Middle School English Language Arts Instructional Guide

Standard: Writing 1

Learning Intentions and Success Criteria

Learning Intentions: ●​ 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.

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.

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 September 23rd, 2024 Middle School ELA, Page 145