Writing Standards: Producing Writing Appropriate to Task and Purpose (CCSS.W.3.4)
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Common Core 3rd Grade ELA › Writing Standards: Producing Writing Appropriate to Task and Purpose (CCSS.W.3.4)
Public libraries provide many services to the community. Shelves are arranged by subject, and a system called the Dewey Decimal Classification helps people locate nonfiction books. Librarians also host events, such as story time and craft workshops, to promote literacy. Visitors can borrow books for a set period and must return them on time. Library cards are free with proof of residence. These facts show that libraries are important places for learning and sharing resources.
Task: Write a friendly thank-you note to your school librarian for helping you find a book. Which change would best fit the task and purpose?
Add three more facts about how library cards work.
Revise it into a polite thank-you note with a greeting, specific gratitude for the help, and a short closing.
Replace the paragraph with a formal report that includes headings and statistics.
Keep the facts but change hard words to simpler ones.
Explanation
The task is a thank-you note. Changing it to a friendly note with a greeting, clear thanks, and a closing matches the purpose of showing gratitude.
Yesterday after school, I ran to the park with my cousin. The swings creaked, and the slide felt warm from the sun. My shoelaces flopped around, so I sat on the bench and thought about how fun last weekend was. A dog chased a red ball, and a breeze carried the smell of fresh cut grass. I tied my shoes quickly and hurried to play tag. When it got late, we walked home, talking about our favorite games.
Task: Write clear step-by-step directions that teach someone how to tie shoes. Which change would best fit the task and purpose?
Add more exciting describing words and feelings.
Start with a hook about parks and end with a funny memory.
Make it a persuasive paragraph about why tying shoes is important.
Revise it into numbered steps with command verbs and sequence words like first, next, then, last.
Explanation
The task is a how-to. Turning it into clear, ordered steps with command verbs and sequence words fits the purpose of teaching someone what to do.
Plants need sunlight, water, air, and soil to grow. Sunlight helps leaves make food through a process called photosynthesis. Roots take in water and minerals, and stems carry them to the rest of the plant. If a plant does not get enough water or light, it may become weak and stop growing. Gardeners can observe changes over time and keep notes about height and color. These observations help people understand what plants need to stay healthy and strong.
Task: Write an opinion letter to the principal to request more recess time at school. Which change would best fit the task and purpose?
Rewrite it as a letter that states your opinion, gives two or three reasons, and politely asks for more recess with a greeting and closing.
Add a diagram of a plant and labels.
Keep the facts and remove the long words.
Turn it into a text message with emojis to the principal.
Explanation
An opinion letter needs a clear claim, reasons, and a polite request in letter form. Changing it to that format matches the task and purpose.
Hi Mia! Thank you so much for the fuzzy blue hat you gave me at my birthday party. I wore it on the bus this morning, and it kept my ears warm. I like how the pom-pom bounces when I walk. My mom said it matches my winter coat perfectly. I can't wait to show you the snowman I'm building after school. You are a thoughtful friend. See you at recess! From, Leo I hope your weekend was fun.
Task: Write an informational report about penguins for the class newsletter. Which change would best fit the task and purpose?
Add more feeling words and tell a funny story about the hat.
Keep the note but add a bigger signature.
Replace it with a report that introduces penguins, gives organized facts about where they live, what they eat, and how they care for chicks.
Turn it into a rhyme about winter clothes.
Explanation
An informational report should present organized facts about a topic. Replacing the note with a fact-based report about penguins fits the task and purpose.
Hi Ranger Kim, Thank you so much for leading our hike yesterday! I had a great time and loved the view from the overlook. My favorite part was when you told us jokes about the muddy trail. I'm still laughing! Also, thanks for letting me hold the map. You are super nice and helpful. I can't wait to go on another trip with you. I'll bring extra snacks next time. Have a wonderful day and please tell the chipmunks I said hello!
Assignment: Write an informative report about a local animal. Which change to the student's writing would best fit this task and purpose?
Replace the thank-you note with a report that explains the animal's habitat, diet, and behaviors using facts and topic sentences.
Keep the thank-you note but add more adjectives and emojis to make it fun.
Start with "Dear Ranger" and add a polite closing to improve letter format.
Make the tone even more casual with jokes about snacks and hiking.
Explanation
An informative report should present facts and organized details about the animal, not a thank-you note.
