Common Core Standards

Grade 6

Writing W.6.2

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.

So students have to write something non-persuasive. The concepts behind writing an informative/explanatory essay are pretty much the same as that of writing a persuasive essay, so hopefully things will look pretty familiar. Here are the six things the Common Core says students should do to write the best non-persuasive essays:

1. They should organize their words and ideas in a way that doesn't confuse the reader. Remember, confusion = bad.
2. They should, you know, put in actual facts to back up their explanations.
3. They should use transitions to connect stuff together.
4. They should know that "thingy" and "stuff" is not the best way to describe technical stuff, such as parts of a nuclear reactor or the Boston Tea Thingy.
5. They should (almost) never use "I", "you", or slang in an essay.
6. They shouldn't leave their essays on a cliffhanger.

There you have it. Off those students go to write good informative/explanatory texts.

Standard Components

Example 1

Here's a lesson to use when students are reading and studying mysteries.

Have students use their knowledge of “how-to” or explanatory writing, in addition to their knowledge of mysteries, to write an essay explaining how a mystery is constructed. The writing process of brainstorming, planning, drafting, and revision should be followed.

Aligned Resources

Teacher Guides

More standards from Grade 6 - Writing

If I'd had to teach to the Common Core, I would have used Shmoop, too.

Aristotle

The observed gravitational effect between Common Core activities results from their warping of Shmooptime.