GRADE 2: Writing Standard 2 College and Career Readiness (CCR) Anchor Writing Standard (2): Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content. Grade 1: Write informative/ explanatory texts in which they name a topic, supply some facts about the topic, and provide some sense of closure. Grade 2: Write informative/explanatory texts in which they introduce a topic, use facts and definitions to develop points, and provide a concluding statement or section. Grade 3: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly. Progression to Mastery Key Concepts Guiding Prompts Choose an interesting topic for writing Provide relevant information (facts and definitions) to elaborate or clarify the subject Differentiate between important and unimportant reasons Write an effective introduction for the topic Determine how to group related information Identify and use simple transition/linking words that show order (e.g., first, next, finally) Define important words for the reader Provide a concluding statement/section Write informative/explanatory texts in which they introduce a topic, use facts and definitions to develop points, and provide concluding statement or section Reason(s) Example(s) Facts/points Evidence/Support Introduction Ending/Closing Organization Transition/linking Time order words What do you want to explain your topic? What details/facts will you include to give enough information? Is there an important word you have learned that you can define for your reader? What should you say first, second, and third so that you make a clear point about your topic? What ideas can you adapt from books (pictures with captions, labeled drawings) to help you illustrate your piece? How can you use transition words to show order? When you about your topic, what do you want to say as a final point or ending? 2W10: Range of Writing (Begins in 3rd Grade) - Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, 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.
Develop the topic with facts, definitions, and details c. Use linking words and phrases (e.g., also, another, and, more, but) to connect ideas within categories of information. Progression to Mastery Key Concepts Guiding Prompts Provide examples that connect to the information linking words Determine linking and phrases that best connect the information Use linking words and phrases (e.g., also, another, and, more, but) to connect ideas within categories of information Linking words and phrases Topics Category What linking or phrases did you use to connect your information? How can you organize your information clearly? Why did you use a linking word here? Have you connected your information with linking words and phrases such as also, another, and more, but? d. Provide a concluding statement or section. Progression to Mastery Key Concepts Guiding Prompts Recognize closure techniques for creating a concluding statement or section. Provide a concluding statement or section Concluding statement or section What is the last you want to tell the reader about your topic? 3W10: Range of Writing - Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, 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. GRADE 4: Writing Standard 2 College and Career Readiness (CCR) Anchor Writing Standard (2): Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content. Grade 3: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly. Grade 4: informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly. Grade 5: informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
researched information that support the topic Quote information from the source Develop the topic with information gathered from sources Develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples related to the topic words? How does this information fit into your writing piece? Where does this information fit into your writing piece? c. Link ideas within categories of information using words and phrases (e.g., another, for example, also, because). Progression to Mastery Key Concepts Guiding Prompts Provide examples that connect to the topic Use linking words and phrases to connect topic and ideas ( another, also, and, but) Use linking and phrases to connect topic and ideas and categorize information Use linking/ transition words and phrases to connect ideas within categories Link within categories of information using words and phrases (e.g. another, for example, also, because) Linking words Phrases Categorize information Transition What are some concrete examples of…? Do you have similar ideas that you can combine together? Can you combine groups of ideas with other groups of ideas? d. Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic. Progression to Mastery Key Concepts Guiding Prompts Identify vocabulary specific to the topic Use specific relevant vocabulary to inform or explain topic Use vivid verbs and precise nouns to inform or explain topic Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic Vivid verbs Precise nouns Are there any new words in this source that relate to your topic? How can you use this word/phrase to tell about your topic? Can you think of a verb that would grab the reader’s attention? Can you think of a noun that specifically states who or what you are writing about? e. Provide a concluding statement or section related to the information or explanation presented.
Identify a topic List information related to the topic information logically Decide on text structure Write a beginning statement that introduces topic and presents information Engage the reader with an introduction that presents the topic and focus Organize sentences into paragraphs Organize information with various formatting (headings) Draw illustrations and/or use media that relates to topic when useful Introduce a topic clearly, provide a general observation and focus, and group related information logically; include formatting (e.g., headings), illustrations, and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension Topic Awareness of audience Primary sources (first-hand) Secondary sources Relevant information Text Features Text structure/patterns of organization (e.g., chronology, comparison, cause/effect, problem/solution) What do you want the reader to learn? What do you already know about your topic? How can you develop your list into complete thoughts? Are you able to group them together? How are you going to present your information? Who is the intended reader? Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? Are there groups of sentences you can place together? Can you show your information any other way? b. Develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples related to the topic. Progression to Mastery Key Concepts Guiding Prompts Choose a source to research facts, definitions and details about the topic Identify and analyze information from the source Differentiating between relevant and irrelevant reasons Construct sentences from researched information that support the topic Develop the topic with information gathered from sources Develop the with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples Sources Where could you find more facts about your topic? Where could you find word meanings? Is this important information? Does it have to do with your topic? Are you able to learn any facts from this information? How can you re-write this information into your own words? How does this information fit into your writing piece? Where does this information fit into your writing piece?
