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Learn Index · Writing Grade 1–2

Opinion and informational writing

Opinion writing says what you think and gives reasons; informational writing teaches true facts about a topic.

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Writing to share what you think and what you know

There are many reasons to write. Two important ones are:

  • Opinion writing: telling what you think and why.
  • Informational writing: teaching the reader facts about a topic.

Both kinds have a beginning, a middle and an end. Both need clear, organized sentences. But they have different jobs.

Opinion or fact?

Before you write, it helps to know the difference.

An opinion is what someone thinks or feels. Other people might disagree.
– Pizza is the best food.
– Summer is more fun than winter.
– Cats are better pets than dogs.

A fact is something true that can be checked.
– Pizza is made with dough.
– Summer comes after spring.
– Cats have whiskers.

Signal words for opinions: I think, I believe, I feel, best, worst, favourite, should.

Part 1: Opinion writing

The parts of an opinion piece

  1. State your opinion. Tell the reader what you think. I think dogs make the best pets.
  2. Give reasons. Tell why. Give at least two or three reasons.
  3. Explain each reason with a detail or example.
  4. Write a conclusion. Say your opinion again in a new way.

Use linking words

Linking words connect your opinion and reasons.

because, also, another reason, for example, so, that is why

Example opinion piece

I think recess should be longer. One reason is that kids need to move their bodies. When we run and play, we feel calmer when we come back inside. Another reason is that recess helps us make friends. We learn to share and take turns. For example, last week I taught a new student how to play four square. That is why I believe recess should be longer!

  • Opinion: recess should be longer.
  • Reasons: kids need to move; recess helps make friends.
  • Conclusion: That is why I believe recess should be longer!

Make your reasons strong

Strong reasons help convince the reader. Weak: because I like it. Strong: because it helps kids focus in class.

Part 2: Informational writing

Informational writing teaches the reader about a topic using facts.

The parts of an informational piece

  1. Introduction: Name the topic and hook the reader. Did you know that octopuses have three hearts?
  2. Facts: Give facts about the topic. Group facts that go together.
  3. Definitions: Explain special words.
  4. Conclusion: Wrap up with a final thought.

Where to find facts

  • Books from the library
  • Trusted websites, with a grown-up
  • Interviews with people who know a lot
  • Things you have seen or learned at school

Organize your facts

Group your facts under small headings:

All About Frogs
– What they look like: smooth, wet skin; long back legs.
– Where they live: near ponds, rivers and wetlands.
– What they eat: insects, worms and spiders.
– How they grow: egg, tadpole, froglet, frog.

Example informational paragraph

Frogs are amazing animals that live near water. They have smooth, wet skin and strong back legs for jumping. Frogs eat insects, which they catch with their long, sticky tongues. Every frog starts life as a tiny egg and then becomes a tadpole that swims like a fish. Frogs are an important part of nature because they help control the number of insects.

How to write, step by step

  1. Choose your topic (and your opinion, if it is an opinion piece).
  2. Plan using a chart: opinion and reasons, or topic and facts.
  3. Write an introduction that hooks the reader.
  4. Write the middle with reasons or facts. Use linking words.
  5. Write a conclusion.
  6. Reread to check that every sentence fits.

Common mistakes

  • Mixing up opinion and informational writing. In an informational piece, do not write I think. Stick to facts.
  • Only one reason. Give at least two or three.
  • Reasons without explanations. Add a detail or example after each reason.
  • No conclusion. End by restating your opinion or summing up the topic.
  • Copying facts word for word. Put facts in your own words.

Try it yourself

  1. Fact or opinion? Apples grow on trees. Apples are the tastiest fruit.
  2. Write an opinion sentence about your favourite season, with two reasons.
  3. Write three facts about an animal you know.
  4. Write a conclusion for this opinion: Everyone should learn to swim.

Possible answers: 1. Fact; opinion. 2. Example: Winter is the best season because you can build snowmen and go skating. 3. Answers will vary. 4. That is why I believe everyone should learn to swim.

Tip for families

Ask your child’s opinion often, and always follow up with “Why?” At dinner, debate fun questions like “Which is better, pancakes or waffles?” For informational writing, let your child teach you about a topic they love, then help them write down the facts they shared.

Quick recap

  • An opinion is what you think; a fact can be proven.
  • Opinion writing states an opinion, gives reasons and ends with a conclusion.
  • Informational writing teaches facts in an organized way.
  • Use linking words to connect ideas.
  • Always end with a conclusion.