Writing Standards: Writing Routinely for Different Purposes (CCSS.W.8.10)
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Common Core 8th Grade ELA › Writing Standards: Writing Routinely for Different Purposes (CCSS.W.8.10)
Your teacher assigns a 3-week research report on a historical event with multiple drafts and peer review. On Friday, you'll also write a quick, one-paragraph exit slip responding to today's mini-lesson.
For the long-term research report, which step is most important to plan early?
Creating a research schedule with checkpoints for drafting, feedback, and revision
Writing the entire final draft in one sitting without using sources
Skipping peer review to save time before the deadline
Picking any topic without checking the assignment requirements
Explanation
A long-term project needs a clear timeline with stages for drafting, feedback, and revision; the other options ignore the process or requirements.
You will work for two weeks on a multi-draft literary analysis essay using evidence from a novel. Today, you also have a 10-minute in-class response to a short poem.
Which option best fits the short in-class writing task?
Compiling multiple sources and creating an annotated bibliography
Writing a focused paragraph that answers the prompt and uses one clear example from the text
Conducting a survey of classmates' interpretations to include as data
Creating a detailed outline for five body paragraphs plus a counterclaim section
Explanation
A short task calls for a concise, focused response with one piece of textual evidence; the other options are steps for extended writing.
In science, you will complete a week-long lab report with data analysis, figures, and revisions. As a warm-up, you'll also write 4–5 sentences stating your hypothesis and one reason.
For the long-term lab report, what should you do after collecting your data and sources?
Turn it in immediately without revising
Design all the graphics before thinking about what they show
Draft the report, then revise based on feedback from a peer or your teacher
Switch to a new topic the night before it's due
Explanation
Extended projects require drafting followed by feedback and revision to improve clarity and accuracy; the other choices skip or disrupt that process.
In social studies, you'll complete a month-long position paper using interviews and multiple sources. Today, you'll also write a 30-minute quick write responding to a document-based question.
Which option is most appropriate for the short quick write?
Scheduling interviews and transcribing quotations
Creating a multi-page outline with full citations
Running a peer-review workshop with several draft rounds
Writing a clear thesis and one organized paragraph using one or two pieces of evidence from the provided documents
Explanation
A quick write should present a clear main idea and a brief paragraph supported by limited evidence; the other tasks belong to extended projects.
Your science teacher assigns two tasks: (1) a three-week research report on renewable energy that will go through planning, drafting, feedback, and revision; and (2) a 10-minute exit ticket summarizing today's lab results in one paragraph.
For the long-term research report, which step is most important to include in your process?
Write a single paragraph based on what you remember from class.
Develop a focused research question and locate credible sources to read and take notes.
Skip revision so you can finish the paper faster.
Turn in your first draft the same day you choose your topic.
Explanation
A long-term report requires research and planning—starting with a strong question, credible sources, and note-taking—before drafting and revising.
In social studies, you have (1) an in-class, 12-minute quick response to a political cartoon; and (2) a two-week, multi-draft essay explaining causes of a historical revolution with evidence from multiple sources.
Which option best fits the short writing task?
Create an annotated bibliography with at least five sources.
Plan two peer-review rounds and a detailed revision schedule.
Draft a multi-section outline including counterclaims and rebuttals.
Write a focused paragraph that states a clear claim about the cartoon and supports it with one specific observation.
Explanation
A short in-class response should be concise—a focused paragraph with a clear point and a single, specific piece of evidence—without extended research or multi-draft planning.
In ELA, your teacher assigns (1) a month-long author study that ends with a research paper and (2) an 8-minute warm-up where you summarize today's poem in one paragraph.
For the long-term project, which step should you complete before drafting the full paper?
Create a working outline from your notes and decide where key quotations will fit.
Write and submit the final copy without seeking any feedback.
Use only one source you already know without checking credibility.
Skip note-taking and rely on memory to save time.
Explanation
Extended projects benefit from organizing ideas first—outlining from thorough notes and planning where evidence belongs—so drafting and revising are more effective.
In health class, you have (1) a quick in-class reflection after watching a short video and (2) a multi-draft informative brochure on nutrition to share with families at a school event.
Which action best matches the short, in-class reflection's purpose and audience?
Conduct a class survey and graph the results before writing.
Gather four peer-reviewed sources and format a references page.
Compose a brief paragraph naming one key takeaway from the video and how you might apply it.
Design a multi-page layout with images, captions, and a revision plan.
Explanation
A short reflection should be quick and focused—one concise paragraph connecting a clear takeaway to personal application—without extended research or design work.
Your teacher assigns a two-week science research report on renewable energy. You will submit a proposal, an annotated bibliography, a draft, peer review notes, and a final version.
Which step should you focus on first to set up this long-term project for success?
Locate credible sources and take organized notes
Draft the final conclusion and ignore earlier sections
Skip research and write the whole report in one sitting
Turn in the draft without any citations
Explanation
For a long-term research project, starting with gathering credible sources and taking notes sets a strong foundation for drafting and revising. The other options skip essential early steps or ignore research and citation requirements.
At the end of class, you have 10 minutes to write a one-paragraph response to a short article about school lunches.
Which option best fits this short writing task?
Create a detailed multi-page outline with section headings
Compile a full works-cited page in perfect format
Write a clear topic sentence, include one or two key facts from the article, and end with a concluding line
Schedule a peer review and plan three rounds of revision
Explanation
A quick, focused paragraph should include a clear claim, a key piece of evidence, and a brief conclusion. The other choices are time-consuming steps better suited to extended projects.