Common Core Standards

Grade 8

Writing W.8.4

Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1-3 above.)

This one's pretty self-explanatory, especially since there are three other Common Core Standards describing exactly how to fulfill this standard. Just make sure that students are writing in a way that makes sense for the form of writing they're doing. Of course, if a student wants to write a persuasive essay in short story form, then by all means, let them try.

Example 1

Here's an example lesson to use when your students are reading Of Mice and Men.

Have students discuss each character's hopes, dreams, and desires in small groups. Then, ask students to analyze the likelihood of each character reaching those dreams. As a class, discuss the concept of the American Dream and consider whether the characters in the novel follow the concept of the American Dream. Have students write their thoughts, then use these notes to write a short persuasive essay explaining their point of view.

Aligned Resources

Teacher Guides

More standards from Grade 8 - 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.