CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.1.2
The Standard
Write informative/explanatory texts in which they name a topic, supply some facts about the topic, and provide some sense of closure.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Writing Standards
What This Standard Means
Students need to write a simple teaching piece. They name one topic, give a few true facts about it, and end in a way that feels finished. The topic should stay clear from start to finish, even if spelling and punctuation are still developing.
Mastery looks like a first grader writing, “Frogs are animals. They jump. They live near water. Frogs are cool.” Students often get stuck choosing a topic that is too broad, mixing in opinions as facts, or ending suddenly without a closing sentence.
Ways to Teach It
- Hands-on: Give students animal photo cards and fact sticky notes, then have them sort true facts before writing about one animal.
- Prompt: Write about a classroom object and answer, What is it, what does it do, and what fact should readers remember?
- Quick assessment: Ask students to underline their topic, circle two facts, and put a star by the ending sentence.
- Real-world connection: Read a simple zoo sign or food label together, then discuss how it teaches facts about one topic.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.1.2
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.2
Write informative/explanatory texts in which they introduce a topic, use facts and definitions to develop points, and provide a concluding statement or section.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.