Standard 4, Writing

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

10.4.1
Discuss ideas for writing with classmates, teachers, and other writers and develop drafts alone and collaboratively.

10.4.2
Establish a coherent thesis that conveys a clear perspective on the subject and maintain a consistent tone and focus throughout the piece of writing.

10.4.3
Use precise language, action verbs, sensory details, appropriate modifiers, and the active (I will always remember my first trip to the city) rather than the passive voice (My first trip to the city will always be remembered).

10.4.13
Establish coherence within and among paragraphs through effective transitions, parallel structures, and similar writing techniques.

Research Process and Technology

10.4.4
Use clear research questions and suitable research methods, including texts, electronic resources, and personal interviews, to compile and present evidence from primary and secondary print or Internet sources.

10.4.5
Develop main ideas within the body of the composition through supporting evidence, such as scenarios, commonly held beliefs, hypotheses, and definitions.

10.4.6
Synthesize information from multiple sources. Identify complexities and inconsistencies in the information and the different perspectives found in each medium, including almanacs, microfiche, news sources, in-depth field studies, speeches, journals, technical documents, and Internet sources.

10.4.7
Integrate quotations and citations into a written text while maintaining the flow of ideas.

10.4.8
Use appropriate conventions for documentation in text, notes, and bibliographies following the formats in different style manuals.

10.4.9
Use a computer to design and publish documents by using advanced publishing software and graphic programs.

Evaluation and Revision

10.4.10
Review, evaluate, revise, edit, and proofread writing using an editing checklist.

10.4.11
Apply criteria developed by self and others to evaluate the mechanics and content of writing.

10.4.12
Provide constructive criticism to other writers with suggestions for improving organization, tone, style, clarity, and focus; edit and revise in response to peer reviews of own work.