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35 Opinion Writing Prompts for 2nd Grade

Literacy, Writing & Language, Writing Instruction

Written by: Krys Warstillo

Truly, is there anything kids (and adults) like more than giving their opinion? Opinion (or persuasive) is some of my favorite writing to do with students because with engaging and kid-friendly opinion writing prompts, you can pull in even the most reluctant writer.

Take the guesswork out of teaching opinion writing—get ALL the tools you and your students will need to be successful. RSVP now to be notified when our Lucky to Learn Writing Opinion unit is released and be among the first to access these essential resources!

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Opinion vs Persuasive Writing

Before we jump into the prompts let's keep in mind that there is a difference between writing an opinion and writing a persuasive piece. Opinion writing is stating your opinion and explaining why you feel or think that way. Persuasive writing is convincing others that your opinion is correct. Persuasive writing is more emotional. You can use the prompts below for either type of writing.

If you’re looking for a little more help teaching opinion writing we’ve got you! If you’re teaching persuasive writing, have your students focus on the power of because to help convince their readers!

Or, do your students need help building up their writing stamina? Find writing stamina strategies here.

Without further ado, here are 30+ opinion writing prompts to use with your students.

School & Home Opinion Writing Prompts

Should students have recess every day no matter what the weather is?
If you had to choose between doing math all day, or reading all day, which would you choose and why?
If you could prepare a meal for everyone in school, what would you make?
Would having a magical house that can talk and that can move on its own be cool or creepy?
If you could change something about the past what would it be?
What’s the best chore? Why?
Are bedtimes a good or a bad thing?
What would be the perfect classroom pet? Why?
What’s better, being an only child or having siblings?
Should we ban computers and tablets from school?
Would you rather swim or bike to school every day?
You have a magic wand and you can make one positive change to your school. What are you changing and why?
Poof! All the adults in the world have disappeared. Is it exciting or scary?

Opinion Writing Prompt: Should we ban computers and tablets from school?

Silly Opinion Writing Prompts

Would being able to shoot spaghetti out of your fingertips be a valuable superpower?
If you could turn any wild animal into a pet, which would you choose?
Would you rather have a pet that can talk like a grown up, or a pet that sings silly songs all day? Why?
Would you rather live above or below water?
What would be the best thing about living in your favorite book or movie?
If you were the first person to move to Mars what would be the most important thing to plant first? Why?
Would having a home made out of 100% candy be good or bad, and why?
Which is better, super hearing or a super sense of smell?
Would the ability to pause, rewind, and fast forward in real life be a good or bad thing?
What would you prefer, living in a treehouse or living in a submarine?
If the rules changed and now you only need to be 7 to be the President of the United States… why should we vote for you?

A 2nd grade opinion piece of writing in response to the prompt, "Would you rather live above or below water?"

Interest Specific Prompts

When I have reluctant writers I incorporate their interests as much as possible. If my class is working on opinion or persuasive writing I will pull directly from the things they love the most.

What’s the best video game and why?
Should kids be allowed to game as long as they want? Give three reasons for your answer.
Is gaming good or bad for your brain?
Would the world be better or worse if dinosaurs were still alive? Why?
Who is the best Youtube creator any why?
Would you rather visit a land of talking animals where you can ride on the back of giant butterflies, or would you prefer to explore an underwater city filled with friendly mermaids and colorful fish?
Should kids have their own phones? Should parents be allowed to go through them whenever they like?
In your opinion, is magic real?
Do you think April Fools Day pranks are a good idea? Why or why not?
At what age should kids be allowed to be home alone? Why do you think this?
If you could create your own class that everyone at school would take, what would it be?

Anchor chart with a plan for an opinion writing piece to respond to the prompt, "Do you think April Fools Day pranks are a good idea?"

Additional Resources

Visual Writing Rubric

Sometimes students don't know exactly what is expected of them in terms of writing or they are simply at different levels of mastery. Displaying a visual writing rubric can help students understand what they're striving towards.

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Opinion Writing Mentor Texts

If you're just starting to teach your students how to flex those opinion writing muscles, 14 Mentor Texts to Introduce Opinion Writing is a great place to start.

Opinion Writing Pages

If you want endless prompt ideas, our no-prep writing pages bundle includes differentiated monthly prompts for opinion writing, informational writing, narrative writing, and free writes too! Digital versions of each prompt are also included.

Get Writing Prompts

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Remember, our students love to express opinions about things that matter to them. If you're having a hard time finding an engaging prompt for a student, figure out what they love and ask them to describe why they love it. Even better, ask them to talk you into loving it just as much as they do!

See These Steps in Action!

Join Katie, from Team Lucky Little Learners, as she walks you through each step of this opinion writing teaching strategy.

Take the guesswork out of teaching opinion writing—get ALL the tools you and your students will need to be successful. RSVP now to be notified when our Lucky to Learn Writing Opinion unit is released and be among the first to access these essential resources!