Essay Writing: A complete guide for students and teachers
P LANNING, PARAGRAPHING AND POLISHING: FINE-TUNING THE PERFECT ESSAY
Essay writing is an essential skill for every student. Whether writing a particular academic essay (such as persuasive, narrative, descriptive, or expository) or a timed exam essay, the key to getting good at writing is to write. Creating opportunities for our students to engage in extended writing activities will go a long way to helping them improve their skills as scribes.
But, putting the hours in alone will not be enough to attain the highest levels in essay writing. Practice must be meaningful. Once students have a broad overview of how to structure the various types of essays, they are ready to narrow in on the minor details that will enable them to fine-tune their work as a lean vehicle of their thoughts and ideas.
In this article, we will drill down to some aspects that will assist students in taking their essay writing skills up a notch. Many ideas and activities can be integrated into broader lesson plans based on essay writing. Often, though, they will work effectively in isolation – just as athletes isolate physical movements to drill that are relevant to their sport. When these movements become second nature, they can be repeated naturally in the context of the game or in our case, the writing of the essay.
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Planning an essay
The Boys Scouts’ motto is famously ‘Be Prepared’. It’s a solid motto that can be applied to most aspects of life; essay writing is no different. Given the purpose of an essay is generally to present a logical and reasoned argument, investing time in organising arguments, ideas, and structure would seem to be time well spent.
Given that essays can take a wide range of forms and that we all have our own individual approaches to writing, it stands to reason that there will be no single best approach to the planning stage of essay writing. That said, there are several helpful hints and techniques we can share with our students to help them wrestle their ideas into a writable form. Let’s take a look at a few of the best of these:
BREAK THE QUESTION DOWN: UNDERSTAND YOUR ESSAY TOPIC.
Whether students are tackling an assignment that you have set for them in class or responding to an essay prompt in an exam situation, they should get into the habit of analyzing the nature of the task. To do this, they should unravel the question’s meaning or prompt. Students can practice this in class by responding to various essay titles, questions, and prompts, thereby gaining valuable experience breaking these down.
Have students work in groups to underline and dissect the keywords and phrases and discuss what exactly is being asked of them in the task. Are they being asked to discuss, describe, persuade, or explain? Understanding the exact nature of the task is crucial before going any further in the planning process, never mind the writing process .
BRAINSTORM AND MIND MAP WHAT YOU KNOW:
Once students have understood what the essay task asks them, they should consider what they know about the topic and, often, how they feel about it. When teaching essay writing, we so often emphasize that it is about expressing our opinions on things, but for our younger students what they think about something isn’t always obvious, even to themselves.
Brainstorming and mind-mapping what they know about a topic offers them an opportunity to uncover not just what they already know about a topic, but also gives them a chance to reveal to themselves what they think about the topic. This will help guide them in structuring their research and, later, the essay they will write . When writing an essay in an exam context, this may be the only ‘research’ the student can undertake before the writing, so practicing this will be even more important.
RESEARCH YOUR ESSAY
The previous step above should reveal to students the general direction their research will take. With the ubiquitousness of the internet, gone are the days of students relying on a single well-thumbed encyclopaedia from the school library as their sole authoritative source in their essay. If anything, the real problem for our students today is narrowing down their sources to a manageable number. Students should use the information from the previous step to help here. At this stage, it is important that they:
● Ensure the research material is directly relevant to the essay task
● Record in detail the sources of the information that they will use in their essay
● Engage with the material personally by asking questions and challenging their own biases
● Identify the key points that will be made in their essay
● Group ideas, counterarguments, and opinions together
● Identify the overarching argument they will make in their own essay.
Once these stages have been completed the student is ready to organise their points into a logical order.
WRITING YOUR ESSAY
There are a number of ways for students to organize their points in preparation for writing. They can use graphic organizers , post-it notes, or any number of available writing apps. The important thing for them to consider here is that their points should follow a logical progression. This progression of their argument will be expressed in the form of body paragraphs that will inform the structure of their finished essay.
The number of paragraphs contained in an essay will depend on a number of factors such as word limits, time limits, the complexity of the question etc. Regardless of the essay’s length, students should ensure their essay follows the Rule of Three in that every essay they write contains an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Generally speaking, essay paragraphs will focus on one main idea that is usually expressed in a topic sentence that is followed by a series of supporting sentences that bolster that main idea. The first and final sentences are of the most significance here with the first sentence of a paragraph making the point to the reader and the final sentence of the paragraph making the overall relevance to the essay’s argument crystal clear.
Though students will most likely be familiar with the broad generic structure of essays, it is worth investing time to ensure they have a clear conception of how each part of the essay works, that is, of the exact nature of the task it performs. Let’s review:
Common Essay Structure
Introduction: Provides the reader with context for the essay. It states the broad argument that the essay will make and informs the reader of the writer’s general perspective and approach to the question.
Body Paragraphs: These are the ‘meat’ of the essay and lay out the argument stated in the introduction point by point with supporting evidence.
Conclusion: Usually, the conclusion will restate the central argument while summarising the essay’s main supporting reasons before linking everything back to the original question.
ESSAY WRITING PARAGRAPH WRITING TIPS
● Each paragraph should focus on a single main idea
● Paragraphs should follow a logical sequence; students should group similar ideas together to avoid incoherence
● Paragraphs should be denoted consistently; students should choose either to indent or skip a line
● Transition words and phrases such as alternatively , consequently , in contrast should be used to give flow and provide a bridge between paragraphs.
HOW TO EDIT AN ESSAY
Students shouldn’t expect their essays to emerge from the writing process perfectly formed. Except in exam situations and the like, thorough editing is an essential aspect in the writing process.
Often, students struggle with this aspect of the process the most. After spending hours of effort on planning, research, and writing the first draft, students can be reluctant to go back over the same terrain they have so recently travelled. It is important at this point to give them some helpful guidelines to help them to know what to look out for. The following tips will provide just such help:
One Piece at a Time: There is a lot to look out for in the editing process and often students overlook aspects as they try to juggle too many balls during the process. One effective strategy to combat this is for students to perform a number of rounds of editing with each focusing on a different aspect. For example, the first round could focus on content, the second round on looking out for word repetition (use a thesaurus to help here), with the third attending to spelling and grammar.
