CA Literacy Writing Standards for History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects (Grades 6-8)

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📌 Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects (WHST) 20 standards

WHST.6-8.1 Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content 5 sub-parts

Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content.

WHST.6-8.1a

Introduce claims, organize reasons/evidence

Introduce claim(s) about a topic or issue, acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.

WHST.6-8.1b

Support claims with credible sources

Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant, accurate data and evidence that demonstrate an understanding of the topic or text, using credible sources.

WHST.6-8.1c

Use words/phrases/clauses to create cohesion

Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.

WHST.6-8.1d

Establish and maintain a formal style

Establish and maintain a formal style.

WHST.6-8.1e

Provide a concluding statement

Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.

WHST.6-8.2 Write informative/explanatory texts including narration 6 sub-parts

Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/experiments, or technical processes.

WHST.6-8.2a

Introduce topic, organize into broad categories

Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories as appropriate to achieving purpose; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

WHST.6-8.2b

Develop topic with relevant, well-chosen facts

Develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.

WHST.6-8.2c

Use varied transitions to create cohesion

Use appropriate and varied transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.

WHST.6-8.2d

Use precise language/domain-specific vocabulary

Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.

WHST.6-8.2e

Establish formal style and objective tone

Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone.

WHST.6-8.2f

Provide a concluding statement

Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented.

WHST.6-8.4

Produce clear and coherent writing

Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

WHST.6-8.5

Develop/strengthen writing focusing on purpose/audience

With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed.

WHST.6-8.6

Use technology to present relationships clearly

Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and present the relationships between information and ideas clearly and efficiently.

WHST.6-8.7

Conduct short research projects with self-generated questions

Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration.

WHST.6-8.8

Gather info from print/digital primary/secondary sources

Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources (primary and secondary), using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation. CA

WHST.6-8.9

Draw evidence from informational texts

Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

WHST.6-8.10

Write routinely for various tasks

Write routinely over extended time frames (time for reflection and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.