Show the worked example and underline opinion, reasons and examples.
Guided practice (10 min): Pupils plan a short paragraph using a planning box (opinion, reason, example, explain).
Independent (5–8 min): Write paragraph and swap for peer feedback using the success criteria.

Worked exemplars by level

KS1 example: I think dogs are the best pets because they are friendly. For example, my dog plays with me. I like dogs.

Lower KS2 example: I believe reading outside is better. One reason is that fresh air helps me focus; for example, I read two chapters on the bench last week and understood them better. Therefore, I prefer reading outside.

Upper KS2 extension: Add a counter-argument sentence: Some people think that reading inside is better because it is quieter, but I find outdoor reading more relaxing and it helps me concentrate.

Counter-argument practice

Teach pupils to add one short sentence that recognises another view and then a sentence that explains why their opinion still stands. Example: "Some people think... but..."

This helps develop thinking and stronger writing (KS2).

Assessment & feedback prompts

Can the pupil state their opinion clearly?
Are there one or two reasons with examples or evidence?
Is the language linked with words like 'because', 'for example' and 'therefore'?
Peer feedback: highlight opinion, reasons and examples in a partner's work.