Sum It Up: When reviewing the paragraphs they have written, a good starting point is for students to read each paragraph and attempt to sum up its main point in a single line. If this is not possible, their readers will most likely have difficulty following their train of thought too and the paragraph needs to be overhauled.
Let It Breathe: When possible, encourage students to allow some time for their essay to ‘breathe’ before returning to it for editing purposes. This may require some skilful time management on the part of the student, for example, a student rush-writing the night before the deadline does not lend itself to effective editing. Fresh eyes are one of the sharpest tools in the writer’s toolbox.
Read It Aloud: This time-tested editing method is a great way for students to identify mistakes and typos in their work. We tend to read things more slowly when reading aloud giving us the time to spot errors. Also, when we read silently our minds can often fill in the gaps or gloss over the mistakes that will become apparent when we read out loud.
Phone a Friend: Peer editing is another great way to identify errors that our brains may miss when reading our own work. Encourage students to partner up for a little ‘you scratch my back, I scratch yours’.
Use Tech Tools: We need to ensure our students have the mental tools to edit their own work and for this they will need a good grasp of English grammar and punctuation. However, there are also a wealth of tech tools such as spellcheck and grammar checks that can offer a great once-over option to catch anything students may have missed in earlier editing rounds.
Putting the Jewels on Display: While some struggle to edit, others struggle to let go. There comes a point when it is time for students to release their work to the reader. They must learn to relinquish control after the creation is complete. This will be much easier to achieve if the student feels that they have done everything in their control to ensure their essay is representative of the best of their abilities and if they have followed the advice here, they should be confident they have done so.
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The Guide to 8th Grade: Reading and Writing
Review reading and writing curricula for 8th grade, including what to expect and resources to support learning..
In their last year of middle school, 8th graders immerse themselves in preparation for high school by practicing and strengthening skills they learned in earlier years of middle school while also learning new (and often more complex) skills.
In many ways, 8th grade is a year of transition, as students are expected to have mastered the ways of middle school and begin becoming “high-schoolers.” Specifically, 8th graders are expected to be independent thinkers and workers analyzing and explaining what they learn in both their writing and verbally.
8th Grade Reading
In 8th grade, students continue to practice many of the skills they learned in earlier grades, specifically paying attention to details like text evidence, language, and cross-text comparisons in different genres of text. However, 8th graders push their analyses of texts further as they examine the details and writing structure and assess how those elements affect the text.
In order to build reading skills, your 8th grader :
- Evaluates the evidence in texts to determine the strongest supports of an idea and analysis.
- Determines the main idea or theme of a text using evidence from the text to support it.
- Provides an objective summary of a text.
- Understands, summarizes, and tracks the progress of the main idea of a text, using evidence from the text.
- Analyzes how elements such as specific dialogue, events, or word usage impact the characters, the decisions they make, and other events and actions in the text.
- Understands the use of language in a text, including figurative language, analogies, and allusions to other texts.
- Compares and contrasts the different structures of texts including the structures of paragraphs and sentences.
- Analyzes the difference between characters’ points of view and how these differences affect the text.
- Analyzes the pros and cons of using different forms of text and media to present a topic or idea.
- Compares a text to a film or play version of a text, paying specific attention to the way in which the film or play veers from the text.
- Analyzes texts that include conflicting information on the same topic and decipher when those are due to conflicting facts or interpretations.
8th Grade Writing
In 8th grade, students continue to practice and refine many of the writing skills they learned in 7th grade while also learning some additional complex writing skills. Given that refining one’s writing can take time and practice, students are not expected to cover a great deal of new skills. However, they do learn some new techniques and skills that enhance their writing and enable them to become better writers.
In order to build writing skills, your 8th grader :
- Introductions
- Acknowledgements of opposing claims
- Logical and orderly presentation of reasons and evidence
- Graphics, special formatting, and multimedia, when appropriate
- Support of the claims through the use of evidence from credible sources
- A concluding sentence or paragraph that supports the argument made
- A formal tone and style
- Use supporting claims and evidence based on credible texts and resources
- Provide an introduction that includes an explanation of what follows
- Develop topics through the use of facts, details, quotations, examples, and subject-specific terms and definitions
- Include transitions that connect concepts, events, and paragraphs
- Include a conclusion that supports the presented idea(s)
- Maintain a formal “essay type” style
- Integrate other forms of media and formats such as graphs, charts, headings, audio, or video when appropriate
- A narrator, characters, and a point of view
- Descriptive detail and sensory language to describe characters, settings, and experiences
- Dialogue, pacing, reflection, and details and descriptions of characters, setting, and experiences
- Thought-out word choice
- A clear structure with a logical order and flow, as shown through the use of transition words and phrases and a logical sequence
- A conclusion that is connected to and builds on the narrative
- Plans, revises, and edits writing, specifically with guidance from teachers and peers, focusing specifically on trying new approaches and making sure the writing has a purpose and appeals to its audience.
- Uses technology and the Internet to produce and publish writing, work with others, and cite sources.
- Works on multiple short research projects that answer specific questions and cite multiple sources, while gathering additional questions for later research.
- Uses both print and digital resources to conduct research, focusing on using appropriate search terms and reliable sources.
- Uses quotes and a standard format for citation.
- Uses research to analyze and make inferences.
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Reading Worksheets, Spelling, Grammar, Comprehension, Lesson Plans
8th Grade Writing
For eighth graders, this Common Core area helps students gain mastery of writing skills by working collaboratively and producing written texts, understanding syntax and vocabulary, and organizing their ideas. Among the complete standards for this grade, eighth graders will be asked to: support the claims of their arguments with evidence, logical reasoning, and credible sources, use a formal style when writing, be able to develop the topic of a work with details, facts, definitions, and quotations, employ formatting, graphics, and multimedia to present information in the written medium, employ narrative techniques like pacing, description, reflection, and dialogue to develop events and characters within a text, go through the process of writing, editing and revision for their written work, use appropriate technology to publish writing and to collaborate on written projects, demonstrate keyboarding skill, go through the process of writing, editing and revision for their written work, conduct short research projects to answer a question, quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of supporting texts while avoiding plagiarism and using proper citation, use evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
Abraham Lincoln Bio Poem
Your students will write a bio poem about Abraham Lincoln.
