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Linking Words is a free printable Grade 2 English worksheet on joining an opinion to its reasons with because, and and also, aligned to Common Core standard W.2.1. It prints 6 questions with an answer key on its own sheet of paper, in 25 versions that each ask different questions, so no two pupils in the class work from the same page. Print it from the browser or download it as a PDF — no account, no email.

Set 1 of 25 · the same problems every time you open this link.

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All 25 sets ask different questions.

Linking Words

W.2.1

NameDate

Finish each sentence.

1.We should plant trees. ___ reason is that they give shade.
2.Lunch should be longer ___ we need time to eat and play.
3.The lion was strong, ___ the mouse was the one who helped.
4.___, I think everyone should recycle at home.
5.The crow was clever. ___, she was patient.
6.Glass lasts for ever, ___ paper wears out.

LessonPrint · W.2.1 · Set 1 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Linking Words

Set 1. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.Another
  2. 2.because
  3. 3.but
  4. 4.Overall
  5. 5.Also
  6. 6.but

Questions about Linking Words

What does the Linking Words worksheet cover?

It practises joining an opinion to its reasons with because, and and also — 6 questions for Grade 2, all on Common Core W.2.1: Write an opinion with reasons, joined by linking words, and a conclusion. The instruction to pupils is “Finish each sentence”, and the answer key follows on the next sheet.

Which Common Core standard does Linking Words practise?

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.1 — W.2.1, in the Writing domain for Grade 2. The published standard reads: “Write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic or book they are writing about, state an opinion, supply reasons that support the opinion, use linking words (e.g., because, and, also) to connect opinion and reasons, and provide a concluding statement or section.” The worksheet assesses that standard rather than a paraphrase of it.

What age or grade is this worksheet for?

Linking Words is written for Grade 2, typically ages 7-8. It is one of the sheets on W.2.1, so it suits any pupil working at that standard — including older pupils revisiting it and younger ones working ahead.

Does Linking Words come with an answer key?

Yes. All 6 answers are generated from the same problems as the questions, so the key cannot drift out of step with the sheet. It starts on a fresh sheet of paper, after the questions, so it is not handed out with the class by accident.

How many different versions of Linking Words can I print?

25 — one per pupil, and all 25 ask different questions. Set 1 downloads the whole class as a single PDF. Every version is fixed to its own address, so a sheet printed today holds the same problems when you reopen it next week.

Is Linking Words free to print and photocopy?

Yes. Linking Words, its answer key and its 25 versions are free to print and photocopy for your own class, with no account, no email capture and no subscription at the download step. Please do not resell them or republish them as your own.

More practice for W.2.1

Write an opinion with reasons, joined by linking words, and a conclusion.

All Grade 2 worksheets

Last reviewed 2026-09-05. Aligned to W.2.1 of the Common Core State Standards for English language arts.