• This activity can be used as a way to see student progress before the unit begins. This activity can also be used as a practice activity if not scored.


• The standards-based rubric for the pre- and post-assessment is the same. Try this: Score student pre-assessments in one color on the rubric. Use a different color on the same rubric to score the post-assessment. A quick glance will show student growth and areas for further support.


• The Student Checklist for the pre- and post-assessment is the same and can be used as a student self-assessment to guide revision or to set future writing goals.

We suggest teachers make sure each student has a designated location (such as a folder) to store papers between lessons.

Each worksheet in this unit will be used across multiple lessons. These worksheets are labeled as VIPs (Very Important Papers).

The sample notes can be used to support students in their note taking or for students who were absent during this lesson.

We suggest students work in pairs. Homeschool students can work on their own.

Students will need to bring their completed work from the previous lesson to this lesson.

The sample notes can be used to support students in their note taking or for students who were absent for the previous lesson.

Students will need to bring their completed work from the previous lessons to this lesson.

Students will need to bring their completed work from the previous lessons to this lesson.

This lesson is separated into two parts and can be taught in two different sessions if needed. A natural stopping point is included after students finish writing an introduction. In the second half of the lesson, students will write their conclusion.

• This activity can be used as a way to see student progress after the unit ends. This activity can also be used as a practice activity if not scored.


• The standards-based rubric for the pre- and post-assessment is the same. Try this: Score student pre-assessments in one color on the rubric. Use a different color on the same rubric to score the post-assessment. A quick glance will show student growth and areas for further support.


• The Student Checklist for the pre- and post-assessment is the same and can be used as a student self-assessment to guide revision or to set future writing goals.