English Language Arts and Reading.5.12.B

The student is expected to

compose informational texts, including brief compositions that convey information about a topic, using a clear central idea and genre characteristics and craft;

composition strand teks talk image

Knowledge and Skills Statement

Composition: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking using multiple texts--genres. The student uses genre characteristics and craft to compose multiple texts that are meaningful.

Have students plan for and develop an informational text regarding a concept or topic they have studied recently in their science class. Remind students to follow the writing process and to reflect genre characteristics and craft in their composition.

Evaluate student work for the following genre characteristics:

  • Central idea,
  • Clear organizational pattern,
  • Appropriate development of ideas, and
  • Use of grade-appropriate language and conventions such as purposeful word choice and sentences that are varied and well controlled.
     

Further Explanation

This assessment example requires students to share information they have gathered regarding a specific topic. Students will analyze the information to determine what is most appropriate to share with their audience in order to develop an idea, plan, and organize their writing. Students will need to apply all of the components in the writing process during this task as they move from draft to a final piece of writing. Students will create a piece of writing that is organized, has a logical progression of ideas, and effectively uses grade-appropriate language and conventions of writing.

the main point or message of a text that is supported by the author’s purpose and content; also known as a controlling idea
Students are expected to compose effective informational texts. Students understand that informational texts explain and clarify a topic. Student informational writing should have a clear central idea with supporting details, an introduction and a conclusion, and an evident organizational pattern. Additionally, students are expected to demonstrate good command of writing conventions, use correct spelling, and write in complete sentences.
a piece of written work that brings together ideas in a coherent manner
a text that presents information to explain, clarify, and/or educate
a word or phrase that identifies the subject matter of a text or speech

Research

1. Klein, P.D., & Rose, M.A. (2010). Teaching argument and explanation to prepare junior students for writing to learn. Reading Research Quarterly, 45(4), 433–461. doi:10.1598/RRQ.45.4.4

Summary: In this study, Klein and Rose examine how students respond to various writing tasks and assignments. The teachers used the process writing approach, which included creating an outline, drafts, and a final paper. The revision and edit process lends itself to implementing teacher and peer oral and written feedback. The study reveals that there are specific as well as varied means to teach the writing process to students. Students must use prior knowledge and have access to relevant external sources (i.e. internet).

2. White. A. (2016). Using digital think-alouds to build comprehension of online informational texts. The Reading Teacher, 69(4), 421–425. doi:10.1002/trtr.1438

Summary: White discusses the ongoing consumption and creation of information online and in other digital spaces. White suggests that the ever-changing contexts presents significant complexities for students. Students are required to develop skills, strategies and attitudes that promote and support ways to critically navigate and discuss information accessed online.

3. Scott, J. L. (2012, April). Teaching students to analyze informational text. University of MO-Columbia. Retrieved from https://dese.mo.gov/college-career-readiness/curriculum/model-curriculum/units/courage-and-bravery

Summary: Scott provides an overview of the five styles of informational text and characteristics of each. Multiple strategies are embedded in the article that teachers may find useful in teaching students how to analyze informational text. The process outlined in the article is sequential. Charts and visuals are provided.  Although this article provides a strategy to analyze informational text, the skills gain can also support composing an informational text.