information Write an effective conclusion that moves beyond summarization Provide a concluding statement or section related to the information or explanation presented. to the information in your writing piece? Does your closing just summarize information? Or does your conclusion leave the reader with ideas to consider? 5W10: Range of Writing - Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, 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. GRADE 6: Writing Standard 2 College and Career Readiness (CCR) Anchor Writing Standard (2): Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content. Grade 5: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content. Grade 6: Write informative/ explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. Grades 7: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. a. Introduce a organize ideas, concepts, and information, using strategies such as definition, classification, comparison/ contrast, and cause/ effect; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension. Progression to Mastery Key Concepts Guiding Prompts Select an appropriate open to examination, discussion, or explanation Engage reader with an intriguing opening Create a thesis statement Thesis statement (goes beyond the obvious and provides necessary background information) Organizational patterns What is the topic and your purpose? What is the thesis statement in the selection? Which text structure best organizes your information?
Determine and use appropriate text structure(s) to organize Group ideas into categories to logically organize using strategies such as definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect Recognize how graphics, formats and multimedia add clarity to a paper Select and utilize appropriate graphics, formats and/or multimedia to support thesis Introduce a topic, organize ideas, concepts, and information, using strategies such as definition, classification, comparison/ contrast, and cause/ effect; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension. (e.g., concept definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect) Formatting devices (e.g., headings) Graphics (e.g., charts, tables) Multimedia Effective introduction/hook (e.g., one that presents a thesis) Awareness of audience Which charts and tables should you include to support your thesis? How could you use cause/effect to better convey your idea? What additional comparisons could you make to analyze the content? Which type of multimedia should be included to aid in the reader’s comprehension? Did you employ the use of formatting with headings, graphics, and/or multimedia to aid comprehension of the topic? b. Develop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples. Evaluate and select information and examples based on significance and relevance addressing the needs of the audience Support topic with a thesis statement Support thesis statement using the strongest examples Use evidence to effectively elaborate on the topic Develop topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations or other information and examples. Topic Thesis Relevant information(e.g., facts, definitions, concrete details, personal experiences, quotations, observations, interviews) Awareness of audience What are the purpose, audience, and situation for this writing? What criteria should you apply when choosing which facts, details or other information to include? What ideas, details, or sources are most important to include? What is the most effective way to develop this topic? Have you developed the topic thoroughly? How do you integrate and interpret the evidence to support your thesis? What categories of supporting details do you provide? c. Use appropriate transitions to clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts. Progression to Mastery Key Concepts Guiding Prompts Recognize connections between thesis, concepts and evidence clarify Transition phrases, clauses What is the relationship between your thesis, concepts, and evidence?
