Social Studies Skills
Ahh, how do I write!! If you are asking this question then you are in the right place. The goal of this tab is to have all resources you might need to write, write, write.
Check out the Subtle, but Significant differences between PERSUASIVE and ARGUMENTATIVE writing.
In Social Studies we will focus on two types of writing, Informational and Argumentative.
Resources for writing a well crafted Outline
University of Washington's how to write an outline
University of Washington's Elements of an Essay
Informational
Informational/explanatory writing conveys information accurately. The writer's purpose is to increase the reader's knowledge, to help the reader better understand a procedure or process, or to increase the reader's comprehension of a concept. Informational writing begins with the assumption of truthfulness and answer questions of why or how. Writers draw information from what they already know and from primary and secondary sources. They must select and incorporate relevant examples, facts, and details.
What are the characteristics of the information/explanatory text type?
Informative/explanatory writing conveys information accurately. Writings that exemplify this text type include summaries and instructions. The purpose of informative/explanatory writing is to increase knowledge, explain a procedure, or explore a concept in depth.
Types of Information/explanatory writing may include the following:
Argumentative
An argument is a reasoned, logical way of demonstrating the writer's position, belief, or conclusion. The writer makes a claim and then defends that claim with information from credible sources. Students must clarify relationships between the claim and the evidence and address counter claims. Argument takes the form of opinion in the elementary grades and evolves into argument in the middle and high school grades.
What are the characteristics of the argument text type?
Argument is an especially important text type since it requires the writer to provide reasoned, logical proof for a claim or assertion. The purpose of argument is to change the reader's thinking, move the reader to action, or convince the reader to accept the writer's explanation of a problem or concept. The complexities of this type of logical reasoning exceed the cognitive ability of most elementary students. Therefore, as a precursor to argument, elementary students are taught to express opinions that are well supported by facts or evidence.
*Adapted from Baltimore County Schools
*Adapted from Baltimore County Schools
Templates
Outlining a five paragraph essay
Mr. Gregors analytical paragraph pre-write