1. Informational Writing
English-Grade 8

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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”

8. 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”

10. 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…

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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)

15. 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