Bio Poem: My Mother
A fun Mother’s Day bio poem activity for your students!
Bio Poem: Pilgrim
A biography poem, also called a bio poem, is a short poem which describes a person or thing. This printable Thanksgiving Activity guides students through creating a bio poem about Pilgrims.
Bio Poem: Someone You Know
Students will write a bio poem about someone they know using the format set in this worksheet.
Christmas Tree Bio Poem
A biography poem, also called a bio poem, is a short poem which describes a person or thing. Sometimes writing a bio pem can be tricky! This printable Christmas Activity guides students through creating a bio poem about a Christmas tree.
Correct the Transition Words Mistakes – Worksheet
Have your students revise sentences and correct transition word mistakes with this educational writing activity.
Edgar Allan Poe: Secrets in Poetry
Students read from Edgar Allan Poe’s “An Enigma” and decipher the name of the woman’s whose name is hidden within the text.
Father’s Day Bio Poem: My Father
Enhance your students’ writing skills with this fun Father’s Day Biography Poem activity.
Fourth of July Bio Poem: America
Encourage your students to learn about America with this Fourth of July Biography Poem activity.
George Washington Bio Poem
Your students will write a bio poem about George Washington.
George Washington’s List of Rules
When George Washington was a young boy, he made a list of rules for himself. Students choose one of the rules and write what it means.
Halloween Bio Poem Activity: Ghost
Create a bio poem about your own personal ghost with our fun Halloween printable activity!
Main Idea Organizer
Teach your students how to organize their writing with this helpful Main Idea Organizer. Students will be asked to complete the worksheet by writing their own main idea, three details, and a summary. This will help your students better understand how to organize their ideas for writing in the future, especially when writing an essay!
Write a Biography Poem
Bio poems are usually short poems following a specific format. In this worksheet students will write a bio poem about themself.
Bio Poem: A President
Bio poems are usually short poems following a specific format. Students will write about a President in this worksheet.
Bio Poem: An Ocean
Have your students get creative by writing a bio poem about an ocean.
Editing and Proofing a Paragraph
Your students will further their editing and proofing skills by correcting a paragraph in this printable classroom worksheet.
George Washington: Almost a King
What if George Washington had become king? Students ponder this question and then write about what it would be like.
How to Write a Thesis Statement
This activity helps students develop a strong thesis statement for their essays by providing practice writing sample statements.
How to Write an Introduction: Bridge Building Activity
This activity is designed to help students learn about writing introductions through a fun bridge building activity to join the lead noun card and thesis statement card.
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How to Teach Essay Writing
Last Updated: June 26, 2023 Fact Checked
This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 90,805 times.
Teaching students how to write an essay is a big undertaking, but this is a crucial process for any high school or college student to learn. Start by assigning essays to read and then encourage students to choose an essay topic of their own. Spend class time helping students understand what makes a good essay. Then, use your assignments to guide students through writing their essays.
Choosing Genres and Topics
- Narrative, which is a non-fiction account of a personal experience. This is a good option if you want your students to share a story about something they did, such as a challenge they overcame or a favorite vacation they took. [2] X Trustworthy Source Purdue Online Writing Lab Trusted resource for writing and citation guidelines Go to source
- Expository, which is when you investigate an idea, discuss it at length, and make an argument about it. This might be a good option if you want students to explore a specific concept or a controversial subject. [3] X Trustworthy Source Purdue Online Writing Lab Trusted resource for writing and citation guidelines Go to source
- Descriptive , which is when you describe a person, place, object, emotion, experience, or situation. This can be a good way to allow your students to express themselves creatively through writing. [4] X Trustworthy Source Purdue Online Writing Lab Trusted resource for writing and citation guidelines Go to source
- Argumentative or persuasive essays require students to take a stance on a topic and make an argument to support that stance. This is different from an expository essay in that students won't be discussing a concept at length and then taking a position. The goal of an argumentative essay is to take a position right away and defend it with evidence. [5] X Trustworthy Source Purdue Online Writing Lab Trusted resource for writing and citation guidelines Go to source
- Make sure to select essays that are well-structured and interesting so that your students can model their own essays after these examples. Include essays written by former students, if you can, as well as professionally written essays.
Tip : Readers come in many forms. You can find readers that focus on a specific topic, such as food or pop culture. You can also find reader/handbook combos that will provide general information on writing along with the model essays.
- For example, for each of the essays you assign your students, you could ask them to identify the author's main point or focus, the structure of the essay, the author's use of sources, and the effect of the introduction and conclusion.
- Ask the students to create a reverse outline of the essay to help them understand how to construct a well-written essay. They'll identify the thesis, the main points of the body paragraphs, the supporting evidence, and the concluding statement. Then, they'll present this information in an outline. [8] X Research source
- For example, if you have assigned your students a narrative essay, then encourage them to choose a story that they love to tell or a story they have always wanted to tell but never have.
- If your students are writing argumentative essays, encourage them to select a topic that they feel strongly about or that they'd like to learn more about so that they can voice their opinion.
Explaining the Parts of an Essay
- For example, if you read an essay that begins with an interesting anecdote, highlight that in your class discussion of the essay. Ask students how they could integrate something like that into their own essays and have them write an anecdotal intro in class.
- Or, if you read an essay that starts with a shocking fact or statistic that grabs readers' attention, point this out to your students. Ask them to identify the most shocking fact or statistic related to their essay topic.
- For example, you could provide a few model thesis statements that students can use as templates and then ask them to write a thesis for their topic as an in-class activity or have them post it on an online discussion board.
Tip : Even though the thesis statement is only 1 sentence, this can be the most challenging part of writing an essay for some students. Plan to spend a full class session on writing thesis statements and review the information multiple times as well.
- For example, you could spend a class session going over topic sentences, and then look at how the authors of model essays have used topic sentences to introduce their claims. Then, identify where the author provides support for a claim and how they expand on the source.
- For example, you might direct students to a conclusion in a narrative essay that reflects on the significance of an author's experience. Ask students to write a paragraph where they reflect on the experience they are writing about and turn it in as homework or share it on class discussion board.
