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      Giving a reason to explain an opinion

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can give a reason why I have a particular opinion.

      Key learning points

      1. Opinions are views that a person has about something and can be known as a 'point of view'.
      2. Reasons should be used to explain why we have a particular opinion.
      3. 'Because' is the joining word that allows you to explain why you have that opinion.

      Keywords

      • Opinion - An opinion is what a person thinks or believes.

      • Reasons - Reasons help us to understand and explain things

      Common misconception

      Children may struggle to think of reasons for their opinions.

      Give children the option of choosing from a list of reasons to help generate ideas.

      Teacher tip

      Keep an eye on pupils starting to explain their opinion with long reasoning that drifts off topic. We just want them to give one clear reason for their opinion at this stage.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the name for something that a person thinks or believes?

      Correct answer: their opinion
      their speech
      their question

      Q2.
      What does 'sharing your opinion' mean?

      telling someone what you had for lunch
      telling someone what to do
      Correct answer: telling someone what you think or believe

      Q3.
      Which of these words would someone use at the start of a sentence when sharing their opinion?

      Correct answer: My
      You
      Correct answer: I
      They

      Q4.
      What is the name for the group of people gathered together to watch a performance?

      pack
      crowd
      Correct answer: audience

      Q5.
      Why might some people speak quietly when talking in front of an audience?

      because they want the audience to listen more
      Correct answer: because they are nervous
      because they do not want to scare the audience

      Q6.
      Should you stand up when speaking to an audience?

      Correct answer: yes
      no
      sometimes

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Who does an opinion belong to?

      the person hearing it
      Correct answer: the person sharing it
      nobody

      Q2.
      Sharing your opinion can be improved by doing what?

      adding adjectives
      Correct answer: adding a reason why you have that opinion
      adding a different opinion

      Q3.
      Reasons help us to do what?

      make judgements
      Correct answer: understand and explain things
      confuse other people

      Q4.
      Which word is used in a sentence before sharing the reason why you have an opinion?

      and
      but
      Correct answer: because
      so

      Q5.
      What is the correct order for these three parts of an opinion with a reason?

      1 - give your opinion
      2 - use the word 'because'
      3 - give your reason

      Q6.
      Which of these reasons support the opinion that 'cats are better than dogs'?

      cats do not like to play
      Correct answer: cats enjoy cuddling with you
      cats can sometimes scratch you with their claws

      To help you plan your 2 English lesson on: Giving a reason to explain an opinion, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...