Informative Writing - Research Project Informational Article - Print & DIGITAL

Research can actually be motivating with this Writing an Informational Article resource designed to lead your students with models and supports through the entire process! Now includes a DIGITAL version. Students choose topics of interest to research and create a 2-page typed article with visuals and Works Cited.

Easy-to-follow writing templates guide students in drafting an introduction and conclusion. Includes a sample article, “Incredible Collies,” to model strong writing.

The DIGITAL version offers colorful, nicely-designed slides that allow students to type their responses into text boxes.

To access the DIGITAL version of this resource, you will find:
--a PDF in the zip file with the digital links for each part of the resource
--directions for uploading the resources and using them with students

With both print-and-go AND digital versions, you'll be equipped for all teaching situations!

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Standards-based skills embedded in this teaching unit:

--Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas

--Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow

--Develop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, and examples

--Use appropriate transitions

--Use precise language and domain specific vocabulary to explain the topic

--Establish and maintain a formal style

--Provide a concluding section that supports the information presented

--Produce clear, well-developed, and organized writing appropriate to task,

purpose, and audience.

--Develop and strengthen writing by planning, revising, and editing

Resource Contents:

1. WRITING AN INFORMATIONAL ARTICLE – The assignment is explained with a visual representation of the 6-paragraph structure of the article. In addition, the ten steps of the entire process are listed in checklist form.

2. TOPIC BRAINSTORMING – An organizer that provides 6 areas with categories listed. Students brainstorm possible topics for their research and prioritize their choices.

3. NOTE-TAKING PRACTICE – A practice activity in note-taking and paraphrasing, with ANSWER KEY provided.

4. CONDUCTING YOUR RESEARCH – Important tips on the research process, including citing sources and using a citation generator

5. NOTES SHEET – A handout for note-taking from a source, with an area for citation information at the top

6. CREATING A TOPIC OUTLINE – A page that contains a model of how students create their own Topic Outlines.

7. MY TOPIC OUTLINE – A graphic organizer on which students create their sub-topics and then place them into a Topic Outline.

8. COLOR-CODING NOTES – Instructions for organizing notes according to an easy color-coding system, using colored pencils or markers

9. DRAFTING THE INTRODUCTION, DRAFTING THE BODY PARAGRAPHS, DRAFTING THE CONCLUSION – These handouts guide students as they draft from their organized notes. A specific format is provided for the introductory paragraph and concluding paragraph, with two examples provided for each.

10. USE TRANSITIONS – Students use this categorized list of transitions as a reference when drafting their articles.

11. REVISING AND EDITING CHECKLIST – As students revise and edit, they work with this ten-item checklist.

12. WRITING THE WORKS CITED – An attractive handout shows students the correct formats for citing their sources, with sample entries provided

13. THE FINAL COPY – This page instructs students, step-by-step, in completing the typing, adding Works Cited and visuals, and final proofreading.

14. SAMPLE ARTICLE – A sample article entitled “Incredible Collies” demonstrates format, content, and overall writing expectations as a model for student writing.

15. WHAT DO WE NOTICE? SLIPS – Half-page slips to use as partners or small groups examine the Sample Article.

16. PEER FEEDBACK – Students exchange their articles and respond to another’s writing.

17. SCORING RUBRIC AND PROCESS GRADE SLIP – A 4-point rubric for scoring the final article is provided. If desired, the Process Grade Slip allows for an additional grade after the note-taking and rough draft phase has been completed.

18. TEACHER GUIDELINES AND CCSS – Complete and detailed teacher guidelines from start to finish, with CCSS and differentiation

You will love the organization of this resource and the “scaffolds” that help students get more comfortable with the research process! The final articles look fabulous as a wall display or published in a binder for early finishers to read.

Please open the PREVIEW to get a closer look.

Thanks! --Joy

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