- For an expository or argumentative essay, you might show students conclusions that restate the most important aspect of a topic or that offer solutions for the future. Have students write their own conclusions that restate the most important parts of their subject or that outline some possible solutions to the problem.
Guiding Students Through the Writing Process
- Try giving students a sample timeline for how to work on their essays. For example, they might start brainstorming a topic, gathering sources (if required), and taking notes 4 weeks before the paper is due.
- Then, students might begin drafting 2 weeks before the paper is due with a goal of having a full draft 1 week before the essay's due date.
- Students could then plan to start revising their drafts 5 days before the essay is due. This will provide students with ample time to read through their papers a few times and make changes as needed.
- Freewriting, which is when you write freely about anything that comes to mind for a set amount of time, such as 10, 15, or 20 minutes.
- Clustering, which is when you write your topic or topic idea on a piece of paper and then use lines to connect that idea to others.
- Listing, which is when you make a list of any and all ideas related to a topic and ten read through it to find helpful information for your paper.
- Questioning, such as by answering the who, what, when, where, why, and how of their topic.
- Defining terms, such as identifying all of the key terms related to their topic and writing out definitions for each one.
- For example, if your students are writing narrative essays, then it might make the most sense for them to describe the events of a story chronologically.
- If students are writing expository or argumentative essays, then they might need to start by answering the most important questions about their topic and providing background information.
- For a descriptive essay, students might use spatial reasoning to describe something from top to bottom, or organize the descriptive paragraphs into categories for each of the 5 senses, such as sight, sound, smell, taste, and feel.
- For example, if you have just gone over different types of brainstorming strategies, you might ask students to choose 1 that they like and spend 10 minutes developing ideas for their essay.
- Try having students post a weekly response to a writing prompt or question that you assign.
- You may also want to create a separate discussion board where students can post ideas about their essay and get feedback from you and their classmates.
- You could also assign specific parts of the writing process as homework, such as requiring students to hand in a first draft as a homework assignment.
- For example, you might suggest reading the paper backward 1 sentence at a time or reading the paper out loud as a way to identify issues with organization and to weed out minor errors. [21] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source
- Try peer-review workshops that ask students to review each others' work. Students can work in pairs or groups during the workshop. Provide them with a worksheet, graphic organizer, or copy of the assignment rubric to guide their peer-review.
Tip : Emphasize the importance of giving yourself at least a few hours away from the essay before you revise it. If possible, it is even better to wait a few days. After this time passes, it is often easier to spot errors and work out better ways of describing things.
Community Q&A
- Students often need to write essays as part of college applications, for assignments in other courses, and when applying for scholarships. Remind your students of all the ways that improving their essay writing skills can benefit them. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
You Might Also Like
- ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/essay_writing/index.html
- ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/essay_writing/narrative_essays.html
- ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/essay_writing/expository_essays.html
- ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/essay_writing/descriptive_essays.html
- ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/essay_writing/argumentative_essays.html
- ↑ https://wac.colostate.edu/jbw/v1n2/petrie.pdf
- ↑ https://www.uww.edu/learn/restiptool/improve-student-writing
- ↑ https://twp.duke.edu/sites/twp.duke.edu/files/file-attachments/reverse-outline.original.pdf
- ↑ https://www.niu.edu/citl/resources/guides/instructional-guide/brainstorming.shtml
- ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/faculty-resources/tips-on-teaching-writing/situating-student-writers/
- ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/faculty-resources/tips-on-teaching-writing/in-class-writing-exercises/
- ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/revising-drafts/
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8th grade writing
by: Hank Pellissier | Updated: February 12, 2024
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Verbal has a double meaning for eighth grade writing: it refers to the oral presentations the kids will do and to this year’s focus on grammar — gerunds, participles, and infinitives.
Argument essays
Written in formal language, argument essays should start with an introduction that clearly presents the writer’s position and flows into a well-organized, research-backed argument that advocates for their position and argues against opposing claims. Your child’s writing should exhibit a profound understanding of the topic. Arguments should be logical and fueled by evidence from credible sources. Papers should end with a persuasive conclusion that summarizes the viewpoint and declares the topic resolved. Topics will vary, but you’ll often see teen issues such as: Are video games harmful to mental health? Should our school have uniforms? Should bullies be suspended or given a chance to make amends?
Informative and explanatory writing
In their informative and explanatory papers , students use formal language to explain complex topics with relevant data, precise ideas, and logical analyses. Kids should start with an intriguing introduction that previews the subject matter. Next, they present well-organized information that’s backed by evidence from credible sources. Eighth graders should use a variety of “strategy tools,” including:
- Classifying information.
- Defining terms.
- Using subject-specific, academic , and transition vocabulary words.
- Quoting sources.
- Incorporating factual details.
- Making comparisons.
- Contrasting different situations.
- Explaining cause-and-effect relationships.
- Including graphics (charts, tables, images) and multimedia.
- Using formatting (headings, bullet points).
Finally, the concluding paragraph should provide a synopsis of the main point of the essay. Your child’s papers are likely to cover topics that students are familiar with — but still need to research in order to answer, like If there is a drought, how can we save water? Or Explain how a specific invention has changed your life .
Narrative writing
Eighth graders write narratives or stories that describe events in their lives (personal histories, memoirs) or imagined scenarios (fiction, fantasy). Junior J.K. Rowlings learn effective storytelling techniques, such as introducing the narrator and characters, establishing context for the setting, and conveying a point of view. Students practice letting the sequence of events unfold, giving characters depth, and developing the plot through actions, dialogue, and reflection. Your future F. Scott Fitzgerald should use transition words to guide readers from one place and time to another. For example: Four hours later, Jack opened his locker to discover a shocking surprise . Or, Returning to the cafeteria, Tinsley saw the cute new boy sitting with her best friend, Amanda . Remember that even narratives have a conclusion, hopefully one that helps readers ponder the meaning of the story.
Changes and more changes
Grit. Concentration. Determination. Eighth graders strengthen their literary skills by revising their papers over and over again, following advice from teachers and classmates to re-imagine, re-outline, redraft, re-edit, rewrite, and try new approaches. Is this just a form of perfectionistic punishment? No, the practice helps teens learn to tighten their prose, pick stronger verbs, use more accurate descriptors, and organize their writing in the most effective and interesting ways.
