Opinion Power Slides
GRADE 2 WRITING ADVENTURE
Reading & Writing
Opinion Power!
What Is Persuasive Text and How Do We Convince Others?
Share Your Opinion • Give Strong Reasons • Win Readers Over
Word Detective
What Does "Persuade" Mean?
To persuade means to convince someone to:
AGREE with your idea or feeling!
TAKE ACTION and do something exciting!
Persuasive writing is author talk for: "Come see it my way!"
Real Life Clues
Where Do We See Persuasive Writing?
Commercials
"Eat this crunchy cereal! It is the tastiest breakfast ever!"
Letters to Adults
"Dear Mom, please let us adopt a puppy because I will walk him!"
Book Reviews
"You must read this book! It had me laughing out loud!"
School Posters
"Recycle your juice boxes to keep our playground clean!"
Authors write persuasive texts whenever they want to make a difference!
Writing Recipe
The 3 Magic Parts of Persuasion
PART 1
The Opinion
Tell clearly what you think, feel, or believe.
Example: "Cats are the best classroom pets."
PART 2
The Reasons
Tell WHY using facts and details to back it up.
Example: "Because they are calm and quiet listeners."
PART 3
The Call to Action
Remind readers what to think or do next!
Example: "Please vote for a cat tomorrow!"
Remember: Opinion + Strong Reasons + Action = Unbeatable Persuasion!
Author Clues
Spot the Persuasive Clue Words!
When you hear these words, an author is working hard to convince you!
"I believe..." Shows what you feel in your heart
"The best..." Points out the top choice
"...because..." The magic word that gives a reason!
"In my opinion..." Introduces your big thought
"You should..." Invites the reader to join you
"Most fun..." Uses feeling words to excite
Golden Rule: The word "BECAUSE" is a writer's strongest persuasion tool!
Reading Example 1
The Best Class Pet
Opinion Reasons Call to Action
Our second-grade class should definitely adopt a guinea pig as our pet! First, guinea pigs are super gentle and love to be cuddled. Second, they make adorable squeaking noises when they are happy. Also, feeding them fresh carrots teaches all of us how to be responsible. Please vote "YES" on a guinea pig during class meeting!
1. What's the opinion? A guinea pig is the right choice!
2. How many reasons? 3 reasons (gentle, happy, responsible)
3. What is the action? Vote YES at the meeting!
Challenge Time
Can You Find the 3 Parts?
Detective Challenge!
"Four square is clearly the greatest game on the school playground. One reason is that everyone gets a turn quickly, so nobody has to wait in a long boring line. Another great reason is that bouncing the red ball gives your arms and legs awesome exercise. Next time you hear the recess bell, race over to a court and jump into a square!"
PART 1: OPINION
Where does the author say what they believe?
PART 2: REASONS
What are the 2 reasons why it's the best?
PART 3: ACTION
What does the author want you to do at recess?
Turn and tell your neighbor what you spotted before we reveal the answers!
Answer Revealed!
The Ultimate Recess Game
Here Are the Answers!
Four square is clearly the greatest game on the school playground. One reason is that everyone gets a turn quickly, so nobody has to wait in a long boring line. Another great reason is that bouncing the red ball gives your arms and legs awesome exercise. Next time you hear the recess bell, race over to a court and jump into a square!
Great job spotting the parts!
Look at the clue phrases: "One reason is" and "Another great reason is" guided your brain right to the reasons!
Challenge 1 of 4
Which One Is Persuasive?
Apple Mystery!
Read both sentences. Which sentence is trying to convince you?
SENTENCE A
"Apples grow on trees and can be red, green, or yellow."
Fact or Persuasive?
SENTENCE B
"Apples are the tastiest fruit because they make a juicy crunch when you bite them!"
Fact or Persuasive?
Hold up ONE finger for Sentence A or TWO fingers for Sentence B!
Challenge 1 Answer Revealed!
Sentence B Was Persuasive!
Winner: Sentence B!
Here is why Sentence B is the winner:
SENTENCE A
"Apples grow on trees and can be red, green, or yellow."
Just a FACT! (Tells information)
SENTENCE B (WINNER!)
"Apples are the tastiest fruit because they make a juicy crunch when you bite them!"
PERSUASIVE! (Opinion + Because!)
Sentence B uses the opinion word "tastiest" and explains "because"!
Challenge 2 of 4
Which Reason Is Stronger?
Puppy Debate!
Both authors love dogs. Which sentence gives a STRONGER reason to convince you?
REASON CHOICE A
"Dogs are the best pets because they have four legs and two ears."
Weak or Strong Reason?
REASON CHOICE B
"Dogs are the best pets because they learn fun tricks and give happy tail wags!"
Weak or Strong Reason?
Whisper to your neighbor: Which reason actually makes you want a dog?
Challenge 2 Answer Revealed!
Choice B Is Much Stronger!
Winner: Choice B!
Strong persuasive reasons give special details that prove your point!
CHOICE A: WEAK REASON
"Dogs are the best pets because they have four legs and two ears."
Weak! Cats and bears have ears too!
CHOICE B: STRONG REASON (WINNER!)
"Dogs are the best pets because they learn fun tricks and give happy tail wags!"
Strong! Shows why dogs are special!
Awesome writers don't just say any reason—they choose EXCITING reasons!
Challenge 3 of 4
Which One Is Persuasive?
Bedtime Showdown!
Which sentence is trying to persuade you to do something fun at bedtime?
SENTENCE A
"Second graders need between 9 and 11 hours of sleep each night."
Fact or Persuasion?
SENTENCE B
"Reading under your blanket with a flashlight is the most magical way to fall asleep!"
Fact or Persuasion?
Show your vote: Tap your desk once for A or twice for B!
Challenge 3 Answer Revealed!
Sentence B Was Persuasive!
Winner: Sentence B!
Here is how you can tell the difference:
SENTENCE A
"Second graders need between 9 and 11 hours of sleep each night."
Just a FACT! (Science information)
SENTENCE B (WINNER!)
"Reading under your blanket with a flashlight is the most magical way to fall asleep!"
PERSUASIVE! (Shares a glowing opinion!)
Sentence B uses opinion words like "most magical" to convince you to try it!
Challenge 4 of 4
Which Author Is Convincing You?
Beach Trip!
Look for the persuasive clue words: "You should" and "because"!
SENTENCE A
"The ocean contains salty water, sandbars, and sea animals."
Fact or Persuasion?
SENTENCE B
"You should definitely visit the beach because building giant sandcastles is the most fun!"
Fact or Persuasion?
Call out your answer when your teacher counts: 1... 2... 3!
Challenge 4 Answer Revealed!
Sentence B Is Full of Persuasion!
Winner: Sentence B!
Look at all the persuasive clue words packed into Sentence B:
SENTENCE A
"The ocean contains salty water, sandbars, and sea animals."
Just a FACT! (Science book text)
SENTENCE B (WINNER!)
"You should definitely visit the beach because building giant sandcastles is the most fun!"
PERSUASIVE MASTERPIECE!
It has a call to action ("You should") + reason word ("because") + opinion ("most fun")!
Mission Complete
You Have Persuasion Superpowers!
1. Pick a Side
State your opinion bold and proud!
2. Give Reasons
Use the magic word "BECAUSE" to prove it!
3. Call to Action
Ask your reader to agree or try it!
Turn and Talk: What is one thing YOU want to persuade someone to do today?
