Tharayil-Trimester 2

Unit Map, 8th Grade Writing Unit Title: Writing Fundamentals and Research Writing Grade/Course: 8th Grade Length of Unit: 6-7 Weeks Author: Sneha Tharayil Essential Questions: o Critical Thinking: o What are the qualities/characteristics of good writing? o How do we develop strong, focused research questions? o How is quality research conducted? o How do we organize and synthesize a wealth of information from a variety of sources? o How do we select information to inform, explain, and convey a point? o How do we effectively convey information orally? o Writing: o How do we develop a strong thesis statement that guides and directs the rest of the paper? o How do we write an engaging, yet sophisticated and formal introduction paragraph? o How do we write a well-written conclusion that summarizes important points and leaves a lasting impression? o How can we use precise language to explain a concept? o How do we establish formal style in writing? o How do we appropriately use and credit the work of others in formal reports? o How do we convert and transfer written information into an effective oral presentation?s o Language: o How do the placement of modifiers affect the meaning of ones writing? o How do the different type and form of verbs affect the meaning of a sentence? o How are verbals formed and how do they differ from verbs? Big Idea/Major Concept/Objectives: o Students will formulate meaningful research questions. o Students will conduct quality research, using established guidelines for research. o Students will use graphic organizers and effective note-taking strategies to organize and select information obtained through research. o Students will practice formulating strong, well-constructed thesis statements. o Students will practice citing sources according to MLA format. o Students will write a well-researched and well-organized research report. o Students will plan, create and deliver an engaging oral presentation on their research topic. o Students will correctly identify and revise misplaced and dangling modifiers. o Students will correctly identify and use different types of verbs and verbals. Content: o Note-taking graphic organizers o Thesis statement practice activities and exercises o Research activities o Introductory paragraph activities and exercises o Essay outlines

Tharayil-Trimester 2
o Research reports o Oral presentations Skills/Strategies/Standards: o Writing: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.2a Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.2b Develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.2c Use appropriate and varied transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.2d Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.2e Establish and maintain a formal style. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.2f Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented. o Speaking & Listening: SL.8.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 8 topics, texts, and issues, building on others ideas and expressing their own clearly CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.4 Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and well-chosen details; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.5 Integrate multimedia and visual displays into presentations to clarify information, strengthen claims and evidence, and add interest. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.6 Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. o Language: L.8.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.1a Explain the function of verbals (gerunds, participles, infinitives) in general and their function in particular sentences. Assessment: o Research notes o Thesis statements o Essay outlines and drafts o Research essay o Oral presentations Resources: o SmartBoard Lessons/Smart Exchange Lessons o Internet; various research resources

Tharayil-Trimester 2
o Personal electronic devicesss