Virginia SOL 9.W.1.A.i
The Standard
Introduce a topic clearly by providing context, presenting well-defined theses, and previewing what follows.
Virginia Standards of Learning for English
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students build an introduction that gives readers enough background to understand the topic. They state a clear thesis and name the main points the piece will cover.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A reader can identify the topic, understand why it matters, and state the writer’s main claim. The introduction previews the body’s main points in the order they will appear.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may use a broad hook that never connects to the topic. They may confuse a topic with a thesis, provide too much background, or list points that do not match the body.
How to Assess It
- Give this exit ticket: Write a four-sentence introduction arguing whether ninth graders should have homework limits. Underline the context, thesis, and preview of two reasons.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs sentence strips from a sample introduction, then have them arrange the context, thesis, and preview and defend their order.
Write and discuss: How much background does a reader need before hearing a claim about school start times?
Run a thesis repair relay where teams revise vague claims and add previews of two reasons.
Draft the opening of a city council letter proposing one change to a local park, with context, claim, and preview.
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