Middle School English Language Arts Instructional Guide

Standard: Writing 1

Learning Intentions and Success Criteria

Learning Intentions:

Write arguments to support claims with logical reasoning, relevant evidence from accurate and credible sources, and provide a conclusion that follows from and supports the argument presented. a. Introduce claims, distinguish the claims from alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically. b. Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claims, counterclaims, reasons, and evidence. c. Use appropriate conventions and style for the audience, purpose, and task.

● Students will learn to write arguments that support claims using logical reasoning and relevant evidence. ● Students will learn to introduce and distinguish claims from alternate or opposing claims. ● Students will learn to use cohesive devices to clarify the relationships among claims, counterclaims, reasons, and evidence. Success Criteria: ● I can write an argument that supports my claim with logical reasoning and relevant evidence. ● I can introduce my claim and distinguish it from opposing claims. ● I can organize reasons and evidence logically. ● I can use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion in my argument. ● I can use appropriate conventions and style for my audience, purpose, and task.

Nouns (Know)

Verbs (Do)

● Argument ● Claims ● Elaboration ● Evidence ● Sources ● Conclusion ● Counterclaim

● Write ● Introduce ● Support ● Distinguish ● Organize ● Clarify

Sample Question Stems and Prompts for Discussion

● What is your claim and how can you support it with evidence? ● How does your claim differ from the opposing claim? ● What reasons and evidence can you provide to support your claim? ● How can you use transitional words and phrases to make your argument cohesive? ● What conventions and style are appropriate for your audience and purpose?

Last Updated May 30th, 2024 Middle School ELA, Page 142