Standard: 9-10.WHST.2b – 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.
Grade level: Grade 9-10
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Writing: History, Science & Technical Subjects
Teacher Overview
This standard focuses on helping students develop their topics with well-chosen, relevant, and sufficient facts and examples. It is crucial for students to learn how to support their writing with credible information that is appropriate for their audience. Mastering this standard will enhance their ability to write effectively across various subjects. Students should already know how to identify reliable sources and summarize information. They should be familiar with using quotations and citations in their writing.
Upon mastering this standard, students will be able to create well-supported arguments and synthesize information from multiple sources, preparing them for more advanced writing tasks.
Common Misconception 1
Some students may think that any information found online is sufficient and reliable. This is incorrect because not all sources are credible or appropriate for academic work.
Intervention 1
Provide lessons on evaluating the credibility of sources. Use examples of reliable and unreliable sources to illustrate the differences and teach students how to verify the accuracy of the information.
Common Misconception 2
Another common misconception is that including a lot of information, regardless of its relevance, will make their writing stronger. This is incorrect because irrelevant information can confuse the reader and weaken the overall argument.
Intervention 2
Emphasize the importance of selecting relevant and impactful information. Use exercises that help students practice distinguishing between essential and non-essential details.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should have a basic understanding of how to identify reliable sources, summarize information, and use quotations and citations in their writing.
Subsequent Knowledge
After mastering this standard, students will be able to create more complex and nuanced arguments in their writing, effectively synthesize information from multiple sources, and develop advanced research skills.
Instructional Activities
- Research and write a report on a historical event, using well-chosen facts and quotations.
- Create a technical report for a science project, including extended definitions and concrete details.
- Develop an informative essay on a current event, with relevant examples and information appropriate for the audience.
- Prepare a presentation on a scientific topic, using quotations and detailed information.
- Write an article for the school newspaper, incorporating well-supported facts and examples.