Internet interaction
Your eighth grader will likely need the internet to create, type, and share their work, which will often have links to web sources and include graphics and multimedia. Also, these are typically typed. Your child should be tying about 40 words per minute. (Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction recommends a typing speed 5 times your grade . If your child needs practice, there are free typing classes for middle schoolers available online .)
It’s increasingly common for kids to be required to collaborate on projects online, often in Google Docs or Slides. What’s more, drafts and completed assignments are often turned in via email or by uploading to an online portal. So if your child’s technical skills aren’t up to snuff, think about getting your child a little extra help so these requirements don’t hold him back.
Evaluating their sources
Eighth graders do short projects that require research from multiple sources. Teens learn to evaluate the credibility of their sources. For example, Is Saturday Night Live as reliable as National Public Radio? No. Kids need to be careful about how they present information, paraphrasing information or using quotes to avoid plagiarizing, which Merriam-Webster defines as “to use the words or ideas of another person as if they were your own words or ideas.” The standard way to end all research projects? A bibliography, formatted correctly, of course, that shows both the quality and quantity of their sources.
Student critiques
Students get to do the critiquing this year — whether it’s a book or their classmate’s essay. Eighth graders analyze how modern fiction uses the plot, themes, and characters. Students look for connections and explain how a contemporary text borrows from, comments on, or changes the old foundation. For example, How does The Hunger Games trilogy use the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur?
Students also evaluate the evidence their peers use in essays and to back up arguments. It helps them become more skilled at determining fact from fiction, legitimate truth from biased propaganda, scientific theories from fraudulent nonsense.
Eighth graders learn to identify verb voice. If the subject in a sentence does the action, then the verb is in the active voice, like this: The whale ate the shrimp. However, if the subject in a sentence is the target of the action, then the verb is in the passive voice, like this: The shrimp was eaten by the whale .
Presenting their work
Expect quite a few oral reports in eighth grade. In these presentations, kids need to deliver their arguments and the results of their investigations to the class. Key skills for a solid presentation include:
- using formal language;
- making eye contact;
- pronouncing things clearly and loudly enough for all to hear.
Your child’s presentations should be coherent, organized, logical, supported by evidence, and, in many cases, jazzed up with costumes, props, maps, music, sound effects, charts, and visual projection. Teens (and adults) often suffer from sweaty, knee-knocking stage fright. Inform your adolescent that this is totally normal; remind them to breathe and enjoy the attention.
Here’s a preview of the presentation skills required in high school.
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English - body paragraphs in persuasive writing - grade 8.
Lesson Plan Outline
Subject: English
Grade: Eight
Lesson Objective: Body Paragraphs in Persuasive Writing
Common Core Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.2 - "Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content."
Materials: Select any body of work for the class to work on as a whole, or have each student select a topic they feel compelled to write on.
Teacher Preparation: The fundamental purpose of writing is to share ideas. Whether reading someone else's work or writing and trying to connect with someone, the ability to articulate thoughts is a life skill of the utmost importance. We're constantly trying to persuade others whether we think we are or not, from what movie is better to the all-time preferred flavor of ice cream.
Anyone can have an opinion. Everyone does have opinions, but being able to articulate that opinion is one thing. And being able to convince someone to see things differently, or at least consider them from another perspective, is another thing entirely. Just like how anyone can have an opinion, anyone can master persuasive writing with these simple steps. The following is a lesson plan to help students create meaningful body paragraphs in persuasive writing.
Starter: It isn't called brainstorming for nothing. Creating ideas on how to approach a particular subject and the different ways a student can approach it can result in an overwhelming bombardment of too many ideas. This is where research plays its part by assisting the writer with ideas about the subject in general.
Even reading just a handful of papers, articles, and factoids can help students solidify the stance they want to take in their essay. Researching the topic as a whole, including resources from both sides of the spectrum, will help narrow down the stance a student wishes to take. This also helps eliminate bias in the essay as the writer sees information and can draw conclusions based on facts rather than solely on opinions.
Main: Once a student has taken a particular stance on the subject, formulating those ideas into at least three key points is essential to crafting a successful persuasive essay. One point is addressed in each body paragraph. It may be difficult for students to come up with three ideas, but starting with one topic they plan to address may lead to another that helps their stance. Or, if they only have one idea, suggest breaking that down into three manageable parts. This will allow each body paragraph to stand on its own and help the flow of the writing itself.
Outlining helps ensure that the flow of these ideas is organized to make sense and provides a road map for the student to follow when writing. Each point serves as a body paragraph, and the contents of that are made up of another three points consisting of ways the student will address the specific idea. Once the outline is created, the student has to combine the notes with grammar and punctuation, and it's off to the races.
For example, an outline for a persuasive essay about why dogs are better than cats may look something like this:
- You cant play with a cat the same way you can play with a dog.
- Dogs and cats need exercise.
- Dogs are awake for most of the day; meanwhile, cats are nocturnal.
- A common misconception is that dogs are bad.
- How dogs are raised determines their anger, not their breed.
- Cuddling with animals is clinically proven to reduce stress.
- Dogs can be taught tricks while cats cannot.
- Dogs can be trained as service animals.
- Dogs can even be taught to use programmed push buttons to say phrases about what they want.
The easiest way to craft body paragraphs after the outline is drafted is by using transitional phrases. 'First,' 'furthermore,' and 'finally' are the only three tools needed to kick off body paragraphs.
Wrapping up a paragraph that somehow ties into the next and introduces an idea that somehow ties into the last is probably the most tedious part of writing. Using transitional phrases helps students stay on the course of their outline without sacrificing content. 'First' is used to open the first paragraph, followed by 'furthermore' as it builds on the original thesis, and 'finally' begins the last body paragraph.
Reflection: Followed by a transitional phrase, a paragraph or an idea is introduced in the same way the overall essay begins: with a hook. Hooking readers goes back to that element of brainstorming. Students were encouraged to research the topic and find what makes it interesting, so they already have ideas as to what makes it interesting enough to write about in the first place.
