K-6 DESK Product Writing Standards and Checklist Items
K
Draw, dictate, or write about a topic to represent detailed knowledge and thinking.
Opinion/Argumentative:
□ Use combinations of drawing, dictating, and writing to compose opinion pieces. W.K.1
□ State the topic or the name of the book. W.K.1
□ State an opinion or preference about the topic or book. W.K.1
 For example: My favorite book is...
Informative/Explanatory:
□ Use combinations of drawing, dictating, and writing to compose informative/explanatory
texts. W.K.2
□ State the topic. W.K.2
□ Supply some information about the topic. W.K.2
Narrative:
□ Use combinations of drawing, dictating, and writing to narrate a single event or several
loosely linked events. W.K.3
□ Write about the events in the order in which they occurred. W.K.3
□ Provide a reaction to what happened. W.K.3
1
Write about a topic using reasons, facts, or details and a conclusion.
Opinion/Argumentative:
□ Write opinion pieces. W.1.1
□ Introduce the topic or name the book. W.1.1
□ State an opinion. W.1.1
□ Supply a reason for the opinion. W.1.1
□ Provide some sense of closure. W.1.1
Informative/Explanatory:
□ Write informative/explanatory texts. W.1.2
□ Name the topic. W.1.2
□ Supply some facts about the topic. W.1.2
□ Provide some sense of closure. W.1.2
Narrative:
□ Write narratives. W.1.3
□ Recount two or more appropriately sequenced events. W.1.3
□ Include some details regarding what happened. W.1.3
□ Use temporal (first, next, finally, etc.) words to signal event order. W.1.3
□ Provide some sense of closure. W.1.3
1|Page
K-6 DESK Product Writing Standards and Checklist Items
2
Write about a topic using reasons, facts, definitions, or details and a conclusion.
Opinion/Argumentative:
□ Write opinion pieces. W.2.1
□ Introduce the topic or book. W.2.1
□ State an opinion. W.2.1
□ Supply reasons that support the opinion. W.2.1
□ Use linking words to connect opinion and reasons. W.2.1
 For example: because, and, also
□ Provide a concluding statement or section. W.2.1
Informative/Explanatory:
□ Write informative/explanatory texts. W.2.2
□ Introduce a topic. W.2.2
□ Use facts and definitions to develop points. W.2.2
□ Provide a concluding statement or section. W.2.2
Narrative:
□ Write narratives. W.2.3
□ Recount a well-elaborated event or short sequence of events. W.2.3
□ Include details to describe actions, thoughts, and feelings. W.2.3
□ Use temporal (first, next, after, etc.) words to signal event order. W.2.3
□ Provide a concluding statement or section. W.2.3
3
Organize writing by using an appropriate structure for the topic.
Opinion/Argumentative:
□ Write opinion pieces on topics or texts. W.3.1
□ Support a point of view with reasons. W.3.1
□ Introduce the topic or text. W.3.1a
□ State an opinion. W.3.1a
□ Create an organizational structure that lists reasons. W.3.1a
□ Provide reasons that support the opinion. W.3.1b
□ Use linking words and phrases to connect opinion and reasons. W.3.1c
 For example: because, therefore, since, for example)
□ Provide a concluding statement or section. W.3.1d
Informative/Explanatory:
□ Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic. W.3.2
□ Write informative/explanatory texts to convey ideas and information clearly. W.3.2a
□ Introduce a topic. W.3.2a
□ Group related information together. W.3.2a
□ Include illustrations when useful to aiding comprehension. W.3.2a
□ Develop the topic with facts, definitions, and details. W.3.2b
□ Use linking words and phrases to connect ideas within categories of information. W.3.2c
2|Page
K-6 DESK Product Writing Standards and Checklist Items
 For example: also, another, and, more, but
□ Provide a concluding statement or section. W.3.2d
Narrative:
□ Write narratives to develop real experiences or events. W.3.3
□ Write narratives to develop imagined experiences or events. W.3.3
□ Use effective technique and descriptive details. W.3.3
□ Use clear event sequences. W.3.3
□ Establish a situation and introduce a narrator and/or characters. W.3.3a
□ Organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally. W.3.3a
□ Use dialogue and descriptions of actions, thoughts, and feelings to develop experiences
and events or show the response of characters to situations. W.3.3b
□ Use temporal (first, next, after, etc.) words and phrases to signal event order. W.3.3c
□ Provide a sense of closure. W.3.3d
4
Organize writing into paragraphs or sections to write clearly about a topic.
