Informative and Expository Texts/Research
Unit description: In this unit, students will identify and analyze the structure of various non-fiction texts, as well as determine how text features contribute to their development. Students will also utilize an established criteria to evaluate the quality of a text, as well as make connections to other texts, cultural perspectives, eras, etc. Students will write an informational piece to examine a topic, drawing important and relevant evidence to support their assertions.
These learning progressions were developed using Next Generation Learning Standards and were crosswalked with the Common Core Standards.
Essential Outcomes
Reading
- 6R1 Cite textual evidence to support an analysis of what the text says explicitly/implicitly and make logical inferences.
- 6R6 In informational texts, explain how an author’s geographic location or culture affects his or her perspective.
- 6R8 Trace and evaluate the development of an argument and specific claims in texts, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and relevant evidence from claims that are not.
- 6R9 Use established criteria in order to evaluate the quality of texts. Make connections to other texts, ideas, cultural perspectives, eras, and personal experiences.
Language
- 6L3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
- 6L6 Acquire and accurately use general academic and content-specific words and phrases; apply vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
Writing
- 6W2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
- 6W4 Create a poem, story, play, artwork, or other response to a text, author, theme, or personal experience.
- 6W5 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. Apply the grade 6 Reading Standards to both literary and informational text, where applicable.
- 6W6 Conduct research to answer questions, including self-generated questions, drawing on multiple sources and refocusing the inquiry when appropriate.
Speaking and Listening
- 6SL1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners; express ideas clearly and persuasively, and build on those of others.
- 6SL2 Interpret information presented in diverse formats (e.g., including visual, quantitative, and oral) and explain how it relates to a topic, text, or issue under study.
- 6SL3 Delineate a speaker’s argument and specific claims, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.
All Standards Addressed in this Unit
- 6R1, 6R5, 6R6, 6R7, 6R8, 6R9
- 6L1, 6L2, 6L3, 6L3a, 6L6
- 6W2, 6W4, 6W5, 6W6, 6W7
- 6SL1a-d, 6SL2, 6SL3, 6SL4, 6SL5, 6SL6
Essential Questions and Big Ideas
- Why is nonfiction important?
- Nonfiction is an important genre because it provides necessary information to its readers.
- It’s important to evaluate the legitimacy of nonfiction so that we as readers can make informed decisions based on factual data.
- How do we evaluate informational texts?
- The quality and reliability of informational texts varies and can be evaluated by understanding the source.
- Evaluators use set criteria to look closely at informative texts.
- Each evaluator brings their own understanding and therefore may have differing impressions of informational texts than others.
- How do our cultures and identities influence our writing and how we see the world?
- Everyone comes with a unique set of lived experiences.
- Our experiences, cultures, and identities influence the way we write and read, as well as the way we interact with others.
- How do we conduct and share appropriate research?
- Choosing topics that are important to ourselves and our communities make researching relevant.
- We must be informed researchers so we are pulling data and facts from appropriate sources.
- Good researchers have a plan or guide.
Prerequisite Skills
- Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners; express ideas clearly and persuasively, and build on those of others.
- Cite explicit and implicit evidence in a text (informational)
- Determine a theme or central idea and explain how it is supported by key details; summarize a text.
- Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to respond and support analysis, reflection, and research
- Write informative/explanatory texts to explore a topic and convey ideas and information relevant to the subject.
Download the complete Grade 6 ELA Unit 4 framework to customize for your own planning.