Alabama Learning Exchange
The Big Bang Theory: An Evidence-Based Argument
What evidence supports the big bang theory? Individuals analyze scholarly resources about the the theory and develop arguments backed by evidence. They brainstorm, share ideas, watch a video, and read articles to complete a graphic...
University of North Carolina
Honors Theses
For those enrolled in a college honors program, four years of hard work culminate in one paper—an honors thesis. A handout outlines the steps to writing the paper, beginning with a sample timetable and time management instructions. Once...
University of Delaware
Constructing Text-Based Arguments About Social Issues
Eighth graders take a stand on a variety of controversial topics with a lesson on argumentative writing. As they view an informative presentation and work with collaborative groups, they decide which side of each argument they want to...
California Education Partners
Seeing Eye to Eye
A performance task challenges scholars to read an informational text then respond with an explanatory essay. The exam begins with an independent reading of Seeing Eye to Eye by Leslie Hall. A second reading follows with the...
California Education Partners
Telescopes
An assessment challenges scholars to read an informative text then respond with an explanatory essay. The exam begins as participants read a text passage twice then take notes, making sure to jot down key details. Following the...
California Education Partners
Frog and Toad Together by Arnold Lobel
A three-part assessment tests scholars' reading and writing capabilities. Young readers listen to and read an excerpt from Frog and Toad Together by Arnold Lobel. After drawing pictures of what is memorable, learners discuss...
Curated OER
The Editing Process
Learners in upper-level college-bound English classes review the editing process and terms such as, tone, diction, transition, and conclusion. They read and evaluate a sample essay and identify parts they feel they could improve on. ...
Curated OER
Writing an Interpretive Essay to Describe a Theme - The Red Shoes
Young scholars explore the concept of literature themes. In this theme lesson, students watch a video segment of "The Red Shoes." Young scholars discuss the author's message regarding friendship and then write a friendship essay.
Curated OER
Introductions and Conclusions
Students discuss the importance of writing clear, well structured essays. They explore the use of introductions and conclusions when writing an essay. Students compose an essay using both introductions and conclusions.
Curated OER
"How To Build A Snowman" Expository Writing
Fourth graders write a "how to..." or an expository essay on building a snowman. They practice giving directions by explaining how to draw a person using shapes without mentioning that it's a person being drawn. They revise through the...
Curated OER
Five Paragraph Essay
Eighth graders are introduced to the mechanics of writing a standard-form essay. They draft, edit and polish a five-paragraph essay about spending the day as an animal of their choice.
Curated OER
The Editing Process
Students edit and critique essays. In this editing and critiquing lesson, students examine a sample essay and edit it. Students read the essay aloud to determine the areas that need to be revised. Students then write their own essay for...
Curated OER
Rule of 3 Web
Students create a web with the writing topic in the center of the web. They extend three branches from the center of the web, write the main ideas that support and develop the topic. They draw three branches that extend from each main...
Curated OER
Pioneer America: Legendary Westerners - Can One Person Really Make a Difference?
Fourth graders research famous Americans from the Westward Movement and complete an interview. In this Westward Movement instructional activity, 4th graders work in pairs to research someone who was important during this time period....
Curated OER
Writing Formal and Informal Letters
Third graders write a thank-you note and a formal letter of request that included relevant information, such as a return address, date, inside address, proper salutation, body, closing, and signature. They write an imaginary letter to...
SparkNotes
Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov: Study Guide - Mini Essays
In this online interactive literature worksheet, students respond to 8 short answer and essay questions about Vladimir Nabokov's Lolita. Students may check some of their answers online.
SparkNotes
The Return of the King by J. R. R. Tolkien: Study Guide - Mini Essays
In this online interactive literature activity, learners respond to 9 short answer and essay questions about J.R.R. Tolkien's The Return of the King. Students may check some of their answers online.
SparkNotes
Paradise Lost by John Milton: Study Guide - Mini Essays
In this online interactive literature instructional activity, students respond to 7 short answer and essay questions about John Milton's Paradise Lost. Students may check some of their answers online.
SparkNotes
The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare: Study Guide - Mini Essays
In this online interactive literature learning exercise, learners respond to 7 short answer and essay questions about Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew. Students may check some of their answers online.
SparkNotes
American Dream by Edward Albee: Study Guide - Mini Essays
In this online interactive literature worksheet, students respond to 8 short answer and essay questions about Edward Albee's American Dream. Students may check some of their answers online.
SparkNotes
Bible: The New Testament: Study Guide - Mini Essays
In this online interactive literature learning exercise, students respond to 7 short answer and essay questions about the New Testament of the Bible. Students may check some of their answers online.
SparkNotes
A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen: Study Guide - Mini Essays
For this online interactive literature worksheet, high schoolers respond to 8 short answer and essay questions about Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House. Students may check some of their answers online.
SparkNotes
Dr. Zhivago by Boris Pasternak: Study Guide - Mini Essays
In this online interactive literature worksheet, students respond to 9 short answer and essay questions about Boris Pasternak's Dr. Zhivago. Students may check some of their answers online.
SparkNotes
Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen: Study Guide - Mini Essays
In this online interactive literature worksheet, students respond to 8 short answer and essay questions about Susanna Kaysen's Girl, Interrupted. Students may check some of their answers online.