Middle School English Language Arts Instructional Guide

Sample Question Stems and Prompts for Discussion

●​ "How do you introduce a topic effectively in an informative/explanatory short-answer response?" ●​ "What strategies can you use to organize ideas and information in your response?" ●​ "Why is it important to use transitions in your writing?" ●​ "How do you ensure your language and style are appropriate for the audience and purpose?"

Sample Formative Assessments

Topic Exploration Graphic Organizer

●​ Activity: Students complete a graphic organizer where they brainstorm and organize ideas, facts, and examples related to a given topic. They then write a short-answer response based on the organizer.

●​ Objective: To assess students' ability to introduce a topic and organize ideas effectively in an informative/explanatory response.

Style and Conventions Checklist

●​ Activity: Students write a short-answer response and use a checklist to ensure they have used appropriate language, style, and conventions.

●​ Objective: To assess students' ability to use appropriate language and style for their audience and purpose.

Last Updated September 23rd, 2024 Middle School ELA, Page 112