11th Grade English Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
by Lauren Miner
1. Use precise language, domain-specific vocabulary, and techniques such as metaphor, simile, and analogy to manage the complexity of the topic.
1.1. You are a book reviewer for Buzzfeed. Because you have just finished reading The Things They Carried, you are beginning to write a short, yet thorough, review of the book. This review is to include analogies in a way that will help your audience to understand the complexity of the books' plot. Write 350 words to describe the importance of reading different perspectives on war and the relation to a media-focused society.
2. Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they are writing.
2.1. You are a writer for Channel 5 News. You have one week to write the script for Emma Johnson's 2 minute segment titled, "Worldwide Dilemmas with Emma". The focus of the segment is bullying in high schools. Write a non-biased script that includes accurate, concise information.
3. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented (e.g., articulating implications or the significance of the topic).
4. Introduce a topic or thesis statement; organize complex ideas, concepts and information so that each new element builds on that which precedes it to create a unified whole; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., figures, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension. CA
4.1. You are presenting a new idea to your boss at the startup company Tech Today. Create a presentation that includes your idea, supporting evidence, how it will be executed, and how your department will benefit from the idea. Use mindmeister, glogster, prezi, and/or other presentation aids to showcase your information.
5. Develop the topic thoroughly by selecting the most significant and relevant facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples appropriate to the audience’s knowledge of the topic.
5.1. You are reviewing an article published by a small newspaper company. As a staff writer for California Times, you are to write a concise, thorough, and well thought out review of the piece. Provide evidence from the original article to support your ideas so that your audience, much larger than that of the smaller newspaper company, can understand the importance (or lack thereof) of the small newspaper company.
6. Use appropriate and varied transitions and syntax to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationship among the complex ideas and concepts.
6.1. As a writer for Consumer Reports, clearly describe two similar, but different, products on sale today using information gathered from four websites. Compare and contrast the products. Summarize the relationship between the products and conclude with the winning product
