WRITING GENRES
& THE CCGPS
What is a genre?
A category of composition
characterized by
similarities in form, style, or
subject matter.
Writing
Opinion
Informative or
Explanatory
Narrative (real
or imagined)
Where is
poetry?
Writing
Opinion
Informative or
Explanatory
Narrative (real
or imagined)
What
about
fiction?
Writing
Opinion
Informative or
Explanatory
Narrative (real
or imagined)
Opinion Pieces
K
1
2
3
4
5
Combination of drawing, writing, dictating; name topic and
state preference (opinion)
+ Give reasons and sense of closure
Note: Writing is only format permissible from grade 1 upward
+ Use linking words (e.g., because, and, also) to connect
opinion to reasons, provide concluding statement or section
+ Create an organizational structure that lists reasons; use
more linking words (e.g., therefore, since, for example)
+ Introduce topic clearly; group related ideas to support
points, use more linking words (e.g., for instance, in order to,
in addition)
+ Provide logically ordered reasons supported by facts; use
more linking words (e.g., consequently, specifically)
Informative or Explanatory
Combination of drawing, writing, dictating; name topic and supply some
K information about it
+ Provide a sense of closure
1 Note: Writing is only format permissible from grade 1 upward
+ Use facts and definitions to develop points; provide a concluding
2 statement or section
3
+ Introduce topic; group related information; develop topic with facts,
definitions, details; use linking words and phrases (e.g., also, another,
and, more, but); add illustrations if helpful
4
+ Use paragraphs, properly formatted; include headings & multimedia if
appropriate; use quotations in support; use more linking words and
phrases (e.g., another, because); use precise language & domain
vocabulary
+ Use more linking words (e.g., in contrast, especially); provide a
5 concluding statement or section
Narrative
K
Combination of drawing, writing, dictating; narrate 2 or more sequenced
events or several loosely linked; tell events in order; provide reaction
1
+ Provide a sense of closure; give details & temporal words
Note: Writing is the only format permissible from grade 1 upward
+ Present a well-elaborated event or short sequence of events; provide
2 details to describe actions, thoughts, and feelings
3
+ Narrate real or imagined events; use descriptive details & clear event
sentences; establish situation, narrator, characters; natural event
sequence; use dialogue and descriptions to show how characters
respond to events and situations
4 + Use a variety of transitional words & phrases; provide sensory details
+ Use good pacing of events; use transitional clauses (in addition to
5 words and phrases)
How do we teach writing genres?
Focus on differences among the three
major genres.
Use plenty of examples (mentor texts).
Use writing prompts from read-alouds
and shared reading to teach writing.
Call attention to a writer’s craft.
Use sentence composing to develop an
awareness of grammar and expression.
Suggestion for a spring book study
Developing Strategic Writers
through Genre Instruction:
Resources for Grades 3-5
(Guilford Press)
Zoi A. Philippakos
Charles A. MacArthur
David L. Coker