6-8 Writing History Standards

Nickname

Standard Description

(6-8.WHST.1) Writing Arguments

Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content.

(6-8.WHST.1.a) Introducing Claims and Organization

Introduce claim(s) about a topic or issue, acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.

(6-8.WHST.1.b) Supporting Claims

Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant, accurate data and evidence that demonstrate an understanding of the topic or text, using credible sources.

(6-8.WHST.1.c) Transitions

Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.

(6-8.WHST.1.d) Formal Style

Establish and maintain a formal style.

(6-8.WHST.1.e) Conclusion

Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.

(6-8.WHST.2) Writing Informative/Explanatory Texts

Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/ experiments, or technical processes.

(6-8.WHST.2.a) Introduction and Organization

Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories as appropriate to achieving purpose; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

(6-8.WHST.2.b) Developing the Topic

Develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.

(6-8.WHST.2.c) Transitions

Use appropriate and varied transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.

(6-8.WHST.2.d) Precise Language and Domain-Specific Vocabulary

Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.

(6-8.WHST.2.e) Formal Style and Tone

Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone.

(6-8.WHST.2.f) Conclusion

Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented.

(6-8.WHST.4) Audience and Purpose

Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

(6-8.WHST.5) Planning, Revising, Editing

With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed.

(6-8.WHST.6) Digital Publishing

Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and present the relationships between information and ideas clearly and efficiently.

(6-8.WHST.7) Short Research Project

Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration.

(6-8.WHST.8) Citing Sources

Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.

(6-8.WHST.9) Using Evidence

Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis reflection, and research.

(6-8.WHST.10) Writing Routine

Write routinely over extended time frames (time for reflection and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.

5/6 Social Studies Mastery