Common Planner
K–12 Standards

Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects: Grades 6-8

Other Iowa English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects sets

Text Types and Purposes

  • 1

    Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content.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 logically.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.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.WHST.6-8.1.c

    4. d

      Establish and maintain a formal style appropriate for the task and audience. WHST.6-8.1.d

    5. e

      Provide a concluding statement or section that follows and supports the argument presented.  WHST.6-8.1.e

  • 2

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

    2. b

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

    3. c

      Use appropriate and varied transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.  WHST.6-8.2.c

    4. d

      Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.  WHST.6-8.2.d

    5. e

      Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone appropriate for the task and audience.WHST.6-8.2.e

    6. f

      Provide a concluding statement or section that follows and supports the information or explanation presented. WHST.6-8.2.f

  • 3

    (See note; not applicable as a separate requirement)WHST.6-8.3

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.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.WHST.6-8.5

  • 6

    Use technology to produce and publish writing to interact and collaborate with others through a variety of media to present the relationships between information and ideas efficiently. 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 exploration.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.WHST.6-8.8

  • 9

    Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. 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. WHST.6-8.10

Frequently asked questions

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

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Keep exploring English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects standards

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More Iowa English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects sets

English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects