Standard: 6-8.WHST.2b – Develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.
Grade level: Grade 6-8
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Writing: History, Science & Technical Subjects
Teacher Overview
This standard emphasizes the importance of developing a topic with well-chosen and relevant details. It is crucial for students to learn how to support their writing with concrete facts, definitions, quotations, and examples. This skill is essential for effective communication in various subjects, including history, science, and technical writing. Students need to have a basic understanding of how to gather and organize information, as well as the ability to write coherent sentences and paragraphs.
Students will be able to create more complex and nuanced pieces of writing, integrating a variety of sources and details to support their topics comprehensively.
Common Misconception 1
A common misconception is that any fact or detail can be used to support a topic, regardless of its relevance. This is incorrect because irrelevant information can confuse the reader and weaken the overall argument.
Intervention 1
To address this misconception, teach students to evaluate the relevance of information by comparing it to the topic and purpose of their writing. Provide examples and practice exercises to help them hone this skill.
Common Misconception 2
Another misconception is that including more information is always better. This can lead to information overload and distract from the main points of the writing.
Intervention 2
Encourage students to select only the most pertinent facts and details that directly support their topic. Use exercises that focus on identifying and eliminating unnecessary information.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should have a basic understanding of how to identify and gather relevant information, as well as foundational skills in writing coherent sentences and paragraphs.
Subsequent Knowledge
After mastering this standard, students will be able to create more complex and nuanced pieces of writing, effectively integrating a variety of sources and details to support their topics comprehensively.
Instructional Activities
- Research and write a short essay on a historical event, using relevant facts and quotations.
- Create a science report that includes concrete details and definitions.
- Develop a technical manual for a simple device, using well-chosen examples and information.
- Write a biography of a famous person, incorporating relevant quotations and details.
