85. SOCIAL STUDIES ESSAY WRITING (Writing)
Description: Because students sometimes follow the “standard” language arts essay format for all writing occasions, this overview assists in their understanding between the narrative essay format (tells a story) and the expository essay (informs and explains) that is required in most social studies courses.
Application: Review and practice with students early in the course.
Process: Prior to using this activity, conduct a lesson on plagiarism. Go over the elements of expository writing: Introduction that has a topic sentence, and the body that includes reasons, facts, and details, along with elaborations, and the conclusion which summarizes the prompt’s objective. Assign one prompt that requires all students to participate. Facilitate an appropriate amount of research time. Remind students to pay attention to accuracy of the content, as well as the mechanics of good writing. Allow them to peer edit the work at least once before they turn it in for a grade.
Description: Because students sometimes follow the “standard” language arts essay format for all writing occasions, this overview assists in their understanding between the narrative essay format (tells a story) and the expository essay (informs and explains) that is required in most social studies courses.
Application: Review and practice with students early in the course.
Process: Prior to using this activity, conduct a lesson on plagiarism. Go over the elements of expository writing: Introduction that has a topic sentence, and the body that includes reasons, facts, and details, along with elaborations, and the conclusion which summarizes the prompt’s objective. Assign one prompt that requires all students to participate. Facilitate an appropriate amount of research time. Remind students to pay attention to accuracy of the content, as well as the mechanics of good writing. Allow them to peer edit the work at least once before they turn it in for a grade.
Reference, graphics, and/or for more information:
85. Social Studies Essay Writing
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/SSWAC_225020_7.pdf
85. Social Studies Essay Writing
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/SSWAC_225020_7.pdf