Informational Writing English-Grade 8 2016-2017

A Strong Writing Task... A Strong Essay will demonstrate… • Comprehension of the text • Follows an organized structure (introduction, body, and conclusion). • Capitalizes and denotes titles correctly. • Does not use personal pronouns (I, me, my.) Uses rhetorical questions, if needed. • Includes detailed body paragraphs with text evidence. • Uses quotation marks correctly. • Uses advanced vocabulary (grade 8 and beyond). • Has been edited for Mechanics, Usage, and Grammar mistakes

Break Down the Prompt What two questions is the prompt asking? 1. What hardships come with the lack of access to clean water? 2. What actions are being taken to solve the problem? What do you need to write your essay about? 1. Explain the problems that communities and villages face when there is no direct access to clean water. How many texts do you need to include evidence from? 2

Introduction Step 1: Grab the reader’s attention (shocking statement or fact, ask a question) Step 2: Give background information (use the prompt to help!) Step 3: State topic/claim (from the prompt) -- Include title of texts (essays, Infographic, videos, etc.) -- Include authors’ names, if known

Introduction Grab Your Readers Attention shocking statement or fact, ask a question)   Give background information use the prompt to help!) State your claim including the titles/authors of the article

Body The central focus of your essay Your essay should include one paragraph for each text that you are asked to include in your response The paragraphs should be 4-5 sentences Remember ACE -- A = Answer the question that supports the essay’s claim -- C = Cite evidence from the text to support your answer -- E = Explain how the text evidence supports your answer

Body Paragraph 2 Source- “Thirst” Answer the question that supports the essay’s claim What hardships come with the lack of access to clean water? What actions are being taken to solve the problem?   C Cite evidence from the text to support your answer Go back into the article and highlight parts of the text to support the hardships that come from lack of access to clean water. How to Include Quotations in Your Essay According to Kristin Lewis, “…” According to Ms. Lewis, “…” Kristin Lewis writes, “…” The author clearly states, “…” In the text, “Thirst”... According to the text, “Poisonous Water”... An example from the text is… E Explain how the text evidence supports your answer What does it show? Why is it important? What does it explain? Transitions to Use after Quotations to Explain This is important because… This means that… In other words, ... This shows that… This explains why… As a result, … Another example is… Body Paragraph 2 Source- “Thirst”

Body Paragraph 3 Source- “Poisonous Water” Answer the question that supports the essay’s claim What hardships come with the lack of access to clean water? What actions are being taken to solve the problem?   C Cite evidence from the text to support your answer Go back into the article and highlight parts of the text to support the hardships that come from lack of access to clean water. How to Include Quotations in Your Essay According to Kristin Lewis, “…” According to Ms. Lewis, “…” Kristin Lewis writes, “…” The author clearly states, “…” In the text, “Thirst”... According to the text, “Poisonous Water”... An example from the text is… E Explain how the text evidence supports your answer What does it show? Why is it important? What does it explain? Transitions to Use after Quotations to Explain This is important because… This means that… In other words, ... This shows that… This explains why… As a result, … Another example is… Body Paragraph 3 Source- “Poisonous Water”

Unit 2 – Informational Writing  How to Include Quotations in Your Essay Transitions to Use after Quotations to Explain   According to Kristin Lewis, “…” According to Ms. Lewis, “…” This is important because… Kristin Lewis writes, “…” This means that… The author clearly states, “…” In other words, ... In the text, “Thirst”... This shows that… According to the text, “Poisonous Water”... An example from the text is… This explains why… As a result, … Another example is…

Conclusion Step 1: Use a transition to show your writing its coming to a close -- In conclusion, -- It is clear, Step 2: Restate topic/claim (from intro) --Include title of texts (essays, infographic, videos, etc.) --Include authors’ names, if known Step 3 : Restate the main idea of each body paragraph Step 4 : End with a final though to make the reader think about the claim or make a change

Conclusion Paragraph 4 Graphic Organizer Step 1: Use a transition to show your writing it’s coming to a close -- In conclusion, -- It is clear,   Step 2: Restate topic/claim (from intro) -Include title of texts “Thirst” and “Poisonous Water” -Include authors’ names, if known Step 3: Restate the main idea of each body paragraph Step 4: End with a final though to make the reader think about the claim or make a change Conclusion Paragraph 4 Graphic Organizer

Typing Rough Draft Use Writer’s Packet Introduction graphic organizer List of transition words for body paragraphs -- Introducing a citation -- Explaining a citation Body paragraph 1 graphic organizer Body paragraph 2 graphic organizer Conclusion graphic organizer

Informational Essay Checklist Has a clear introduction States a focus/topic clearly, precisely, and thoughtfully Uses specific evidence from the text(s) to support and develop the topic and explains that evidence Concludes effectively Uses precise language Shows control over conventions (See Editing Checklist)

Editing Checklist Punctuation Paragraphs indented Quotation Marks Commas Apostrophes Spelling Using the Right Word Paragraphs indented NO run-on sentences and fragments Pronoun Agreement Subject-Verb Agreement Capitalization