Unit Plan 32 (Grade 8 ELA): Writing Informational Reports with Visuals
Grade 8 ELA unit: write a multi-section informative report with clear headings, formal style, and precise vocabulary—integrating graphics and captions that clarify ideas.
Focus: Multi-section report; graphics & captions; formal style
Grade Level: 8
Subject Area: English Language Arts (Writing—Informative/Explanatory; Media Integration; Academic Vocabulary)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
This week moves students from “research notes” to a teaching report that a non-expert can actually learn from. They’ll structure a multi-section informational report, design graphics (charts, tables, maps, or labeled diagrams), write purposeful captions, and maintain a formal, objective style using precise domain vocabulary. The result: a polished report that explains a complex idea clearly—with visuals that genuinely do work.
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…
- Plan and write a multi-section informative/explanatory text with clear introduction, logically ordered sections/headings, cohesive transitions, precise language, domain vocabulary, formal style, and a concluding section (W.8.2a–f).
- Select, create, and integrate graphics/visuals (e.g., chart, table, map, labeled diagram) with informative captions and in-text references that clarify key ideas (SL.8.5).
- Acquire and use academic and domain-specific vocabulary accurately and purposefully to increase clarity and precision (L.8.6).
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 8
- W.8.2a–f: Introduce; organize; develop with facts/definitions/examples; use transitions; precise language/domain vocabulary; formal style; concluding section.
- SL.8.5: Strategic use of digital media/visual displays to clarify information and emphasize salient points.
- L.8.6: Acquire and use academic/domain-specific words and phrases precisely.
Success Criteria — student language
- My report has section headings that follow a logical plan and do not overlap.
- I refer to visuals in the text (“see Figure 2”) and captions explain what the reader should notice.
- I use domain terms correctly and define any that could be unfamiliar.
- My tone stays formal and objective; transitions guide the reader.
- The conclusion synthesizes the key findings and relevance—not just repeats.