High School Writing Curriculum – Lesson Plan (Grades 9–10)

WHST.9-10.1, WHST.9-10.2, WHST.9-10.4

• Understand differences between argumentative and informative/explanatory writing.
• Learn how to establish formal tone and discipline-appropriate style.
• Review expectations for organization, cohesion, and use of evidence.

• Discuss course objectives and grading criteria.
• Review sample argumentative essays and scientific reports.
• Analyze key components of text: claims, evidence, counterclaims, transitions, and conclusions.

Write a 1-page reflection identifying the differences between an argument and an explanatory text.

Class discussion participation and submission of reflection.

WHST.9-10.1.a, WHST.9-10.2.a

• Introduce precise claims or topics.
• Distinguish claims from counterclaims.
• Organize text logically with clear relationships among claims, reasons, and evidence.

• Mini-lesson on thesis statements and topic sentences.
• Group exercise: Evaluate sample introductions and identify claims and counterclaims.
• Draft an introduction for a discipline-specific argumentative essay.

Write a complete introductory paragraph for an assigned topic, including a clear claim and a preview of supporting points.

Instructor review of draft introductions for clarity and logical organization.

WHST.9-10.1.b, WHST.9-10.2.b

• Provide evidence and reasoning for claims and counterclaims.
• Recognize strengths and limitations of arguments.
• Tailor evidence for audience knowledge and discipline context.

• Analyze sample essays for evidence usage and counterclaim treatment.
• Workshop: Students draft body paragraphs supporting their claim and addressing counterclaims.
• Peer review: Provide constructive feedback on evidence and reasoning.

Revise body paragraphs based on peer feedback, including citations from authoritative sources.

Submission of at least two polished body paragraphs with cited evidence.

WHST.9-10.1.c, WHST.9-10.2.c, WHST.9-10.4

• Use words, phrases, and clauses to link major sections of the text.
• Clarify relationships between claims, evidence, and counterclaims.
• Maintain clarity and cohesion throughout writing.

• Lesson on transitional phrases and sentence variety.
• In-class exercises linking paragraphs and sections.
• Peer editing session focusing on cohesion and flow.

Apply transitions to revise one argumentative or explanatory essay.

Instructor evaluation of revised essay for cohesion and clarity.

WHST.9-10.1.d, WHST.9-10.2.d, WHST.9-10.2.e

• Maintain formal style and objective tone appropriate for discipline-specific writing.
• Incorporate precise, domain-specific vocabulary.
• Avoid casual language and subjective statements where inappropriate.

• Mini-lesson on formal tone and academic style.
• Vocabulary workshop: Identify and use discipline-specific terms in writing.
• Class discussion on stylistic differences between argumentative and informative writing.

Revise one essay to include formal tone and domain-specific vocabulary.

Submission of revised essay with instructor feedback on style and vocabulary usage.

WHST.9-10.1.e, WHST.9-10.2.f

• Write effective conclusions that follow from the claims or explanations presented.
• Highlight implications or significance of the topic.
• Provide closure for the reader while reinforcing key points.

• Analyze sample conclusions for argumentative and explanatory texts.
• Class exercise: Draft conclusions for essays previously written.
• Peer review to check the effectiveness and clarity of conclusions.

Finalize the complete essay with introduction, body, and conclusion.

Instructor review of completed essay.

WHST.9-10.7, WHST.9-10.8, WHST.9-10.9

• Conduct sustained research to answer a question or solve a problem.
• Integrate multiple sources while maintaining text flow.
• Avoid plagiarism by following standard citation practices.

• Lesson on research methods and advanced search strategies.
• Students select a topic and gather authoritative sources.
• Begin drafting a research-based essay integrating findings.

Complete a preliminary research outline with at least 3 credible sources.

Instructor review of research outline for quality and relevance of sources.

WHST.9-10.5, WHST.9-10.6

• Plan, revise, edit, and rewrite work to improve clarity and argument strength.
• Utilize technology to produce and publish writing, including linking to other information and multimedia.

• Workshop: Peer and instructor feedback on draft essays.
• Lesson on digital publishing tools and proper formatting.
• Students create digital drafts using Google Docs or other platforms.

Submit a revised, polished essay in a digital format with hyperlinks or embedded media if appropriate.

Evaluation of digital submission for formatting, clarity, and completeness.

WHST.9-10.10

• Write routinely across short and extended time frames.
• Produce discipline-specific writing for various audiences and purposes.
• Engage in reflection and self-assessment of writing growth.

• Timed in-class writing exercises.
• Peer review of short and extended essays.
• Reflective journal: Students assess strengths and areas for improvement.

Revise one piece of writing from the course based on feedback.

Submission of revised essay with a reflection paragraph.