Unit Plan 27 (Grade 6 ELA): Synthesizing Across Sources
Grade 6 synthesis unit: students integrate ideas from multiple texts and visuals on the same topic to form unified, evidence-based conclusions. They analyze agreements and differences, reconcile conflicting information, and write concise analytical responses that connect data, quotes, and reasoning.
Focus: Integrating ideas; reconciling differences; short evidence-based responses
Grade Level: 6
Subject Area: English Language Arts (Reading Informational; Writing—Analysis; Speaking & Listening)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Strong researchers don’t just collect facts—they connect them. This week, students practice synthesizing ideas from two texts and a visual/media source on the same topic. They’ll learn moves for reconciling differences (scope, definitions, time, perspective), and they’ll craft concise evidence-based responses that weave together quotes, paraphrases, and data.
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…
- Integrate information from two or more texts on the same topic and explain areas of agreement and disagreement (RI.6.9).
- Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis and write short, organized responses (W.6.9b).
- Interpret information presented in diverse media (charts, maps, brief videos) and explain how it contributes to understanding the topic (SL.6.2).
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 6
- Reading Informational 6.9 (RI.6.9): Compare and contrast one author’s presentation of events with that of another; integrate information from several texts.
- Writing 6.9b (W.6.9b): Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
- Speaking & Listening 6.2 (SL.6.2): Interpret information presented in diverse media and formats and explain how it contributes to a topic, text, or issue.
Success Criteria — student language
- I can combine ideas from multiple sources into a single, clear understanding.
- I can reconcile differences by explaining how scope, time, or definitions affect claims.
- I can write a short response that blends text + visual evidence and explains how the evidence proves my point.
- I can name what the chart/map/video adds that the texts did not.