1. EMS 8th grade Social Studies
Informational/Explanatory Writing: Introduction and Task Analysis
EMS 8th grade Social Studies

2. Day One Learning Target:
I can work with a group to explain the features of a good response to a prompt, using the criteria from the rubric. SL.8.1

3. Bellringer:
What are the three purposes of writing? Why is it important to consider the criteria of the scoring rubric before beginning your writing piece?
Three purposes: To inform/explain, To Argue, To Narrate
We must consider the SPAM so that our response matches the purpose, audience, task, and situation.

4. Informational/Explanatory Writing Characteristics Review…
Introduces a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow
Organizes ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories
Includes formatting to aid comprehension
Develops a topic using relevant, well chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information an examples.
Uses appropriate and varied transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.
Uses precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform or explain about the topic
Establishes and maintains a formal style
Provides a concluding statement or section that supports the information or explanation presented

5. Pair/Share:
What do you already know about writing an essay? What things do you think should be included in a good essay?

6. The LDC Writing Task:
What impact have amendments to the  original Constitution of the United States had on society today? After researching informational texts on the Constitutional Amendment of your choice, write an essay that analyzes the impact of this amendment, providing evidence to illustrate or clarify your analysis. What conclusions and implications can you draw from your research?

7. Examining the LDC Informational/Explanatory Rubric:
The elements of the informational rubric that we will examine are: 1. Focus 2. Controlling idea, 3. Reading/research 4. Development, 5. Organization, and 6. Content understanding.

8. Group Work:
Directions: Your group will be given one of the elements from the informational/explanatory LDC scoring rubric. You will be analyzing the criteria for the Meets Expectations (a score of 3 or Proficient). Answer the guided questions. Become an expert for this element. Using the large poster paper, write in 8th grade language the requirements for meeting the expectations for your scoring element.

9. Whole Group Share and Graphic Organizer Completion:
Create a T Chart graphic organizer in your notebook.
Fill in the organizer with information given by each group.
Scoring Element Meets Expectations________

10. Return to Original Groups
In your groups, use your new understanding of the rubric to answer the question: In your own words, what are the important features of a good response to the prompt?
What impact have amendments to the  original Constitution of the United States had on society today? After researching informational texts on the Constitutional Amendment of your choice, write an essay that analyzes the impact of this amendment, providing evidence to illustrate or clarify your analysis. What conclusions and implications can you draw from your research?

11. Whole Group Share
As a class, share answers to create a class response to the question: In your own words, what are the important features of a good response to the prompt? What impact have amendments to the original Constitution of the united states had on society today? After researching informational texts on the Constitutional Amendment of your choice, write an essay that analyzes the impact of that amendment, providing evidence to illustrate or clarify your analysis. What conclusions and implications can you draw from your research?

12. Ticket out the Door:
What question do you still have about the requirements of your writing piece?