Standard 4: Writing: Processes and Features

Students discuss ideas for writing with other writers. They write coherent and
focused essays that show a well-defined point of view and tightly reasoned
argument. Students progress through the stages of the writing process
(prewriting, writing, editing, and revising).

Organization and Focus

9.4.1 Discuss ideas for writing with classmates, teachers, and other writers and develop drafts alone and collaboratively.
9.4.2 Establish a coherent thesis that conveys a clear perspective on the subject and maintain a consistent tone and focus throughout the piece of writing.
9.4.3 Use precise language, action verbs, sensory details, and appropriate modifiers.
9.4.13 Establish coherence within and among paragraphs through effective transitions, parallel structures, and similar writing techniques.

Research Process and Technology

9.4.4 Use writing to formulate clear research questions and to compile information from primary and secondary print or Internet sources.
9.4.5 Develop the main ideas within the body of the composition through supporting evidence, such as scenarios, commonly held beliefs, hypotheses, and definitions.
9.4.6 Synthesize information from multiple sources, including almanacs, microfiche, news sources, in-depth field studies, speeches, journals, technical documents, and Internet sources.
9.4.7 Integrate quotations and citations into a written text while maintaining the flow of ideas.
9.4.8 Use appropriate conventions for documentation in text, notes, and bibliographies, following the formats in specific style manuals.
9.4.9 Use a computer to design and publish documents by using advanced publishing software and graphic programs.

Evaluation and Revision

9.4.10 Review, evaluate, and revise writing for meaning, clarity, content, and mechanics.
9.4.11 Edit and proofread one’s own writing, as well as that of others, using an editing checklist with specific examples of corrections of frequent errors.
9.4.12 Revise writing to improve the logic and coherence of the organization and perspective, the precision of word choice, and the appropriateness of tone by taking into consideration the audience, purpose, and formality of the context.