Outcomes for this
Session
Receive background
knowledge about the
Common Core ELA
Writing Standards
4 Writing Standard Strands (K-12)
Text Types and
Purposes Strand
(3 Standards)
Production and
Distribution of
Writing
Strand
ELA, Science,
SS & History
(3 Standards)
Research to Build
Knowledge Strand
Range of Writing
Strand
(3 Standards)
(1 Standard)
Writing Emphasis
FROM
www.corestandards.org
Page 5
Argument Writing K-12
Progression
K
Compose opinion pieces; state an opinion or preference
1–2
Write opinion pieces
Introduce topic, opinion, reason, closure
3–5
Write opinion pieces on topics
Support point of view with reasons and information
6–8
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and
relevant evidence and give some acknowledgement of
counterclaims
9 –12 Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of
substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning, relevant
and sufficient evidence
In summary, the Common
Core’s focus on writing
De-emphasizes narrative
writing
Increases both
argument
and information
writing
Activity with 8th Grade
Writing Sample
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.1 Write arguments to support
claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.1a Introduce claim(s), acknowledge and
distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and organize
the reasons and evidence logically.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.1b Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and
relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an
understanding of the topic or text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.1c Use words, phrases, and clauses to create
cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), counterclaims,
reasons, and evidence.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.1d Establish and maintain a formal style.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.1e Provide a concluding statement or section that
follows from and supports the argument presented.
More information and updates can be found for Common Core
State Standards can be found on:
MDE website: www.michigan.gov/mde
Common Core State Standards: www.corestandards.org
Smarter Balanced Consortia: www.k12.wa.us/smarter/