Standard: 6-8.WHST.4 – Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Grade level: Grade 6-8
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Writing: History, Science & Technical Subjects
Teacher Overview
This standard emphasizes the importance of producing writing that is clear and coherent, with appropriate development, organization, and style tailored to the task, purpose, and audience. Mastery of this standard is crucial as it forms the foundation for effective communication in various subjects. Before tackling this standard, students should have a solid understanding of basic grammar, sentence structure, and paragraph organization. They should also be familiar with different writing purposes and audiences.
After mastering this standard, students will be able to tackle more complex writing tasks, such as multi-paragraph essays, advanced research projects, and technical writing in various subjects.
Common Misconception 1
A common misconception is that all writing styles are the same regardless of the task. This is incorrect because different tasks and audiences require different approaches to writing. For example, a scientific report needs a different style compared to a narrative essay.
Intervention 1
To address this misconception, provide students with examples of different writing styles and discuss why each style is suitable for its specific task and audience. Use activities that allow students to practice writing in various styles.
Common Misconception 2
Another misconception is that organization is not important as long as the content is good. This is incorrect because well-organized writing helps the reader understand and follow the writer’s ideas more easily.
Intervention 2
To remediate this misconception, teach students how to create outlines and use graphic organizers to plan their writing. Show them examples of well-organized and poorly organized texts, and discuss the impact of organization on readability and clarity.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should understand basic grammar, sentence structure, and paragraph organization. They should also be familiar with different writing purposes and audiences.
Subsequent Knowledge
After mastering this standard, students will be able to tackle more complex writing tasks, such as multi-paragraph essays, advanced research projects, and technical writing in various subjects.
Instructional Activities
- Create an outline for a historical essay
- Write a first draft of a science lab report
- Peer review and provide feedback on a classmate’s technical manual
- Revise and edit a persuasive letter
- Develop a graphic organizer for a research paper
