CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.2
The Standard
Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/experiments, or technical processes.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects 6—12
What This Standard Means
Students need to explain a topic clearly using facts, definitions, examples, and details from reliable sources. They may be writing about a historical event, a lab procedure, or how a system works. The writing should have a clear focus, organized sections, precise vocabulary, and a conclusion that wraps up the explanation.
Mastery looks like a reader can follow the explanation without guessing what happened, why it mattered, or how something works. Students often get stuck by listing facts with no structure, using vague words like “stuff” or “things,” skipping transitions, or turning an explanation into an opinion piece.
Ways to Teach It
- Have students sort fact cards about the water cycle into a logical order, then write one clear paragraph explaining the process.
- Prompt students to explain why a historical event happened using three causes, each supported by one detail from a source.
- Give students a mixed paragraph and ask them to underline the topic sentence, transition words, evidence, and conclusion.
- Show a recipe, bus schedule, or game instructions, then have students explain how clear structure helps the reader complete the task.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9-10.2
Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/experiments, or technical processes.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.11-12.2
Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/experiments, or technical processes.
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