Opinion/Argumentative:
□ Write opinion pieces on topics or texts. W.4.1
□ Support a point of view with reasons and information. W.4.1
□ Introduce a topic or text clearly. W.4.1a
□ State an opinion. W.4.1a
□ Create an organizational structure in which related ideas are grouped to support the
writer’s purpose. W.4.1a
□ Provide reasons that are supported by facts and details. W.4.1b
□ Link opinion and reasons using words and phrases. W.4.1c
 For example: for instance, in order to, in addition
□ Provide a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented. W.4.1d
Informative/Explanatory:
□ Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic. W.4.2
□ Write informative/explanatory texts to convey ideas and information clearly. W.4.2
□ Introduce a topic clearly. W.4.2a
□ Group related information in paragraphs and sections. W.4.2a
□ Include formatting, illustrations, and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
W.4.2a
 For example: headings
□ Develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information
and examples related to the topic. W.4.2b
□ Link ideas within categories of information using words and phrases. W.4.2c
 For example: another, for example, also, because
□ Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
W.4.2d
□ Provide a concluding statement or section related to the information or explanation
presented. W.4.2e
3|Page
K-6 DESK Product Writing Standards and Checklist Items
Narrative:
□ Write narratives to develop real experiences or events. W.4.3
□ Write narratives to develop imagined experiences or events. W.4.3
□ Use effective technique and descriptive details. W.4.3
□ Use clear event sequences. W.4.3
□ Orient the reader by establishing a situation and introducing a narrator and/or characters.
W.4.3a
□ Organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally. W.4.3a
□ Use dialogue and description to develop experiences and events or show the responses of
characters to situations. W.4.3b
□ Use a variety of transitional words and phrases to manage the sequence of events. W.4.3c
□ Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events
precisely. W.4.3d
□ Provide a conclusion that follows from the narrated experiences or events. W.4.3e
5
Organize writing logically into paragraphs or sections to write clearly about a topic.
Opinion/Argumentative:
□ Write opinion pieces on topics or texts. W.5.1
□ Support a point of view with reasons and information. W.5.1
□ Introduce a topic or text clearly. W.5.1a
□ State an opinion. W.5.1a
□ Create an organizational structure in which ideas are logically grouped to support the
writer’s purpose. W.5.1a
□ Provide logically ordered reasons that are supported by facts and details. W.5.1b
□ Link opinion and reasons using words, phrases, and clauses. W.5.1c
 For example: consequently, specifically
□ Provide a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented. W.5.1d
Informative/Explanatory:
□ Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information
clearly. W.5.2
□ Introduce a topic clearly. W.5.2a
□ Provide a general observation and focus. W.5.2a
□ Group related information logically. W.5.2a
□ Include formatting, illustrations, and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
W.5.2a
 For example: headings
□ Develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information
and examples related to the topic. W.5.2b
□ Link ideas within and across categories of information using words, phrases, and clauses.
W.5.2c
 For example: in contrast, especially
□ Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
W.5.2d
4|Page
K-6 DESK Product Writing Standards and Checklist Items
□ Provide a concluding statement or section related to the information or explanation
presented. W.5.2e
Narrative:
□ Write narratives to develop real experiences or events. W.5.3
□ Write narratives to develop imagined experiences or events. W.5.3
□ Use effective technique and descriptive details. W.5.3
□ Use clear event sequences. W.5.3
□ Orient the reader by establishing a situation and introducing a narrator and/or characters.
W.5.3a
□ Organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally. W.5.3a
□ Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, description, and pacing, to develop experiences
and events or show the responses of characters to situations. W.5.3b
□ Use a variety of transitional words, phrases, and clauses to manage the sequence of events.
W.5.3c
□ Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events
precisely. W.5.3d
□ Provide a conclusion that follows from the narrated experiences or events. W.5.3e
6
Draw, dictate, or write about a topic to represent detailed knowledge and thinking.
