Unit Plan 29 (Grade 8 ELA): Process/How-To Explanatory Writing
8th graders write clear, step-by-step how-to pieces with precise language, logical transitions, and user-friendly formatting. Students apply grammar for clarity—using imperatives, active voice, and verbals—and revise through usability testing to ensure flawless, easy-to-follow directions.
Focus: Clear steps, transitions, precise language; formatting for clarity
Grade Level: 8
Subject Area: English Language Arts (Writing—Informative/Explanatory; Language—Grammar & Conventions)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students will write a polished process/how-to piece that a real user could follow without teacher help. We’ll deconstruct mentor procedures, plan steps with parallel structure, choose imperative/active verbs intentionally, insert branching conditions (if/then), and apply formatting that makes directions effortless to scan (headings, numbered steps, notes/warnings). A mid-week usability test drives revision for clarity.
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…
- Plan and write an informative/explanatory text that introduces a topic, organizes ideas into logical steps, uses precise language and domain vocabulary, includes appropriate transitions, maintains formal/objective tone, and provides a concluding section (W.8.2a–f).
- Apply grammar for clarity: use verbals (gerunds, participles, infinitives) concisely; choose active vs. passive voice deliberately; use verb mood (especially imperative) to fit the task (L.8.1a–c).
- Demonstrate command of conventions: capitalization, punctuation (commas, dashes, parentheses, ellipses as appropriate), and accurate spelling to enhance readability (L.8.2).
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 8
- W.8.2a–f: Introduce and organize; develop with facts/definitions/examples; use transitions; employ precise language and domain vocabulary; maintain formal style; provide a concluding statement/section.
- L.8.1a–c: Verbals; active/passive voice; verb moods (indicative, imperative, interrogative, conditional, subjunctive).
- L.8.2: Conventions of capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.
Success Criteria — student language
- My directions use numbered, parallel steps and imperative verbs (“Press,” “Measure”).
- Transitions and conditions (“Meanwhile…,” “If the mixture thickens, then…”) make sequence and choices obvious.
- Formatting (headings, lists, notes) lets a reader scan and succeed the first time.
- I chose active/passive voice on purpose and edited punctuation for smooth, error-free reading.
- My conclusion states the result and key troubleshooting or safety reminders.