Standard: 11-12.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 11-12 here.)
Grade level: Grade 11-12
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Writing
Teacher Overview
This standard emphasizes the iterative nature of writing, encouraging students to refine their work through multiple stages. It is crucial as it prepares students for the rigorous writing demands of higher education and professional life. Students should already understand basic grammar, sentence structure, and the writing process stages. They should be comfortable with drafting and have experience with peer and self-editing.
Students will develop the ability to produce well-crafted, audience-specific texts and will be prepared for advanced writing tasks in various contexts, including college and professional environments.
Common Misconception 1
Some students might think that revising and editing are the same. This is incorrect because revising involves improving the content and structure, while editing focuses on correcting grammar and punctuation errors.
Intervention 1
Use targeted mini-lessons to differentiate between revising and editing. Provide checklists and examples to illustrate the specific focus of each process.
Common Misconception 2
Another common misconception is that a first draft should be perfect and not require significant changes. This is incorrect because writing is a process that benefits from multiple drafts and revisions.
Intervention 2
Implement peer review sessions and show examples of professional writing drafts to demonstrate the importance of revising. Encourage a growth mindset towards writing.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should have a solid understanding of basic writing structures, grammar, and the ability to write coherent paragraphs. They should also be familiar with the writing process stages: planning, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing.
Subsequent Knowledge
After mastering this standard, students will be able to produce polished, purpose-driven texts that effectively address specific audiences. They will also be prepared for advanced writing tasks in college and professional settings, demonstrating a high level of command over language conventions.
Instructional Activities
- Peer review workshops
- Multiple drafting assignments
- Mini-lessons on revision techniques
- Editing exercises focused on grammar and punctuation
- Writing conferences with individual feedback

