Text Types and Purposes

  • 1.

    Write arguments focused on discipline-specific contentCCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.1

    1. A.

      Introduce claim(s) about a topic or issue, acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logicallyCCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.1.A

    2. B.

      Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant, accurate data and evidence that demonstrate an understanding of the topic or text, using credible sources.CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.1.B

    3. C.

      Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.1.C

    4. D.

      Establish and maintain a formal style.CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.1.D

    5. E.

      Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.1.E

  • 2.

    Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/ experiments, or technical processes.CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.2

    1. A.

      Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories as appropriate to achieving purpose; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.2.A

    2. B.

      Develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.2.B

    3. C.

      Use appropriate and varied transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.2.C

    4. D.

      Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.2.D

    5. E.

      Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone.CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.2.E

    6. F.

      Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented.CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.2.F

Production and Distribution of Writing

  • 4.

    Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.4

  • 5.

    With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.5

  • 6.

    Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and present the relationships between information and ideas clearly and efficiently.CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.6

Research to Build and Present Knowledge

  • 7.

    Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of explorationCCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.7

  • 8.

    Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.8

  • 9.

    Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.9

Range of Writing

  • 10.

    Write routinely over extended time frames (time for reflection and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.10

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
Grade 6, Grade 7, and Grade 8

Keep exploring

Sibling grade bands, other subjects in this jurisdiction, and the same subject across other states.

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