Opinion writing is a great way for 2nd graders to share their thoughts and explain why they hold those opinions.
At this age, children have many ideas and are eager to discuss their likes, dislikes, and everyday choices.
Giving them fun, simple prompts makes writing feel exciting instead of stressful.
It also helps them learn how to organize their thoughts and back up their opinions with clear reasons.
You’re a teacher, parent, or homeschooler; this list of easy prompts will spark creativity, build confidence, and help young writers find their unique voice on paper.
What is Opinion Writing?
Opinion writing is when a student shares what they think or believe about a topic and explains why they feel that way.
In 2nd grade, a strong opinion paragraph usually includes a clear sentence stating the opinion, followed by at least two reasons to support it.
It also ends with a closing sentence that wraps up the idea.
This simple format helps young writers learn how to organize their thoughts and build a strong argument.
Practicing opinion writing at this level prepares writers for more advanced forms, such as persuasive essays and structured arguments, as they develop their skills.
Why Opinion Writing Matters in 2nd Grade
Second grade is a big year for growing readers and writers.
It’s when kids start shifting from simply learning how to read to using reading and writing to express their thoughts and ideas.
Opinion writing plays a key role in this stage.
It gives students the chance to express their beliefs, explain why, and transparently organize their ideas.
Through simple prompts, they learn how to express their opinions, support them with reasons, and consider other perspectives.
It’s more than just writing; it builds confidence, critical thinking, and respectful communication.
These early skills will help them in later grades and everyday conversations as they develop into thoughtful, expressive individuals.
Opinion Writing Prompts for 2nd Grade
Here’s a categorized list of creative and relatable opinion writing prompts designed for 2nd graders.
These are fun, easy to understand, and spark strong ideas in young minds.
School & Learning Prompts
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What is the best school lunch and why?
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Should kids have homework every day?
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Which is better: math or reading?
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Should schools have longer recess times?
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What is the best classroom job?
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Is it better to work in groups or alone?
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What’s the most fun subject at school?
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Should every class have a pet?
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Should we wear uniforms to school?
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Should school start later in the morning?
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Should students get rewards for reading books?
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Should birthdays be celebrated at school?
Home & Family Prompts
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Should kids help with chores at home?
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What is the best weekend activity?
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What’s the best family tradition?
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Is it better to live in a big house or a small one?
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Should bedtime be earlier or later?
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What’s your favorite family meal and why?
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Who should pick the movie on movie night?
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Should kids have to clean their rooms every day?
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Should parents limit screen time?
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What is the best thing to do on a rainy day?
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Should kids be allowed to design their own bedrooms?
Food & Fun Prompts
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What is the best dessert in the world?
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Which is better: pizza or burgers?
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Should kids be allowed to eat candy every day?
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Is ice cream better in a cone or a cup?
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What is your favorite breakfast food?
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Should lunch be longer at school?
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What is the best topping for a hot dog?
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What’s better: a picnic or eating at a restaurant?
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Should we be allowed to bring snacks to class?
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What is the best kind of birthday cake?
Toys & Entertainment Prompts
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What is the best board game and why?
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Which is better: video games or outdoor games?
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Should kids be allowed to watch TV every day?
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What is your favorite cartoon character?
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What’s the best playground equipment?
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Should kids have phones in 2nd grade?
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What toy is the most fun to play with?
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Should we have movie day in school?
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What is the best thing to do after school?
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Should kids be allowed to design their classroom?
Animals & Nature Prompts
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Should every kid have a pet?
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What is the best animal and why?
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Should animals be kept in zoos?
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What’s the best season of the year?
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Is it better to swim in a pool or a lake?
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Should kids be allowed to camp in the backyard?
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Which is better: snow or sunshine?
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What’s the best outdoor activity?
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Should kids plant gardens at school?
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What’s the best thing to do at the beach?
How to Use These Prompts?
These opinion writing prompts can be used in various classroom or home settings to support daily writing practice.
They work well as morning warm-ups, daily journal entries, or even as part of a weekly writing assignment.
Teachers can also use them to spark group discussions before students begin writing.
For added support, graphic organizers can help students plan their thoughts before putting them on paper.
Encourage young writers to use sentence starters like “I believe…,” “In my opinion…,” and “One reason is…” to help them build strong and clear opinion statements.
These prompts are flexible, easy to use, and ideal for helping students develop structured and confident writing habits.
Helpful Sentence Starters for Opinion Writing
Here are some effective and simple sentence starters to help 2nd graders organize their thoughts and start their opinion writing with confidence:
- I think that…
- I believe that…
- My favorite ___ is…
- One reason I feel this way is…
- Another reason is…
- In my opinion…
- That’s why I believe…
These starters provide students with a straightforward way to express their ideas and support them with reasons, helping to build strong writing habits and fluency.
Teaching Tips for Opinion Writing in 2nd Grade
Here are a few helpful strategies when introducing or reinforcing opinion writing:
- Model first: Share examples of written opinions on a whiteboard.
- Use mentor texts: Read picture books featuring characters who express strong opinions.
- Discuss ideas aloud: Allow peer discussions before writing.
- Encourage choice: Let students pick prompts they’re passionate about.
- Celebrate effort: Share strong opinion writing during author’s chair or bulletin boards.
These techniques make writing meaningful, engaging, and personal for young students.
Wrapping It Up
Second grade is an excellent time to help kids find their voice through opinion writing.
At this age, they’re full of thoughts and ready to share what they believe and why.
With the right prompts, writing becomes more than just an assignment; it becomes a chance to be heard.
The prompts in this blog are designed to spark curiosity, encourage self-expression, and develop fundamental writing skills in a fun and age-appropriate way.
You’re using journals, sentence starters, or digital tools, and a little practice goes a long way.
So pick a prompt, let your students share their thoughts, and enjoy watching their confidence grow, one opinion at a time.
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