Creating a hook draws the reader in, but it has to be related to the subject and introduced as if it were the reader's first time hearing about it. It's best to leave nothing to chance. A hook is followed up with context, reeling the reader further in and sinking them with the three points created in the outline.
The best way to ensure that body paragraphs in persuasive writing are persuasive is to draft, revise, and edit. Drafting an outline allows relevant information, quotes, and resources to be organized in a way that flows and gives a steady foundation to work from. Revising those ideas and thoughtfully formulating them builds the framework of the body paragraphs. Editing those paragraphs with hook, reel, and sink helps the essay's consistency and flow of ideas. Utilizing 'first,' 'furthermore,' and 'finally' as paragraph starters also helps students keep their ideas in order and make the task of writing more manageable.
Utilizing any of these methods in your next class will help students compose their ideas and accomplish successful body paragraphs in persuasive writing.
Written by Morgan Andrus
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8th Grade Writing Lesson Plans  How To Improve Writing In Eighth Grade Written by Dan Last updated January 31, 2024 Improving writing skills is crucial for students in eighth grade. This is when students are transitioning from middle school to high school, and they need to have a solid foundation in writing to succeed in high school. Writing is a vital skill in almost every aspect of life, and students need to learn how to write well at an early age. Related : For more, check out our article on How To Make Writing Fun here.  Understanding the basics of writing is the first step towards improving writing skills. Students need to learn the fundamentals of grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. They also need to understand the different types of writing, such as persuasive, narrative, and informative writing. By mastering the basics, students can develop a strong foundation to help them in future writing projects. Improving research and fact-checking skills is also essential for students in eighth grade . Writing often involves research, and students need to know how to find reliable sources and how to fact-check their information. Developing good research skills will help students write more accurate and informative pieces. Table of Contents Key Takeaways
Related : For more, check out our article on How To Improve Writing In Sixth Grade here. Understanding the Basics of Writing Writing is a fundamental skill that every student must learn to master. In eighth grade , students are expected to have a solid foundation in writing, which includes understanding the basics of writing. This section will cover the essential elements of writing that students must be familiar with to improve their writing skills. Grammar and Formal LanguageGrammar and formal language are critical aspects of writing. Students must have a good grasp of grammar rules and the appropriate use of formal language. This includes understanding sentence structure, punctuation, and capitalization. Students must also be aware of the different types of sentence structures, such as simple, compound, and complex sentences. Word Choice and Figurative LanguageWord choice and figurative language are essential in writing. Students must choose their words carefully to convey their message effectively. They must also be familiar with the different types of figurative language, such as similes, metaphors, analogies, and allusions, and know how to use them appropriately. Narrative and Theme DevelopmentNarrative and theme development are crucial in writing . Students must clearly understand the elements of a narrative, such as setting, plot, characters, and dialogue. They must also know how to develop a theme and how to convey it effectively throughout their writing. In conclusion, understanding the basics of writing is essential for eighth-grade students to improve their writing skills. By mastering grammar and formal language, word choice and figurative language, and narrative and theme development, students can elevate their writing to the next level. Related : For more, check out our article on How To Improve Writing In Fifth Grade here. Improving Research and Fact-Checking SkillsEighth-grade students are often required to complete research projects that require them to gather information from multiple sources. To improve their writing skills, students need to learn how to identify credible sources, incorporate evidence and data, and cite sources correctly. Identifying Credible SourcesThe internet is an excellent resource for research, but it is crucial to be able to distinguish credible sources from unreliable ones. Students should look for sources written by an author with expertise in the field, contain facts and details that can be verified, and are published by a reputable organization. It is also important to consider the source’s bias and whether it presents a balanced view of the topic. Incorporating Evidence and DataStudents should incorporate evidence and data from credible sources to support their arguments. They should look for graphs, charts, and other visual aids that can help to convey information. When using evidence, students should make sure that it is relevant to their topic and explain how it supports their argument. Citing Sources CorrectlyTo avoid plagiarism, students must cite their sources correctly. They should use a bibliography to list all of the sources they used in their research and in-text citations to credit the source’s author. Students should use a citation style that is appropriate for their subject, such as MLA or APA. Eighth-grade students can become more confident and knowledgeable writers by improving their research and fact-checking skills. They will be able to gather accurate information, incorporate evidence and data, and cite their sources correctly, which will help them to write more persuasive and effective research projects. Related : For more, check out our article on How To Teach Children To Add Suspense To Their Writing here. Developing Writing Projects Eighth-grade students can develop their writing skills by working on various writing projects. These projects can help them improve their writing skills and explore different writing genres. Here are some types of writing projects that can be helpful: Writing Prompts and Creative WritingWriting prompts can be a great way to get students started on a writing project. These prompts can be used to spark creativity and help students develop their writing skills. Creative writing projects can include short stories, poems, and scripts. Students can use their imagination and creativity to produce original pieces of writing. Writing Essays and BiographiesWriting essays and biographies can help students develop their research and writing skills. Essays can be used to explore a particular topic or issue, while biographies can be used to explore a particular person’s life. Students can learn how to research a topic, analyze information, and present their findings clearly and concisely. Scientific and Literature WritingScientific and literature writing can help students develop their analytical and critical thinking skills . Scientific writing can include lab reports, research papers, and scientific articles. Literature writing can include book reviews, character analyses, and critical essays. Students can learn how to analyze and interpret data, as well as develop their writing skills. When developing writing projects, it is important to consider the project’s audience, purpose, and format. Students should also consider using graphics and multimedia to enhance their projects. Formatting and transition words can also make the writing clearer and more concise. Overall, eighth-grade students can improve their writing skills by working on various writing projects. By following these tips and advice, students can produce high-quality writing projects and develop their writing skills. Google Docs and Slides can be used to produce and share these writing projects. Revising and Editing TechniquesSelf-Editing StrategiesOne of the best ways to improve writing skills is by self-editing. Eighth graders can use various self-editing strategies to improve their writing. First, they should read their work aloud to identify areas that need revision. This technique helps them identify incomplete sentences, awkward phrasing, and other mistakes. They should also check their work for the main idea and ensure that their writing is well-organized with clear connections between ideas. Second, students should look for passive voice and replace it with active voice. This technique helps to make the writing more