How Writers Work (Narrative)

In the How Writers Work unit of study, students will examine texts that will serve as “mentors” through the writing process. Students will read, reflect on, and analyze each mentor author’s purpose as well as the deeper reason why the piece was written—the author’s message or theme.

Students will:

• Explore the many reasons why writers write
• Identify multiple types of writing used in texts
• Consider the processes different authors use to create their books
• Focus on poetic sentences, the use of the em dash and comma usage

Argumentative Essay & Research Report (Argument & Informational/Explanatory)

In the Argument Essay unit of study, students will understand how to present an argument with supporting ideas, clear reasons, and relevant evidence. Students will also understand that an argument essay acknowledge the counterclaims, fully reveal the relative merits and weaknesses of those views or positions.

Students will:

• Understand the structural elements, purpose, and writing style of argumentative essays
• Analyze and evaluate the argument and specific claims in mentor texts
• Assess whether the writer’s reasoning is sound and the evidence cited is relevant
• Focus on nonrestrictive elements, the use of long and short sentences, simple, compound and complex sentences

Research Report (Argument & Informational/Explanatory)

In the Research Report unit of study, students will learn that when they set out to do research, their major focus will be on gathering data, information, and facts for the advancement of knowledge.

Students will:

• Develop research questions and a research plan
• Use relevant, reputable sources, including print and digital materials
• Determine credibility and authenticity of information
• Appropriately cite sources and properly quote or paraphrase sources
• Analyze data, facts, statistics, quotations and definitions
• Focus on parts of speech, using past and present tense

Multi-Genre Memoir (Narrative)

In the Multi-Genre Memoir unit of study students will understand how memoirs can be presented in different genres or forms of writing, while giving students time to explore meaningful topics and publish a memoir with purpose and audience in mind.

Students will:

• Understand and experiment with various forms memoirs can take
• Identify common elements of memoirs as well as variations in style and structure to apply to their own work
• Use transition words, phrases and clauses to signal shifts in time frame or setting
• Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details and sensory language
• Focus on parts of speech; style and tone; and punctuation