In some embodiments, the present teachings provide methods for paired end sequencing. In some embodiment, a polynucleotide template to be subjected to paired end sequencing comprises at least one cross linking moiety and at least one scissile moiety. In some embodiments, a paired end sequencing reaction comprises (a) a forward sequencing step, (b) a cleavage step, and (c) a reverse sequencing step. In some embodiments, a paired end sequencing reaction comprises (a) a forward sequencing step, (b) a cross-linking step, (c) a cleavage step, and (d) a reverse sequencing step.