Unit Plan 17 (Grade 8 ELA): Explanatory Writing with Graphics & Citations
8th graders create multi-paragraph explanatory articles with clear sections, integrated visuals like charts or diagrams, and accurate citations. Students learn to design purposeful figures, use domain vocabulary, and present information ethically and professionally.
Focus: Multi-paragraph sections; integrating charts/diagrams; citing sources
Grade Level: 8
Subject Area: English Language Arts (Writing—Informative/Explanatory; Reading—Media/Visuals)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students transform research notes into a concise, multi-paragraph explanatory piece that teaches readers something new. They will plan clear sections, integrate graphics (charts/diagrams/tables) that genuinely clarify ideas, and use citations for both text and visuals. Emphasis is on purposeful visual design (titles, captions, callouts) and professional conventions (figure numbering, in-text references, source attributions).
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…
- Craft an explanatory text with a clear thesis, logically ordered sections, relevant facts/examples, and domain vocabulary, using transitions for cohesion and a formal style with an effective conclusion (W.8.2a–f).
- Integrate and evaluate information presented in visuals (charts, tables, diagrams) and explain the advantages/limits of different media choices (RI.8.7).
- Gather and incorporate information ethically by paraphrasing/quoting accurately and citing sources for both text and graphics (W.8.8).
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 8
- W.8.2a–f: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas—introduce and organize, develop with relevant content, use transitions, apply precise language and domain vocabulary, maintain formal style, and provide a concluding section.
- RI.8.7: Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using different mediums to present a particular topic; integrate information presented in different media/formats.
- W.8.8: Gather relevant information from multiple print/digital sources; assess credibility/accuracy; quote or paraphrase while avoiding plagiarism; follow a standard format for citation.
Success Criteria — student language
- My article has a clear thesis and labeled sections that build understanding.
- Each visual is referenced in-text (“see Figure 1”), has a caption, and clarifies something my prose cannot do as efficiently.
- I used at least two credible sources and provided citations for text and visuals.
- My conclusion follows from the explanations, noting significance or next steps.