Standard: 6.W.2 – Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
Grade level: Grade 6
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Writing
Teacher Overview
This standard emphasizes the importance of writing informative/explanatory texts that are well-organized and convey ideas clearly. Mastering this skill is crucial as it helps students communicate effectively and supports their ability to present information logically in various subjects. Students should be familiar with basic writing conventions, including sentence and paragraph structure, and have experience summarizing information from different sources.
After mastering this standard, students will be able to write well-structured, informative texts that effectively communicate their ideas. This skill will be foundational for more advanced writing tasks in higher grades.
Common Misconception 1
Some students might think that informative/explanatory texts don’t need a clear structure, leading to disorganized writing that is hard to follow.
Intervention 1
Use graphic organizers to help students plan their writing. This visual aid can assist them in structuring their texts with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Common Misconception 2
Another common misconception is that more information always makes for a better text. Students might include irrelevant details, making their writing confusing.
Intervention 2
Teach students to evaluate their sources and choose the most relevant information. This practice ensures their writing remains focused and coherent.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should have a basic understanding of sentence structure, paragraph organization, and the ability to gather and summarize information from various sources.
Subsequent Knowledge
Students will develop advanced writing skills, including the ability to construct well-organized essays, conduct in-depth research, and effectively use evidence to support their ideas.
Instructional Activities
- Create a graphic organizer to plan an informative essay.
- Write a step-by-step guide for a simple task.
- Research and write a report on a chosen topic.
- Peer review and provide feedback on classmates’ writing.
- Develop a presentation based on an informative text.
