Standard: 9-10.WHST.1c – Use words, phrases, and clauses to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between claim(s) and reasons, between reasons and evidence, and between claim(s) and counterclaims.
Grade level: Grade 9-10
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Writing: History, Science & Technical Subjects
Teacher Overview
This standard focuses on the use of words, phrases, and clauses to link major sections of a text, creating cohesion and clarifying relationships between claims and evidence. This skill is crucial for students to develop clear and logical writing, which is essential for success in both academic and professional settings. Students need to have a solid understanding of basic sentence structure, conjunctions, and the format of an argumentative essay. They should also be familiar with the purpose of evidence in supporting claims.
Mastering this standard will enable students to write more complex arguments with clear connections between ideas, preparing them for advanced writing tasks in higher education and professional settings.
Common Misconception 1
A common misconception is that listing reasons and evidence without connecting them is sufficient. This approach can lead to disjointed and unclear writing.
Intervention 1
To address this misconception, provide students with exercises that focus on using transitional phrases and conjunctions to link their ideas. Practice identifying and correcting disjointed writing.
Common Misconception 2
Another misconception is that counterclaims weaken an argument. Students may avoid addressing counterclaims, thinking it will make their argument less convincing.
Intervention 2
To remediate this misconception, show students examples of strong arguments that address counterclaims. Teach them how to refute counterclaims effectively, demonstrating that this can actually strengthen their argument.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should understand basic sentence structure, the use of conjunctions, and the concept of a thesis statement. They should also be familiar with the general format of an argumentative essay and the purpose of evidence in supporting claims.
Subsequent Knowledge
After mastering this standard, students will be able to write more complex and nuanced arguments, use advanced rhetorical strategies, and create documents that are logically structured and easy to follow. This will prepare them for advanced writing tasks in higher education and professional settings.
Instructional Activities
- Have students write a short argumentative essay, focusing on using transitional phrases to link sections.
- Conduct peer review sessions where students identify and suggest improvements for cohesion in each other’s writing.
- Create a worksheet with disconnected sentences and have students use conjunctions and phrases to link them logically.
- Analyze sample essays to identify effective use of transitions and cohesive devices.
- Organize a debate where students must address and refute counterclaims using clear and logical transitions.
