6.11.B
The Standard
compose informational texts, including multi-paragraph essays that convey information about a topic, using a clear controlling idea or thesis statement and genre characteristics and craft
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for English Language Arts and Reading
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students explain a topic through a focused thesis and several organized paragraphs. They select relevant facts, explain their ideas, use transitions, and close with a fitting conclusion.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student writes a focused thesis, organizes related information into purposeful paragraphs, and supports each point with relevant facts and explanations. Transitions connect ideas, and the conclusion reinforces the main point.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may state a broad topic instead of a focused thesis. They may list facts without organizing them into connected paragraphs or adding explanations. Some include opinions or unsupported claims.
How to Assess It
- Give an exit ticket: “Write a thesis and a three-paragraph outline explaining how sleep affects middle school students.” Require one supporting fact per paragraph.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups source cards about one topic, then have them sort the cards into labeled paragraph envelopes and explain their organization.
Ask students to write two possible thesis statements for the same topic, then explain which one gives the essay clearer direction.
Run a thesis match game where students pair thesis cards with the strongest supporting detail cards and reject unrelated evidence.
Have students create a short school newsletter article explaining a campus issue, using a thesis, facts, headings, and a concluding statement.
Keep exploring
Related Standards
- 3.12.B
compose informational texts, including brief compositions that convey information about a topic, using a clear central idea and genre characteristics and craft;
- 8.11.B
The 8th Grade version of this standard.
- 7.11.B
compose informational texts, including multi-paragraph essays that convey information about a topic, using a clear controlling idea or thesis statement and genr...
- 5.12.B
compose informational texts, including brief compositions that convey information about a topic, using a clear central idea and genre characteristics and craft;
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