Unit Plan 27 (Grade 7 ELA): Synthesizing Across Sources
Grade 7 ELA unit: students compare multiple texts and media on the same topic to identify agreements, differences, and credibility. They reconcile conflicting evidence and write concise, evidence-based responses that integrate ideas and evaluate reliability across sources.
Focus: Integrating ideas; reconciling differences; short evidence-based responses
Grade Level: 7
Subject Area: English Language Arts (Reading Informational; Writing—Analysis; Speaking & Listening—Media Literacy)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Real-world understanding comes from reading more than one source. This week, students will learn to integrate ideas across texts and media, explain how and why sources differ, and craft concise, evidence-based responses that weigh credibility and reconcile conflicting information.
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…
- Compare/contrast how two or more authors on the same topic shape their presentations by emphasizing different evidence or interpretations (RI.7.9).
- Draw evidence from informational texts to support a short analytical response (W.7.9b).
- Interpret information from diverse media (infographics, charts, video/audio) and evaluate credibility/accuracy to inform conclusions (SL.7.2).
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 7
- Reading Informational 7.9 (RI.7.9): Analyze how two or more authors writing about the same topic shape their presentations of key information.
- Writing 7.9b (W.7.9b): Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis.
- Speaking & Listening 7.2 (SL.7.2): Analyze main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media and formats; evaluate credibility and accuracy.
Success Criteria — student language
- I can identify agreements and disagreements across sources on the same topic.
- I can explain why sources differ (purpose, audience, date, data selection, tone).
- I can write a clear claim supported by evidence from multiple sources, including at least one media/visual source.
- I can note credibility factors (author, publication, date, evidence quality).