CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2
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 This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students explain a focused topic using accurate facts, definitions, examples, and details. They organize related information, connect ideas clearly, and provide a suitable opening and closing.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A strong response introduces a focused topic and groups related details into clear paragraphs. It uses facts, examples, precise vocabulary, linking words, and a closing that sums up the explanation.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may state an opinion instead of explaining a topic. They may list unrelated facts, copy source wording, or add new information in the conclusion.
How to Assess It
- Give these notes: bees collect nectar, pollen sticks to bees, and pollination helps plants make seeds. Ask students to write one paragraph with an opening, all three facts, linking words, and a closing.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups fact cards about volcanoes to sort under headings, then have each student turn one group into a paragraph.
Ask, “How does a school lunch get to your tray?” Students list reader questions, then write a clear explanation.
Play a linking-word challenge where pairs draw two fact cards and connect them using because, also, for example, or therefore.
Have students write a museum label for a classroom object, including a definition, three facts, and a captioned sketch.
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Printable W.4.2 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
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What This Unlocks
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Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.2
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- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, an...
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