CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.2

ELA3rd GradeText Types and Purposes

The Standard

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Writing Standards

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students write about a focused topic using facts, definitions, and details. They organize related information, connect ideas with linking words, and provide a clear ending.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student introduces a focused topic, groups related facts, and explains ideas with clear details. The writing uses linking words, accurate vocabulary, and a closing statement.
Common Misconceptions: Students may list facts without grouping related ideas or explaining how they connect. They may leave out an opening, use vague words, or end without a clear closing statement.
How to Assess It: Give students three facts about frogs and ask them to write one organized paragraph with an opening, linking words, details, and a closing.

Lesson moves

Give pairs fact cards about an animal, then have them sort the cards into sections and build a paragraph on chart paper.
Ask students to explain how an opening sentence helps a reader, then write two possible openings for a class topic.
Play Linking Word Match by pairing sentence cards with words such as also, because, another, and for example.
Have students create a visitor guide explaining one school location, including its purpose, key details, and tips for new students.

Free download

A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.2, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.

Learning progression

See the whole path on the Writing progression map.

If students are struggling here, check these first.

Mastery here sets students up for these next.

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