English 8

This week we are starting the Informational Writing Unit. Homework this week includes reading at home a couple nights for 15 to 20 minutes, and then documenting the reading time. The work on the writing unit will be done in class.

Below you will find the Informational Writing Unit Objectives:

Essential Question: How does comparing and contrasting two perspectives on an issue deepen the writer and reader’s understanding of the topic and reveals its complexities.

Unit Outcome: Compose an essay comparing and contrasting two perspectives on a critical issue, topic hot in the news or media, by researching information from credible sources and presenting information in a compare and contrast essay with correct documentation of sources.

Unit I Can Statements:

1.    I can write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.

2.    I can conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

3.    I can gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, assess the credibility and accuracy of each source, and integrate the information while avoiding plagiarism.

4.    I can draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Unit Lesson Sequence:

1.     Read example informational essays and complete class discussions and group work assignments in understanding unit vocabulary and concepts.

2.     Brainstorm possible essay topics. Discuss what a “credible source” means.

3.     Highlight and label an example informational compare and contrast essay, while learning the rubric writing guidelines.

4.     Research credible sources and document sources while gathering information on writing topic.

5.     Write informational compare and contrast essay.