Recognize how transitions clarify relationships among ideas and concepts in a written piece Clarify connections using appropriate transitional words, phrases and clauses Use appropriate and varied transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts. How do you transition from various ideas and concepts? What words will assist the reader in clarifying the relationship between the ideas and concepts? d. Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic Progression to Mastery Key Concepts Guiding Prompts Identify or determine appropriate domain-specific vocabulary Use domain-specific vocabulary to increase precision and clarity Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic Domain-specific vocabulary Is the language you have chosen precise and clear? Are you using vocabulary appropriate for the content-area or domain of the topic? e. Establish and maintain a formal style Progression to Mastery Key Concepts Guiding Prompts Recognize the difference between formal and informal style Establish and maintain a formal style appropriate to audience and purpose Establish and maintain an appropriate style throughout a piece of writing Establish and maintain a formal Style (e.g., formal, informal, specific to audience) Awareness of audience Forms (e.g., letters to appropriate individuals/organizations (editor, boards, business), summaries, reports (book, research), essays, articles (newspaper, magazine), messages/memos, notices, biography, autobiography, reviews) What makes the piece formal? Is the language you have chosen precise and Have you maintained a formal writing f. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from the information or explanation presented. Progression to Mastery Key Concepts Guiding Prompts Construct a brief recap of the key concepts Provide an impactful concluding statement that addresses the significance of the topic Final/concluding statement (e.g., final insight, so what, next steps) What is the best way to lead into your concluding section? What are the main ideas you discuss or emphasize in the conclusion—and How do the ideas in your concluding statement or section logically follow
Create a thesis statement that previews what is to come Determine and use appropriate text structure(s) to organize Group ideas into categories to logically organize using strategies such as definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect Recognize how graphics, formats and multimedia add clarity to a paper Select and utilize appropriate graphics, formats and/or multimedia to support thesis Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension. classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect) Formatting devices (e.g., headings) Graphics (e.g., charts, tables) Multimedia Effective introduction/hook (e.g., one that presents a thesis) Awareness of audience Which charts and tables should you include to support your thesis? How could you use cause/effect to better convey your idea? What additional comparisons could you make to analyze the content? Which type of multimedia should be included to aid in the reader’s comprehension? How does your thesis statement preview the content of the Did you employ the use of formatting with headings, graphics, and/or multimedia to aid comprehension of the topic? b. Develop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples. Progression to Mastery Key Concepts Guiding Prompts Evaluate and select information and examples based on significance and relevance addressing the needs of the audience Support with a thesis statement Support thesis statement using the strongest examples Use evidence to effectively elaborate on the topic Develop topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations or other information and examples. Topic Thesis Relevant information (e.g., facts, definitions, concrete details, personal experiences, quotations, observations, interviews) Awareness of audience What are the purpose, audience, and situation for this writing? What criteria should you apply when choosing which facts, details or other information to include? What details, or sources are most important to include? What is the most effective way to develop this topic? Have you developed the topic thoroughly? How do you integrate and interpret the evidence to support your thesis?
Progression to Mastery Key Concepts Guiding Prompts Provide an impactful concluding statement that moves beyond summary Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from the information or explanation presented Final/concluding statement (e.g., final insight, so what, next steps) What is the best way to lead into your concluding section? What are the main ideas you discuss or emphasize in the conclusion? How do the ideas in your concluding statement or section logically follow from all that you said prior to the conclusion? Does your conclusion move beyond summary (e.g., reinforcing the importance of the information, raising related issues and/or generating a hypothesis)? 6W10: Range of Writing - Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, 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. 8: Writing Standard 2 College and Career Readiness (CCR) Anchor Writing Standard (2): Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content. Grade 7: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. Grade 8: Write informative/ explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. Grade 9-10: Write informative/ explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content. a. Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension. Progression to Mastery Key Concepts Guiding Prompts Select an appropriate topic open to examination, discussion, or explanation Topic Thesis Text structures (e.g., concept definition, classification, How does your thesis statement preview the content of the essay? What are the logical categories for the information you are examining/discussing/explaining?
Select an appropriate topic open to examination, discussion, or explanation Engage reader with an intriguing opening Prioritize and organize reasons and evidence logically to support thesis Select and utilize appropriate graphics, formats and/or multimedia to support thesis and add clarity to the Introduce a topic; organize complex ideas, concepts, and information so that each new element builds on that which precedes it to create a unified whole; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., figures, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension. Opening (e.g. vivid description, engaging questions, anecdote, quotation, statement of fact) Thesis statement Context Formatting Graphics Multimedia What is your subject—and what are you saying about it? Is your topic an interesting, yet manageable, subject for writing? Has your thesis clearly captured your topic and complex ideas? Have you introduced your topic in an interesting and engaging way? What organizational patterns and/or techniques will you use to clarify and emphasize your ideas (e.g., concept definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect, time order)? Do your ideas build in a logically organized way? Can any specific formatting, graphics and/or multimedia help your explanation? Develop the topic with well-chosen, relevant, and sufficient facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples appropriate to the audience’s knowledge of the topic. Progression to Mastery Key Concepts Guiding Prompts Assess the audience’s of knowledge and concerns and address those in the writing Evaluate and select information and examples based on significance and relevance Support thesis with the strongest examples Use evidence to effectively elaborate on the topic Develop the topic with relevant, and sufficient facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples appropriate to the Relevant facts Concrete details Elaboration Extended definitions Understanding of audience needs, knowledge, concerns What are the purpose, audience, and situation for this writing? What criteria should you apply when choosing which facts, details or other information to include? What ideas, details, or sources are most important to include? What is the most effective way to develop this topic? Have you developed the topic thoroughly? How do you integrate and interpret the evidence to support your thesis?