Making the leap into early academic writing can feel overwhelming — for learners and teachers alike! 

There are many types of writing included under the umbrella of "academic writing," and it can be beneficial to take some time to really focus on learning the elements of each particular type. 

This class focuses on research writing. Again and again in their academic and professional lives, learners will need to find sources, make sure they’re credible, take notes, and incorporate that information into their own writing.

We’ll practice these important skills through creating a focused research project on a topic of the learner’s choice.

Note: Classes in the Middle School Writing Foundations series (1-4) can be taken individually or out of order, but learners brand new to academic writing will benefit from taking them sequentially. In particular, learners will do best if they have gained the skills of Note-Taking and Summary (Class 1) and Informative Writing (Class 3).

Gain Key Academic Writing and Reading Foundations

Research writing is a foundational academic writing skill.

This class will dive deep into the following research writing elements: 

• Determining whether a source is credible and relevant or not
• Incorporating sources through paraphrase, summary, and direct quote
• Citing sources (basic MLA format with an emphasis on avoiding plagiarism)

Self-Paced Format

This is a self-paced class, which means you can take as much time as you'd like.

The suggested schedule is 8 weeks.

This class will require facilitator (parent/guardian/tutor) feedback. Rubrics and feedback guidance are included.

Find Individual Processes for Writing

There is no one way to write well. Learners must develop their own strategies and build a toolbox of approaches they can turn to as demands increase over time. 

This class is designed to focus with intention on the tools used in research writing.

Writers will get to practice writing their own research texts with multiple drafts with focus on specific elements along the way.

Recommended Ages: 11-14

Supplies:

To participate successfully in class, learners will need the following:

• PDF Reader
• Word processing software (such as Google Docs or Microsoft Word)

(Note: There are no required texts to purchase. Learners will receive access to links of class materials.)

Is this the right fit for your learner?

This class is a beginner option for my Middle School level classes (Middle School Foundations/Level 1). It’s designed for learners who are new to academic writing expectations. Learners will do best if they have the following skills: 

• Can write about 150-200 words (about one-half page double spaced) on a single topic
• Effectively take notes that capture key ideas from readings
• Confidently and accurately summarize informative texts without bias
• Confidently reads texts at or above ~650L on the Lexile rating

This class is a good fit for middle school readers and writers who have not had much formal academic writing experience.

It’s an especially good fit for those who need practice in understanding how to find and evaluate resources and incorporate the information they find in their own work. 

Finding the Right Challenge

Writers who cannot confidently take notes or summarize texts should not take this class yet. Instead, they may want to consider Middle School Writing Foundations 1: Note-Taking and Summary.

Writers who have not worked with sources and experienced integrating direct quotes and creating paraphrases would benefit from first taking Middle School Writing Foundations 3: Informative Writing.

More advanced writers with experience writing academic essays may benefit from this class if they struggle with research skills.

Writers who can confidently find credible sources and use them efficiently to write research papers may find this class does not offer enough challenge.

These writers may instead benefit from a Middle School Writing Level 2 class, which are more robust classes.

Skills Gained

We will focus on informative writing elements through both reading and writing practice. 

Students will learn about the following:

• Finding credible sources of information
• Evaluating sources to determine their credibility and relevance
• Incorporating sources into writing to effectively support their own arguments

Common Core Standards Alignment

For those who are using Common Core standards, this course meets the following: 

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.2, 7.2, and 8.2 (identifying central ideas)
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.4, 7.4, and 8.4 (determining word meaning in context)
• CCSS.ELA-WRITING.6.7, 7.7, and 8.7 (conducting research projects)
• CCSS.ELA-WRITING.6.8, 7.8, and 8.8 (incorporating and citing sources)
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WRITING.6.4, 7.4, and 8.4 (write clear and coherent texts)
• CCS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.5, 7.5, and 8.5 (plan, revise, edit and rewrite)
• CCS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.10, 7.10, and 8.10 (write routinely over extended time frames)