Opinion/Argumentative:
□ Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. W.6.1
□ Introduce claim(s) and organize the reasons and evidence clearly. W.6.1a
□ Support claim(s) with clear reasons and relevant evidence, using credible sources and
demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text. W.6.1b
□ Use words, phrases, and clauses to clarify the relationships among claim(s) and reasons.
W.6.1c
□ Establish and maintain a formal style. W.6.1d
□ Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from the argument presented.
W.6.1e
Informative/Explanatory:
□ Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and
information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. W.6.2
□ Introduce a topic. W.6.2a
□ Organize ideas, concepts, and information using strategies such as definition,
classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect. W.6.2a
□ Include formatting graphics and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension. W.6.2a
 For formatting example: headings
 For multimedia example: charts, tables and multimedia when useful to aiding
comprehension
□ Develop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other
information and examples. W.6.2b
□ Use appropriate transitions to clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts. W.6.2c
5|Page
K-6 DESK Product Writing Standards and Checklist Items
□ Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
W.62d
□ Establish and maintain a formal style. W.6.2e
□ Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from the information or explanation
presented. W.6.2f
Narrative:
□ Write narratives to develop real experiences or events. W.6.3
□ Write narratives to develop imagined experiences or events. W.6.3
□ Use effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.
W.6.3
□ Engage and orient the reader by establishing a context and introducing a narrator and/or
characters. W.6.3a
□ Organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally and logically. W.6.3a
□ Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, and description, to develop
experiences, events, and/or characters. W.6.3b
□ Use a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence and signal shifts
from one time frame or setting to another. W.6.3c
□ Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to
convey experiences and events. W.6.3d
□ Provide a conclusion that follows from the narrated experiences or events. W.6.3e
7
Opinion/Argumentative:
□ Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. W.7.1
□ Introduce claim(s), acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons
and evidence logically. W.7.1a
□ Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible
sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text. W.7.1b
□ Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among
claim(s), reasons, and evidence. W.7.1c
□ Establish and maintain a formal style. W.7.1d
□ Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument
presented. W.7.1e
Informative/Explanatory:
□ Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and
information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. W.7.1
□ Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and
information, using strategies such as definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and
cause/effect; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and
multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.W.7.2a
□ Develop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other
information and examples. W.7.2b
6|Page
K-6 DESK Product Writing Standards and Checklist Items
□ Use appropriate transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and
concepts. W.7.2c
□ Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
W.7.2d
□ Establish and maintain a formal style. W.7.2e
□ Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information
or explanation presented. W.7.2f
Narrative:
□ Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective
technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences. W.7.3
□ Engage and orient the reader by establishing a context and point of view and introducing a
narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally and logically.
W.7.3a
□ Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, and description, to develop
experiences, events, and/or characters. W.7.3b
□ Use a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence and signal shifts
from one time frame or setting to another. W.7.3c
□ Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to
capture the action and convey experiences and events. W.7.3d
□ Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on the narrated experiences or events.
W.7.3e
8
Opinion/Argumentative:
□ Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. W.8.1
□ Introduce claim(s), acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing
claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically. W.8.1a
□ Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible
sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text. W.8.1b
□ Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among
claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence. W.8.1c
□ Establish and maintain a formal style. W.8.1d
□ Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument
presented. W.8.1e
Informative/Explanatory:
□ Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and
information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. W.8.2
□ Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and
information into broader categories; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g.,
charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension. W.8.2a
□ Develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations,
or other information and examples. W.8.2b
7|Page
K-6 DESK Product Writing Standards and Checklist Items
□
□
□
□
Use appropriate and varied transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships
among ideas and concepts. W.8.2c
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
W.8.2d
Establish and maintain a formal style. W.8.2e
Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information
or explanation presented. W.8.2f
Narrative:
□ Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective
technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences. W.8.3
□ Engage and orient the reader by establishing a context and point of view and introducing a
narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally and logically.
W.8.3a
□ Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, description, and reflection, to develop
experiences, events, and/or characters. W.8.3b
□ Use a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence, signal shifts
from one time frame or setting to another, and show the relationships among experiences
and events. W.8.3c
□ Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to
capture the action and convey experiences and events. W.8.3d
□ Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on the narrated experiences or events.
W.8.3e
8|Page