Standard: 9-10.W.5 – Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience. (Editing for conventions should demonstrate command of Language standards 1-3 up to and including grades 9-10 here.)
Grade level: Grade 9-10
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Writing
Teacher Overview
This standard emphasizes the importance of the writing process, including planning, revising, editing, and rewriting. It is crucial for students to understand that effective writing involves multiple drafts and continuous improvement to meet the specific needs of their audience and purpose. Students should already know the basics of writing, including how to brainstorm ideas, create a draft, and perform basic editing for grammar and punctuation.
Students will develop the ability to produce well-structured, polished writing pieces that effectively communicate their intended message to their audience.
Common Misconception 1
A common misconception is that revising and editing are the same. Revising involves making changes to improve the content and structure, while editing focuses on correcting grammatical and mechanical errors.
Intervention 1
Use targeted exercises that separate revising and editing tasks. For example, have students revise a paragraph for clarity and coherence, then edit another for grammar and punctuation.
Common Misconception 2
Another misconception is that a first draft is a final product. Students often believe that once they have written something, it doesn’t need further changes.
Intervention 2
Implement peer review sessions and multiple rounds of revisions. Show examples of professional writing that went through several drafts before publication.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should have a basic understanding of the writing process, including brainstorming, drafting, and basic editing. They should also be familiar with fundamental grammar and sentence structure.
Subsequent Knowledge
After mastering this standard, students will be able to apply advanced writing techniques, such as varying sentence structure for effect, using rhetorical devices, and tailoring their writing for different audiences and purposes.
Instructional Activities
- Peer review sessions where students give and receive feedback on their drafts
- Workshops focused on different stages of the writing process
- Modeling the revision process through teacher-led examples
- Writing conferences with individual students to discuss their work
- Using graphic organizers to plan and organize writing
