Which reason best supports Brian’s opinion that recess should be longer?

Students can run, play, and relax during recess.

Which reason best supports Ava’s opinion that students should read every night?

Reading helps build vocabulary and understanding.

Which reason best supports Noah’s opinion about eating fruits every day?

Fruits give the body vitamins and energy.

Which reason best supports Mia’s opinion about keeping her room clean?

A clean room makes it easier to find things.

Which reason best supports Ethan’s opinion that students should help others?

Helping others makes people feel welcome.

Which reason best supports Jordan’s opinion that the playground should have more trees?

Trees can provide shade and help students stay cool.

Which reason best supports Sofia’s opinion that students should visit the library regularly?

Libraries offer free resources and learning programs.

Which reason best supports Marcus’s opinion that kids should learn to cook?

Cooking helps kids learn useful skills and healthy habits.

Which reason best supports Aaliyah’s opinion that schools should have more group projects?

Group work helps students share ideas and build confidence.

Which reason best supports Diego’s opinion that communities should add more bike lanes?

Bike lanes help riders stay safer and travel comfortably.

Which reason best supports Liam’s opinion that every school should have a garden?

School gardens teach students teamwork and where food comes from.

Which reason best supports Priya’s opinion that students should learn an instrument?

Learning an instrument builds focus, patience, and reading skills.

Which reason best supports Evan’s opinion that classrooms should have flexible seating?

Flexible seating helps students stay comfortable and focused.

Which reason best supports Hannah’s opinion that families should eat dinner together?

Eating together helps families communicate and feel connected.

Which reason best supports Omar’s opinion that schools should celebrate more cultural events?

Cultural events help students learn respect and understanding.

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Z.2 Select reasons to support an opinion

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What is an opinion and a reason?

An opinion is what you think or feel about a topic. A reason is a statement that explains why you have that opinion, making it stronger and more convincing.

Examples:

Opinion: Our school should have more recess time.
Reason: More recess helps students focus better in class.

Note

A strong opinion is not just "I like it." It is a statement you can support with good reasons.

How to identify strong reasons

A strong reason is relevant, clear, and provides logical support for your opinion. It should answer the question "Why do you think that?"

Steps to evaluate a reason:

Check if it is directly connected to the opinion.
Ask if it is a fact or a believable explanation.
Decide if it would make someone else understand your point of view.

Note

A reason like "because it's good" is weak. A reason like "because it improves health and teamwork" is strong and specific.

Types of supporting reasons

Good reasons can be based on facts, personal experiences, or widely accepted benefits. Using different types makes your opinion more balanced.

Reason categories:

Health/Safety: "Reading every day makes your brain stronger."
Practical Benefits: "Learning to type helps you finish homework faster."
Feelings & Community: "A class pet teaches responsibility and makes the classroom happier."

Note

The best opinions are often supported by a mix of reasons. Think about what matters to your audience.

Selecting the best reasons

When you have several reasons, you must select the strongest ones. Choose reasons that are most relevant and have the clearest connection to your opinion.

Practice selection:

Opinion: Third graders should learn to cook simple meals.
Possible Reasons:
1. It is fun to eat.
2. It teaches important math through measuring.
3. Chefs wear white hats.
4. It helps students learn about nutrition and be more independent.

Strong Selections: Reasons 2 and 4 are strongest because they show clear, practical benefits.

Note

If a reason seems off-topic or is just a simple fact, it probably will not support your opinion well. Always ask, "Does this explain *why* I believe my opinion?"

Organizing reasons to support an opinion

Once you select your strongest reasons, put them in a logical order. This helps your reader follow your argument from start to finish.

Example structure:

State Your Opinion: We should have a "No-Screen" hour after school.
First Reason (Most Important): It encourages kids to play outside, which is healthy.
Second Reason (Another Benefit): It gives families time to talk and do activities together.
Third Reason (Wrap-up): It helps everyone get better sleep at night.

Note

Save your most powerful reason for first or last. The first reason grabs attention, and the last reason is what your reader will remember.

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