English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 8

ELA21.8.8b

Write informative or explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas or processes effectively, by developing the topic with relevant information or data from credible sources and using appropriate transitions and precise vocabulary.

Unpacked Content

Knowledge

  • Informative or explanatory text is writing that examines and explains complex ideas or processes, utilizing information from multiple credible research sources.
  • Informative or explanatory text has an organized structure, and usually begins by clearly focusing on the topic, providing credible evidence, and ends with a conclusion.
  • Informative or explanatory writing should include academic, content-specific technical word meanings.
  • Words that indicate transitions.

Skills

  • Gather credible information and data from multiple sources.
  • Write an informative or explanatory text with an organized structure and formal style that develops the topic and utilizes appropriate transitions, credible information or data, and technical vocabulary words.

Understanding

  • Informative or explanatory writing follows a predictable, organized text structure that utilizes appropriate transition words and precise vocabulary.
  • They must gather their information and data about the topic from multiple credible research sources.
  • Using credible information/data can support a writer's ideas and claims.
  • Writers elaborate on details included in the text by using formal academic, content-specific technical words.

Vocabulary

  • Informative text
  • Explanatory text
  • Credible sources
  • Transitions
  • Precise vocabulary
ALSDE LOGO