Writing Opinion and Informative Paragraphs: Grade 2 Study Guide
Writers choose a purpose. They might share what they think or teach readers something.
An opinion piece says what you think and gives reasons. An informative piece teaches readers facts about a topic. Both start with a topic sentence, use details in the middle and finish with a concluding sentence.
Grade 2 writers plan, draft, revise and edit. They add details, fix mistakes and sometimes work with a classmate. Writing a few paragraphs at a time builds stamina.
Opinion paragraph
State your opinion, give two or three reasons, use linking words like because, also and for example, and finish with a restated opinion. Example: I think every class should have a pet. First, pets teach us to be kind. Also, they are fun to watch. For these reasons, every class should have a pet.
| Part | Starter words | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Opinion | I think, I believe | I think recess should be longer. |
| Reasons | because, first, also | We need time to run and play. |
| Conclusion | That is why, for these reasons | That is why recess should be longer. |
Informative paragraph
Pick a topic, such as 'dolphins', and gather facts: where they live, what they eat, how they move. Write a topic sentence, then one fact per sentence, and a concluding sentence. Use facts, not opinions: 'Dolphins breathe air' is a fact; 'Dolphins are the best animal' is an opinion.
Dolphins.
Habitat, food, movement.
Dolphins are amazing sea mammals.
One fact per sentence.
Revising and editing
Revise by adding details, changing weak words and checking order. Edit by checking capitals, ending marks, spelling and spacing. Read your piece aloud, then ask a partner what they learnt or whether they agree.
Worked examples and common mistakes
Weak: Dogs are good. They are fun. Better: Dogs make great pets because they are loyal and love to play. Common mistakes: giving no reasons, mixing opinions into an informative piece and forgetting a concluding sentence. Ask: 'Why do I think that?' and 'What fact shows it?'
Check your understanding: model answers
1. Example: I think school lunch should have more fruit. 2. An opinion, because people can disagree. 3. Example: Frogs are amphibians that live both in water and on land.
✨ Key Takeaways
- Opinion pieces give reasons; informative pieces give facts.
- Start with a topic sentence and end with a conclusion.
- Use linking words.
- Revise and edit your work.
💬 Questions for Discussion & Reflection
- Write an opinion sentence about school lunch.
- Is 'Cats are cute' a fact or an opinion?
- Write a topic sentence about frogs.
Print lined paper for writing →