Middle School English Language Arts Instructional Guide

●​ "How does this theme appear differently in the book compared to the movie adaptation?" ●​ "How do these two authors present the same historical event differently?"

Sample Formative Assessments

Media Comparison Chart:

●​ Activity: Students compare a theme or topic as it appears in different media (e.g., book vs. film). They complete a chart noting similarities and differences in the approach, tone, and presentation of the theme or topic.

●​ Objective: To assess students' ability to compare how different media handle similar themes and topics.

Authors’ Analysis:

●​ Activity: Students write an analysis comparing how two different authors present the same event. They must analyze the authors' choices in terms of details, tone, and perspective, providing specific examples from the texts.

●​ Objective: To assess students' ability to compare and contrast different authors' presentations of the same event.

Standard: Writing 1

Learning Intentions and Success Criteria

Learning Intentions: ●​ Students will be able to write an argument that supports claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. ●​ Students will be able to understand how to introduce claims supported by credible sources and create a logical organizational structure. ●​ Students will be able to use appropriate language and style for the audience, purpose, and task. Success Criteria: ●​ I can write an argument that supports claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. ●​ I can introduce claims and use credible sources to support them. ●​ I can create a logical organizational structure for my responses. ●​ I can use words, phrases, and clauses to clarify relationships among claims

Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence, and provide a concluding section related to the argument presented. a. ​ Introduce claims supported by evidence from credible sources, and create an organizational structure in which claims are logically grouped to support the writer’s purpose. b. ​ Use words, phrases, and clauses to clarify the relationships among claims and evidence. c. ​ Use appropriate conventions and style for the audience, purpose, and task.

Nouns (Know)

Verbs (Do)

Last Updated June 2nd, 2026 Secondary ELA, Page 119