Subject: Celebration Agenda. This document outlines the parameters of a birthday event scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. Location: community center room A. Materials: cupcakes, juice, ball toss equipment. Procedures: guests shall arrive promptly, sign in, and participate in three stations. Safety considerations include walking feet and proper disposal of wrappers. Attire: casual. Anticipated duration: two hours. Post-event action: cleanup by attendees. This notice serves to inform relevant parties of expectations and timing. Please review the details.
Assignment: Write a friendly invitation letter to a friend. Which change to the student's writing would best fit this task and purpose?
Keep the headings but add a "Sincerely" closing at the end.
Rewrite it as a friendly letter that greets your friend, shares the time and place, and invites them to come.
Add more facts about cleanup duties and safety rules to be thorough.
Use bullet points and bold headings to organize the information better.
Explanation
A friendly invitation should greet the friend and clearly invite them with time and place in a warm tone.
Title: How to Make a Perfect PB&J. First, lay out two slices of bread. Next, spread peanut butter on one slice and jelly on the other. Carefully press them together to avoid spills. Then cut the sandwich into triangles for easy eating. Add apple slices and a carton of milk to complete the meal. Finally, clean up the counter and put the knife in the sink. Follow these steps for a neat, tasty lunch every time.
Assignment: Write an opinion paragraph about which school lunch is best and give reasons. Which change to the student's writing would best fit this task and purpose?
Add more steps to the recipe, like how to wash apples and cut neatly.
Keep the steps but include a greeting and a closing.
Change it into an opinion paragraph that states the best lunch and gives two or three reasons.
Use fancier cooking words to sound more expert and formal.
Explanation
An opinion paragraph should clearly state a choice and support it with reasons, not list steps.
Yesterday, our class plant looked sleepy, so I imagined it yawning and stretching its leaves like little arms. I whispered, Don't worry, pal, and told it about the sunshine outside. During math, I pretended the plant was cheering for me. After school, I waved goodbye and promised to visit tomorrow. The plant didn't say anything, of course, but I thought it smiled at me. It felt like having a tiny green friend on the windowsill, listening to all our stories.
Assignment: Write clear step-by-step instructions telling how to care for the class plant. Which change to the student's writing would best fit this task and purpose?
Add a title like "Plant Care" and include a friendly greeting.
Keep the story but add an exciting ending to grab attention.
Use more feelings words and similes to make the plant seem alive.
Turn it into clear, numbered steps that tell when to water, how much light it needs, and how to check the soil.
Explanation
Instructions should be step-by-step and specific about actions like watering, light, and checking soil.
School transportation operates on a precise schedule. The driver maintains speed limits, checks mirrors, and completes a daily safety inspection before departing. Data from last week show all morning routes arrived on time. Procedures include lining up at the curb, remaining seated while the vehicle moves, and exiting in an orderly manner at the school. This summary documents routines and efficiencies observed during the morning commute. Findings suggest the system functions effectively when protocols are followed.
Task: Write a friendly thank-you note to your bus driver. Which change would best revise this passage to fit that task and purpose?
Add a bar graph and more statistics about on-time arrivals.
Use a formal heading, numbered sections, and third-person voice.
Include three reasons students should always follow bus rules and a call to action.
Begin with a warm greeting, thank the driver for specific ways they keep students safe, include one example, and end with a polite closing.
Explanation
A thank-you note needs a friendly greeting, specific appreciation, and a polite closing. Changing to that structure fits the purpose of expressing thanks to the driver.
Hi Grandma, Thank you so much for the little pot and seeds you gave me! I was so excited that I decorated the pot with stickers. I named the seed Sunny. I water it when I remember, and sometimes I sing to it. I can't wait to show you a flower. You always pick the best gifts, and I feel happy every time I look at the pot. Love, Mia. It sits on my windowsill and looks cute next to my rock collection.
Task: Write an informative report explaining how plants grow. Which change would best revise this passage to fit that task and purpose?
Add more feelings about why the gift made the writer happy and include extra thank-yous.
Replace the friendly note with facts that tell what plants need (light, water, soil), use sequence words to explain sprout to plant, and include a clear topic sentence and conclusion.
Make the note more formal with an opening like Dear Madam and use fancy words.
Change it into a make-believe story about a magical seed that talks.
Explanation
An informative report should present facts, define the topic, and explain steps in order. Replacing the letter with factual, well-organized information fits that purpose.