8th Writing B

Course Description

This course focuses on developing comprehensive writing and communication skills across multiple forms of expression. Students learn to construct persuasive arguments that effectively defend a well-defined claim, craft clear informational texts supported by strong evidence, and write rich narratives that develop characters, experiences, and distinct points of view. Additionally, these skills empower learners to apply correct writing conventions and share their ideas effectively across written, digital, and conversational media.

Topic 1: Argument Writing

State Standard:

W.8.2: Write arguments or make claims that support well-defined points of view effectively with relevant evidence and clear reasoning.

Success Criteria:

• I can write a clear claim or point of view, so I can establish my position strongly.

• I can use relevant evidence and clear reasoning that logically advance my claim, so I can make a convincing argument.

• I can write a conclusion that supports the argument, so I can leave the reader with a strong final point.

Learning Goal: I can write arguments that effectively support a well-defined claim.

Topic 2: Informational Writing and Explanation

State Standard:

W.8.3: Write informational texts that introduce the topic clearly and maintain a clear focus with relevant facts, details, quotations, and examples from multiple sources.

Success Criteria:

• I can introduce a topic clearly and maintain a clear focus, so I can organize my explanation effectively.

• I can use facts, definitions, details, quotations, and examples from multiple sources, so I can explain the topic thoroughly.

• I can use an effective structure and conclusion, so I can help the reader follow my explanation from beginning to end.

Learning Goal:

I can write informational texts that clearly explain a topic with strong support.

Topic 3: Narrative Writing

State Standard:

W.8.4: Write personal or fictional narratives that establish a situation and narrator and use a variety of techniques to develop characters, action, and shifts in time or setting.

Success Criteria:

• I can establish a situation, narrator, and one or more points of view, so I can orient the reader clearly.

• I can use description, dialogue, pacing, sensory language, precise words, and transitions, so I can develop characters and action effectively.

• I can write a conclusion that follows from the narrated events, so I can create a complete and engaging narrative.

Learning Goal:

I can communicate effectively in discussion, media, and writing conventions.

Topic 4: Collaborative Communication, Media, and Conventions

State Standard:

ODC.8.1 / ODC.8.2 / GC.8.2a: Engage in collaborative discussions; analyze the purpose and intent of information in diverse media and formats; use commas, ellipsis, and dashes to indicate a pause, break, or omission.

Success Criteria:

• I can engage in collaborative discussions by posing and responding to questions and connecting ideas, so I can help move conversations forward.

• I can analyze the purpose and intent of information presented in diverse media and formats, so I can evaluate how communication influences people.

• I can use commas, ellipsis, and dashes to show pauses, breaks, or omissions, so I can make my writing more precise and effective.

Learning Goal:

I can communicate effectively in discussion, media, and writing conventions.

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