CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.2a
The Standard
Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories as appropriate to achieving purpose; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students introduce an informational topic and tell readers what main ideas will follow. They group related information and add headings, charts, tables, images, or media when those tools improve understanding.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Given research notes, students can group related details under clear categories. They can write an introduction that names the topic, previews the categories, and uses a heading, chart, or image when helpful.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may open with a catchy sentence but never name the topic or preview the main ideas. They may list facts without grouping them, or add headings and graphics that do not clarify the information.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Give students six notes about school lunch waste. Ask them to group the notes into two categories, write a two-sentence introduction, and create two useful headings.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give students fact cards about local water use, then have them sort the cards into categories and build a headed outline.
Compare two introductions and discuss which one gives readers a clearer map of the information that follows.
Play Category Sort Relay, where teams group mixed research notes, label each group, and explain one disputed choice.
Create a one-page guide for new students using headings, a clear introduction, and a map or table that answers common questions.
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Printable WHST.6-8.2a Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.2a, 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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