engaging and interesting. They should also avoid using repetitive words and phrases. Instead, they should use synonyms or rephrase sentences to make their writing more interesting. Peer Feedback and ReviewAnother technique for improving writing in eighth grade is by getting feedback from peers. Students can form small groups and review each other’s work. This technique helps them to identify areas that need improvement and provides an opportunity to learn from their peers. They should also provide constructive feedback to their peers. When providing feedback, students should focus on the content, organization, and clarity of the writing. They should also check for spelling and grammar mistakes. Peer feedback and review help students to become better writers and improve their writing skills. Utilizing Technology for RevisionEighth graders can also use technology to improve their writing skills. There are many interactive worksheets and printable worksheets available online that provide instant feedback. These worksheets are designed to help students practice writing and improve their skills. Another way to utilize technology is by using online tools that provide direct links to writing resources. For example, students can use online tools that provide access to music that can help them focus and stay motivated while writing. They can also use online tools that provide access to writing prompts and exercises. Overall, revising and editing techniques are crucial for improving eighth-grade writing skills. Students should use self-editing strategies, peer feedback and review, and utilize technology to improve their writing skills. By doing so, they can become better writers and achieve success in their academic and professional lives. Application and Practice Writing in Different ContextsEighth-grade students need to learn how to write in different contexts, such as persuasive essays, informative essays, and narratives. They should also be able to write in different styles, such as formal and informal. Teachers can give students examples of different writing styles and formats to help them understand the differences. Students can also practice writing in different contexts by choosing a topic and writing a short piece in each style. Oral Presentations and DiscussionsWriting is not just about putting words on paper, but also about communicating ideas effectively. In eighth grade, students should practice presenting their ideas orally and engaging in discussions. Teachers can assign oral presentations and discussions on different topics to help students develop their communication skills. Students can also practice their presentation skills by recording themselves and watching the playback to identify areas for improvement. Making Inferences and Drawing ConclusionsEighth-grade students should be able to make inferences and draw conclusions from texts they read. They should be able to identify the main idea, supporting details, and author’s point of view. Teachers can provide students with texts and ask them to identify the main idea, supporting details, and author’s point of view. Students can also practice making inferences and drawing conclusions by analyzing quotes and themes from books they read. Overall, practicing writing in different contexts, engaging in oral presentations and discussions, and making inferences and drawing conclusions are important skills for eighth-grade students to develop. These skills align with the Common Core State Standards and will help students succeed in high school and beyond. Related Posts About The Author I'm Dan Higgins, one of the faces behind The Teaching Couple. With 15 years in the education sector and a decade as a teacher, I've witnessed the highs and lows of school life. Over the years, my passion for supporting fellow teachers and making school more bearable has grown. The Teaching Couple is my platform to share strategies, tips, and insights from my journey. Together, we can shape a better school experience for all. Join our email list to receive the latest updates. Add your form here
Advertisement Supported by Writing Curriculum Teach Narrative Writing With The New York TimesThis teaching guide, part of our eight-unit writing curriculum, includes daily writing prompts, lessons based on selected mentor texts, and an invitation for students to participate in our 100-word personal narrative contest.  By The Learning Network Stories can thrill, wound, delight, uplift and teach. Telling a story vividly and powerfully is a vital skill that is deeply valued across all cultures, past and present — and narrative writing is, of course, a key genre for literacy instruction at every level. When your students think “New York Times,” they probably think of our 172-year history of award-winning journalism, and may not even realize that The Times today is full of personal narratives — on love and family , but also on how we relate to animals , live with disabilities or navigate anxiety . If you flip or scroll through sections of the paper, you’ll see that personal writing is everywhere, and often ranks among the most popular pieces The Times publishes each week. At The Learning Network, we’ve been posting writing prompts every school day for over a decade now, and many of them invite personal narrative. Inspired by Times articles of all kinds, the prompts ask students to tell us about their passions and their regrets, their most embarrassing moments and their greatest achievements. Thousands of students around the world respond each month, and each week during the school year we call out our favorite responses . In this unit we’re taking it a step further and turning our narrative-writing opportunities into a contest that invites students to tell their own stories. Below, you’ll find plenty of ideas and resources to get your students reading, writing and thinking about their own stories, including: ✔ New narrative-writing prompts every week. ✔ Daily opportunities for students to have an authentic audience for their writing via posting comments to our forums. ✔ Guided practice with mentor texts that include writing exercises. ✔ A clear, achievable end-product (our contest) modeled on real-world writing. ✔ The chance for students to have their work published in The New York Times. Here’s how it works. We are having trouble retrieving the article content. Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. Already a subscriber? Log in . Want all of The Times? Subscribe .  8th Grade Language Arts and Writing Lesson Plans
 EL Education CurriculumYou are here.
Write a Practice Argument Essay: Create a PlanIn this lesson, daily learning targets, ongoing assessment.
Supporting English Language LearnersMaterials from previous lessons, new materials, closing & assessments, you are here:.
Like what you see?Order printed materials, teacher guides and more. How to order Help us improve!Tell us how the curriculum is working in your classroom and send us corrections or suggestions for improving it. Leave feedback Focus Standards: These are the standards the instruction addresses.
Supporting Standards: These are the standards that are incidental—no direct instruction in this lesson, but practice of these standards occurs as a result of addressing the focus standards.
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Supports guided in part by CA ELD Standards 8.I.C.11 and 8.I.C.12. Important Points in the Lesson Itself
Each unit in the 6-8 Language Arts Curriculum has two standards-based assessments built in, one mid-unit assessment and one end of unit assessment. The module concludes with a performance task at the end of Unit 3 to synthesize students' understanding of what they accomplished through supported, standards-based writing.
Copyright © 2013-2024 by EL Education, New York, NY. Get updates about our new K-5 curriculum as new materials and tools debut.Help us improve our curriculum.. Tell us what’s going well, share your concerns and feedback. Terms of use . To learn more about EL Education, visit eleducation.org 
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270 pages of the most effective teaching strategies; 50+ digital tools ready right out of the box 75 editable resources for student differentiation ; Loads of tricks and tips to add to your teaching tool bag; All explanations are reinforced with concrete examples.; Links to high-quality video tutorials; Clear objectives easy to match to the demands of your curriculum
In order to build reading skills, your 8th grader: Evaluates the evidence in texts to determine the strongest supports of an idea and analysis. Determines the main idea or theme of a text using evidence from the text to support it. Provides an objective summary of a text. Understands, summarizes, and tracks the progress of the main idea of a ...
