South Dakota ELA 11-12.WHST.2.d

ELAGrades 11–12Writing: History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects

The Standard

11-12.WHST.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.

Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to manage the complexity of the topic. Establish a clear voice.

South Dakota English Language Arts Standards (2025) · Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science and Technical Subjects

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students write about complex findings or events with exact terms from the subject. They explain technical words when readers need help and use a voice that fits the task.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student can distinguish an observed rise in nitrate from a suspected cause. They use terms and units accurately and keep a steady, measured voice.
Common Misconceptions: Students may pile up technical terms without explaining them. They may call a measured change 'bad' or treat a possible cause as a fact. Some confuse a clear voice with slang or strong personal opinion.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: After rain, stream nitrate rose from 2 to 6 mg/L beside a farm. Write two report sentences using 'nitrate concentration' and 'runoff,' and label runoff as a possible cause.

Lesson moves

Hand pairs a chart showing stream nitrate at 2 mg/L before rain and 6 mg/L after; they annotate units and draft a finding.
Ask, 'How does nitrate concentration increased differ from the water got worse, and which claim does the chart support?'
Put vague and precise sentence cards on desks; teams match each vague claim to a precise revision and flag unsupported conclusions.
Use a city water-quality report; students rewrite one sentence for neighbors, keeping the contaminant name, units, and a calm voice.

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