Standard: 8.W.1c – Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.
Grade level: Grade 8
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Writing
Teacher Overview
This standard emphasizes the importance of creating cohesive and logical arguments in writing. It is crucial for students to learn how to connect their claims, counterclaims, reasons, and evidence clearly. Mastering this standard will enhance their ability to communicate effectively in both academic and real-world contexts. Students need to have a solid grasp of basic writing skills, including sentence structure, paragraph organization, and the ability to identify and use claims, evidence, and reasoning.
After mastering this standard, students will be able to construct well-organized, coherent arguments that effectively communicate their ideas. They will be prepared for more advanced writing tasks and critical analysis in future academic endeavors.
Common Misconception 1
One common misconception is that using complex vocabulary automatically makes writing cohesive. This is incorrect because cohesion is more about the logical flow and clarity of ideas rather than the complexity of the words used.
Intervention 1
To address this misconception, focus on exercises that emphasize clarity and the logical connection of ideas. Use peer review sessions where students can give and receive feedback on the cohesiveness of their arguments.
Common Misconception 2
Another misconception is that simply listing evidence without explaining its relevance is enough to support a claim. This is incorrect because evidence needs to be explicitly connected to the claim through reasoning to be effective.
Intervention 2
Use graphic organizers to help students visually map out the connections between their claims, evidence, and reasoning. Practice writing activities that require students to explain the relevance of each piece of evidence they use.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should understand basic sentence structure and have experience with writing simple paragraphs and essays. They should also be familiar with the concepts of claims, evidence, and reasoning.
Subsequent Knowledge
Students will develop advanced writing skills, including the ability to craft more sophisticated arguments, use varied sentence structures for effect, and integrate multiple sources of evidence seamlessly.
Instructional Activities
- Peer review sessions focusing on the clarity of arguments
- Graphic organizer exercises to map out claims, evidence, and reasoning
- Writing workshops that emphasize the importance of cohesion
- Debate activities to practice constructing and defending arguments
- Analyzing sample essays to identify effective use of cohesion
