9th Grade Writing Standards

The Common Core Standards for 9th Grade Writing are available for your reference here.

The West Virginia Content Standards and Objectives for 9th Grade Writing are available for your reference here.

Bridging the Gap

In order to bridge the gap between West Virginia's CSOs and the new Common Core Standards, the Common Core Standards for Writing have been "translated" into I-Can Statements to allow the students to better understand the expectations. The I-Can Statements, in a scaffolding approach, are designed to break apart each Common Core Standard into more workable parts.

ELA.9.W.C9.1 [argumentative writing]

• I CAN introduce my argument and recognize counteropinions using appropriate reason and evidence.
• I CAN argue both sides of an issue, using pros and cons, taking into account the characteristics of my audience.
• I CAN use and create transition words and phrases, between my opinion and the evidence used, to make my argument fluid
• I CAN write according to the conventions of the genre I have been assigned as well its audience.
• I CAN create a conclusion that best supports the argument I have made.

ELA.9.W.C9.2 [informative and explanatory writing]

• I CAN introduce a topic and organize my writing using various concepts and information to aid in the comprehension of my audience.
• I CAN develop, according to my audience's knowledge, a topic using facts, definitions,and quotations.
• I CAN use transitions to link sections of my topic to make my writing fluid.
• I CAN use appropriate language and vocabulary for both my topic and audience.
• I CAN write according to the conventions of the genre I have been assigned as well its audience.
• I CAN create a conclusion that best supports my topic.

ELA.9.W.C9.3 [narrative writing]

• I CAN get the attention of my reader by creating an engaging opening as well as a smooth progression throughout the piece.
• I CAN use narrative techniques (dialogue, reflection, plot lines, etc.) to develop experiences and characters.
• I CAN sequence events so that they build upon one another to create a coherent whole.
• I CAN use specific language and details to create a vivid pictures of my writing.
• I CAN create a conclusion that reflecs on what has been experienced, observed, or resolved in my writing.

ELA.9.W.C10.1

• I CAN write clearly and coherently with appropriate organization and style according to the genre I have been assigned.

ELA.9.W.C10.2

• I CAN make my writing better by lpanning, revising, editing, rewriting or trying a new approach to determine what is best for my specific purpose and audience.

Resources for Common Core Standards for 9th GradeWriting

Strategies for Teaching Argumentative Writing

In order to better tackle the components within argumentative writing, break it up into a list and tackle the steps with your students.  Such subtopics include but are not limited to:  topic choice, the opposition, the arguments, the refutation, and the call to action (or conclusion).  After addressing the individual components in a basic and meaningful way, the students can better format an argumentative essay.

Further Study 
This site includes a more complex version of the argumentative essay steps complete with a sample.

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Strategies for Teaching Informative Writing
In order to better tackle the components within informative writing, break the process up into a list similar to how you broke down the argumentative essay.  Such subtopics for informative writing include but are not limited to:  an effective thesis statement, fact checking,  and active voice vs. passive voice.   

Further Study
This site includes sample topics for thesis statements and samples.

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Strategies for Teaching Narrative Writing
In addressing narrative writing, break the tasks up into plot lines which include introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.  This video goes into detail on the plot lines graphic along with a sample "opener" or "bell ringer" task to get the student acquainted with the graphic organizer.  The video uses excerpts of country music to plot on the plot line graphic organizer but any music which tells a story would suffice. 

Further Study
Challenge your students to write personal narratives; the site includes steps and tips to personal narrative writing.


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Strategies for Teaching Research Writing
Teachers may choose to address this powerpoint with their students or assign more advanced students to review the powerpoint individually taking notes and then discuss as a whole class.  For teachers, it discusses tips on how to assign research projects to your students.  For students, it details the components of successful research, primary and secondary sources, etc.


Further Study
This blog provides a step by step process for teaching the research process to your students.