Writing Standards: Research and Synthesis Projects (CCSS.W.8.7)
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Common Core 8th Grade ELA › Writing Standards: Research and Synthesis Projects (CCSS.W.8.7)
Research Question: How do community gardens impact urban neighborhoods? Notes from sources:
- A city report found that neighborhoods with community gardens saw more fresh produce access and increased neighbor interaction.
- The tallest skyscraper in the city was completed in 2015 and has 110 floors.
- At Maple Street Garden, one volunteer harvested 50 pounds of tomatoes in June.
Which note best supports the research question?
A city report found that neighborhoods with community gardens saw more fresh produce access and increased neighbor interaction.
The tallest skyscraper in the city was completed in 2015 and has 110 floors.
At Maple Street Garden, one volunteer harvested 50 pounds of tomatoes in June.
Plants are important for life.
Explanation
Choice A directly addresses community gardens' neighborhood effects (access to food and social connection). B is off-topic (skyscrapers), C is too narrow (one garden's single harvest), and D is vague and not specific to neighborhoods.
Research Question: What strategies can students use to evaluate the credibility of online sources? Notes from sources:
- Cross-check information with other reputable outlets, examine the author's credentials and publication date, and look for citations.
- One blog claims students should avoid any website that ends in .com.
- A recipe for making a fruit smoothie with yogurt and ice.
Which note best supports the research question?
The internet has a lot of information.
Cross-check information with other reputable outlets, examine the author's credentials and publication date, and look for citations.
A recipe for making a fruit smoothie with yogurt and ice.
One blog claims students should avoid any website that ends in .com.
Explanation
Choice B gives clear, relevant strategies for judging credibility. A is vague, C is off-topic, and D is an overly specific and misleading rule that doesn't reliably measure credibility.
Research Question: In what ways did the transcontinental railroad change life in the United States? Notes from sources:
- It reduced coast-to-coast travel time and expanded trade by linking distant markets.
- Care tips for house cats, including grooming and playtime suggestions.
- A ticket from Omaha to Sacramento cost $65 in 1870 on one line.
Which note best supports the research question?
Care tips for house cats, including grooming and playtime suggestions.
A ticket from Omaha to Sacramento cost $65 in 1870 on one line.
It reduced coast-to-coast travel time and expanded trade by linking distant markets.
Trains are fast.
Explanation
Choice C directly explains broad social and economic impacts. A is off-topic, B is too narrow (a single price on one route), and D is vague and doesn't address nationwide change.
Research Question: How does plastic pollution affect marine animals? Notes from sources:
- Studies show sea turtles, seabirds, and fish ingest plastic, causing internal blockages and starvation.
- A 2019 report described a single stranded whale with 40 pounds of plastic in its stomach.
- Benefits of hiking in mountain parks, like improved mood and fitness.
Which note best supports the research question?
Benefits of hiking in mountain parks, like improved mood and fitness.
A 2019 report described a single stranded whale with 40 pounds of plastic in its stomach.
Oceans are big and full of water.
Studies show sea turtles, seabirds, and fish ingest plastic, causing internal blockages and starvation.
Explanation
Choice D presents broad, research-based effects on multiple marine animals. A is off-topic, B is too narrow (a single case), and C is vague and unrelated to impacts of plastic.
Research question: What strategies help middle schoolers evaluate the credibility of online sources? Notes from sources:
- Researchers recommend examining author credentials, publication date, and corroborating information across multiple sources.
- How to build a gaming PC.
- One blog post from 2017 used a color-coded rating system for websites.
Which note best supports the research question?
How to build a gaming PC.
One blog post from 2017 used a color-coded rating system for websites.
Use good judgment when reading online.
Researchers recommend examining author credentials, publication date, and corroborating information across multiple sources.
Explanation
Choice D directly lists credible evaluation strategies aligned with the research focus. Choice A is off-topic, choice B is overly specific and dated, and choice C is too vague to guide research.
Research question: How do invasive species impact local ecosystems? Notes from sources:
- Invasive zebra mussels filter plankton, leading to clearer water but reduced food for native fish, disrupting the food web.
- Tourism revenues for a coastal town last summer.
- One pond in Elm Park lost three lily pads.
Which note best supports the research question?
Invasive zebra mussels filter plankton, leading to clearer water but reduced food for native fish, disrupting the food web.
Tourism revenues for a coastal town last summer.
One pond in Elm Park lost three lily pads.
Nature sometimes changes.
Explanation
Choice A explains a clear ecological effect of an invasive species on the food web, directly addressing the research question. Choice B is off-topic, choice C is too narrow, and choice D is vague.
Research question: What are effective ways schools can reduce cafeteria food waste? Notes from sources:
- Studies of school cafeterias found that share tables and clear sorting stations decrease trash and allow safe redistribution of unopened items.
- History of French cuisine.
- One student threw away half an apple on Tuesday.
Which note best supports the research question?
History of French cuisine.
One student threw away half an apple on Tuesday.
Studies of school cafeterias found that share tables and clear sorting stations decrease trash and allow safe redistribution of unopened items.
Students should try harder not to waste food.
Explanation
Choice C provides broad, actionable strategies supported by studies, directly answering the research question. Choice A is off-topic, choice B is too narrow, and choice D is vague and not research-based.
Research question: How do urban community gardens affect neighborhood well-being? Notes from sources:
- A 2019 city report found neighborhoods with community gardens saw increased social interaction and cleaner vacant lots.
- The first video game consoles were popular in the 1980s.
- One garden on Maple Street harvested exactly 42 pounds of tomatoes in June.
Which note best supports the research question?
One garden on Maple Street harvested exactly 42 pounds of tomatoes in June.
A 2019 city report found neighborhoods with community gardens saw increased social interaction and cleaner vacant lots.
The first video game consoles were popular in the 1980s.
Some people enjoy being outside on weekends.
Explanation
Choice B directly addresses neighborhood impacts by citing broader outcomes (social interaction, cleaner lots). A is too narrow, C is off-topic, and D is vague.
Research question: How did the invention of the bicycle change transportation in cities? Notes from sources:
- A transportation journal review shows that after bike-share programs launch, short car trips decline and traffic congestion eases downtown.
- A single café put 7 new bike racks in 2023.
- The fastest sprinter in the last Olympics ran under 10 seconds.
Which note best supports the research question?
The fastest sprinter in the last Olympics ran under 10 seconds.
A single café put 7 new bike racks in 2023.
Cycling is fun and healthy.
A transportation journal review shows that after bike-share programs launch, short car trips decline and traffic congestion eases downtown.
Explanation
Choice D connects bicycles to city transportation patterns with broad evidence. A is off-topic, B is too narrow, and C is vague opinion.
Research question: What are effective strategies schools use to reduce food waste in cafeterias? Notes from sources:
- A study of five middle schools reported that scheduling lunch after recess reduced leftovers by about one-third and increased fruit consumption.
- One cafeteria threw away exactly 13 cartons of milk on Tuesday.
- The history of space exploration includes many famous missions.
Which note best supports the research question?
A study of five middle schools reported that scheduling lunch after recess reduced leftovers by about one-third and increased fruit consumption.
One cafeteria threw away exactly 13 cartons of milk on Tuesday.
The history of space exploration includes many famous missions.
Some students prefer pizza.
Explanation
Choice A provides school-wide strategy evidence about reducing waste. B is too narrow, C is off-topic, and D is vague preference.