8th Grade Writing. For eighth graders, this Common Core area helps students gain mastery of writing skills by working collaboratively and producing written texts, understanding syntax and vocabulary, and organizing their ideas. Among the complete standards for this grade, eighth graders will be asked to: support the claims of their arguments ...
Try having students post a weekly response to a writing prompt or question that you assign. You may also want to create a separate discussion board where students can post ideas about their essay and get feedback from you and their classmates. 6. Give students homework to help them develop their essays.
Verbal has a double meaning for eighth grade writing: it refers to the oral presentations the kids will do and to this year's focus on grammar — gerunds, participles, and infinitives.. Argument essays. Written in formal language, argument essays should start with an introduction that clearly presents the writer's position and flows into a well-organized, research-backed argument that ...
These fun and interesting 8th-grade writing prompts will inspire older students to write longer and more in-depth work. ... Essays; 100 Interesting 8th Grade Writing Prompts By Kate Miller-Wilson, B.A. , Staff Writer . Updated July 20, 2020 ... writing is a great way to teach other language arts concepts like spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and ...
The best way to ensure that body paragraphs in persuasive writing are persuasive is to draft, revise, and edit. Drafting an outline allows relevant information, quotes, and resources to be organized in a way that flows and gives a steady foundation to work from. Revising those ideas and thoughtfully formulating them builds the framework of the ...
Let us help you teach your 8th graders about writing, reading strategies and proofreading techniques with this engaging course, which adheres to Common Core State Standards. Our short video ...
Lesson Plan. Students will continue their informational writing project by organizing the information they gathered through research. They will use a graphic organizer to organize their ideas and sort their research notes into meaningful sections. 1. Bookmark this to easily find it later. Then send your curated collection to your children, or ...
Another technique for improving writing in eighth grade is by getting feedback from peers. Students can form small groups and review each other's work. This technique helps them to identify areas that need improvement and provides an opportunity to learn from their peers. They should also provide constructive feedback to their peers.
W.8.2 - Work Time B: Students use a model informative essay and the Informative Writing checklist to generate specific criteria for their own essays. W.8.4 - Closing and Assessment A: Students plan the introductory paragraph of their essays, considering the context needed by the reader and the purpose of the piece.
This teaching guide, part of our eight-unit writing curriculum, includes daily writing prompts, lessons based on selected mentor texts, and an invitation for students to participate in our 100 ...
Building Vocabulary Using Word Roots and Prefix Meanings. During the lesson, students build their vocabulary by using word webs to help them learn the meanings of different Greek…. Browse our printable 8th Grade Language Arts and Writing Lesson Plans resources for your classroom. Download free today!
C. Plan Practice Argument Essay - W.8.5 (15 minutes) Review the learning target relevant to the work to be completed in this section of the lesson: "I can use my understanding of the elements of an argument essay to create a plan for a practice essay." Display and distribute the Practice Argument Essay Writing Plan graphic organizer.
Outline. The last thing to do before starting to write an essay is to make its outline. Choose some topic and make a list of points your students would need to mention if they wrote an essay on it. Such a technique will give them a better understanding of what and essay is, and how it should be written. Make sure that all students perfectly ...
Keep reading to see our best tips for teaching opinion writing. 1. Start with a pre-assessment. The first must-do tip for teaching opinion writing is to start with a pre-assessment. The pre-assessment allows you to see how much students know so you can tailor your lessons appropriately and it allows you to measure student growth at the end of ...
The text and task demands of the curriculum are similar for students in year 7 and year 8. The diference in the standard for year 8 is the students' increased accuracy and fluency in writing a variety of texts across the curriculum, their level of control and independence in selecting writing processes and strategies, and the range of texts ...
This bundle includes everything that you need to teach argumentative writing to your middle schoolers!It begins with introducing argumentative writing to students. Then you can te
The Language of Learning. $69.65 $105.65. Word Search Mini Puzzles (PHONICS BUNDLE) KB3Teach. $6.50 $9.00. Segmenting & Phonemic Awareness Cards (Decoding CVC Words) Level 1. KB3Teach. $5.00 $7.00. 7th & 8th Grade ELA Worksheets. 156 Grammar Lessons & Reviews. 362 PAGES.
⚪: Introduction : An intro should contain something intriguing to catch your audience's attention. It's usually a hook: a starting point that makes your readers keep reading your essay. The next significant part of your introduction is the thesis statement. It's the leading thought of your paper that reveals to the reader the essay's subject matter.
This narrative writing unit includes three weeks of middle school narrative essay writing lesson plans for teaching your sixth, seventh, and eighth grade ELA students how to write
Consider the following when writing a narrative essay: The story must have a strong story line and be convincing even if it is fiction. A narrative essay is usually written in the past tense. The introductory paragraph should capture the reader's attention. A good story often has a point to make.
All Grades K-5 All Grades 6-12 PreK 6th Grade Kindergarten 7th Grade 1st Grade 8th Grade 2nd Grade 9th Grade 3rd Grade 10th Grade 4th Grade 11th Grade 5th Grade 12th Grade. ... writing prompts clearly, concisely, and thoroughly. It's most commonly used with reading comprehension short-answer essay questions, but it works for any situation ...
List of Class 8 Essay Writing Topics for Kids & Children in English. Students who are looking for Class 8 Essay Topics & Ideas can stop your search right away and refer to this section. ... Is there any online web portal that offers the free 8th Grade Essays Writing Topics? Yes, Aplustopper.com is a reliable and genuine online portal that ...
Grade 3 English Language Arts Standards Writing Text Types and Purposes ... This writing project is an engaging way to teach students how to write a comprehensive, well-structured information text. By combining structured support with opportunities for research and creativity, this resource caters to a wide range of learning needs. ...
Here are 20 true/false questions that relate to narrative writing for** 9th graders**. This activity is 3 pages. This will challenge your students to write with attention. Solutions at the end. Good Luck!
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