Sacrifice without Borders
Web-based Content
Sacrifice without Borders
Grade Levels
Course, Subject
Keywords
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Big Ideas
Information to gain or expand knowledge can be acquired through a variety of sources.Purpose, topic and audience guide types of writingWriting is a means of documenting thinkingWriting is a recursive process that conveys ideas, thoughts and feelingsAudience and purpose influence the writer’s choice of organizational pattern, language, and literacy techniques.Critical thinkers actively and skillfully interpret, analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information.Rules of grammar and convention of language support clarity of communications between writers/speakers, and readers/listeners.
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Concepts
Focus, content, organization, style, and conventions work together to impact writing qualityInformational sources have unique purposes.Informational writing describes, explains and/or summarizes ideas or content in a variety of genre.Organization of information facilitates meaning.The writing supports a thesis or research question based on research, observation, and/or experience.Various types of writing are distinguished by their characteristicsCharacteristics of effective writing work together to impact qualityContent for WritingFocus for WritingOrganization for WritingResponse to LiteratureWriting ConventionsWriting Style
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Competencies
Construct parallel structures between sentences and paragraphs.Construct parallel structures between sentences, paragraphs and related documents.Develop an organizational format appropriate to mode and purpose that sustains writing in a logical order. (organization)Develop complete paragraphs that have details and information specific to the topic and relevant to a well-defined focusDevelop substantial, relevant and illustrative content that demonstrates a clear understanding of the purpose (content).Develop substantive content that is fully explained and well-supported with details, facts, research, examples and is appropriate for the topic (content)Develop topic-specific content that effectively and fully explains and supports the work by using details, facts, research, and/or examples (content)Develop topic-specific content that is explained and supported with details and examples appropriate to audience and mode using precise vocabulary. (content)Differentiate between primary and secondary source material.Employ effective organizational strategies and structures, such as logical order and transitions, which develop a controlling idea (organization).Follow the conventional style for the type of document and use page formats, fonts and spacing that contribute to the readability and impact of the document.Identify a single thesis, research question or topic. Attribute sources of information when appropriate. Use information in maps, charts, graphs, time lines, tables and diagrams to inform writing.Identify characteristics of primary and secondary source materials.Incorporate an expansive and expressive vocabulary that includes terms specific to the topicIncorporate appropriate transitions within and between paragraphs.Informational Writing: Develop substantial, relevant and illustrative content that demonstrates a clear understanding of the purpose (content).Informational Writing: Employ effective organizational strategies and structures, such as logical order and transitions, which develop a controlling idea (organization).Informational Writing: Use proper conventions to compose in the standard form of the English language (conventions).Informational Writing: Write with a sharp, distinct controlling point made about a single topic with evident awareness of task and audience (focus).Informational Writing: Write with precise control of language, stylistic techniques, and sentence structures that create a consistent and effective tone (style).Integrate appropriate transitions within and between paragraphs.Locate and select appropriate resource materials to achieve a research goal.Locate and select the appropriate source materials to achieve a research goal.Narrative Writing: Develop substantial, relevant and illustrative content that demonstrates a clear understanding of the purpose (content).Narrative Writing: Employ effective organizational strategies and structures, such as logical order and transitions, which develop a controlling idea (organization).Narrative Writing: Use proper conventions to compose in the standard form of the English language (conventions).Narrative Writing: Write with a sharp, distinct controlling point made about a single topic with evident awareness of task and audience (focus).Narrative Writing: Write with precise control of language, stylistic techniques, and sentence structures that create a consistent and effective tone (style).Organize and present information and data that support and illustrate inferences and conclusions drawn from research.Organize and present information drawn from research.Organize and sustain writing in a logical order, including an introduction, body and conclusion with appropriate transitions within and between paragraphs. (organization)Persuasive Writing: Develop substantial, relevant and illustrative content that demonstrates a clear understanding of the purpose (content).Persuasive Writing: Employ effective organizational strategies and structures, such as logical order and transitions, which develop a controlling idea (organization).Persuasive Writing: Use proper conventions to compose in the standard form of the English language (conventions).Persuasive Writing: Write with a sharp, distinct controlling point made about a single topic with evident awareness of task and audience (focus).Persuasive Writing: Write with precise control of language, stylistic techniques, and sentence structures that create a consistent and effective tone (style).Restate the topic and purpose in the conclusion.Summarize relevant information from source material to achieve a research goal.Synthesize relevant information from source materials to achieve a research goal.Use an effective format that is relevant to audience and task.Use grade appropriate conventions of written language when writing and editing. (i.e. correct spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar and sentence formation) (conventions)Use organizational patterns that support key ideas and are appropriate to format and purpose. (organization)Use precise vocabulary when developing writingUse proper conventions to compose in the standard form of the English language (conventions).Use socially and academically appropriate language and contentUse socially and academically appropriate writing conventions in a variety of formal and informal communication.Use strong verbs and nouns, concrete details, and sensory language to make meaning clear to the readerUse the introduction to establish the purpose and the topic.Use the introduction to establish the purpose.Write a series of paragraphs with details and information relevant to the focus.Write a series of paragraphs with topic sentences and supporting details that are relevant to the focus.Write informational pieces, specific to a purpose and audience, which have a well developed main idea, includes cause and effect relationships or problem and solution, and contain precise language and specific detail, relevant graphics, and primary and secondary sources (e.g. letters, reports, instruction, essays, articles, interviews).Write to create an individual writing style, tone and voice through the use of a variety of sentence structures, descriptive word choices, literary devices and precise language. (style)Write to create an individual writing style, tone and voice through the use of precise and well integrated language, literary devices and a variety of sentence structures. (style)Write to create style, tone, and voice using a variety of sentence structures and descriptive word choices, and literary devices. (style)Write to inform by: • presenting information purposefully and succinctly to meet the needs of the intended audience. • applying organizational structures that communicate information and ideas accurately and coherently. • using language that qualifies fact from opinion. • developing informational genres that relate to a variety of purposes and audiences (e.g.: instructions, memos, e-mails, correspondence, project plans, proposals, and resumes).Write to inform by: • presenting information purposefully and succinctly to meet the needs of the intended audience. • applying organizational structures that communicate information and ideas accurately and coherently. • using language that qualifies fact from opinion. • communicating quantitative and qualitative technical information and concepts from primary and secondary sources accurately and coherently. • using language that qualifies evidence from inference. • developing informational genres that relate to a variety of purposes and audiences (e.g.: instructions, memos, e-mails, correspondence, project plans, proposals, and resumes).Write with a sharp, distinct controlling point made about a single topic with evident awareness of task and audience (focus).Write with a sharp, distinct focus (e.g. sharp controlling point), identifying topic, purpose and audience (focus)Write with precise control of language, stylistic techniques, and sentence structures that create a consistent and effective tone (style).Write with sharp, distinct focus, identifying topic, purpose and audience (focus)Focus, content, organization, style, and conventions work together to impact writing qualityDemonstrate a grade appropriate command of the conventions of standard English grammar, usage, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research, applying grade level reading standards for literature and literary non-fiction.Informational: Develop and analyze the topic with relevant, well-chosen, and sufficient facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples appropriate to the audience’s knowledge of the topic; include graphics and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension. Argumentative: Distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims; develop claim(s) fairly, supplying evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the audience’s knowledge level and concerns. Narrative: Use narrative techniques such as dialogue, description, reflection, multiple plot lines, and pacing, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters; use precise words and phrases, telling details, and sensory language to convey a vivid picture of the experiences, events, settings, and/or characters.Informational: Identify and introduce the topic clearly, including a preview of what is to follow. Argumentative: Introduce and state an opinion on a topic. Narrative: Engage and orient the reader by establishing a context and point of view and introducing a narrator and/or characters.Informational: Write with a sharp distinct focus identifying topic, task, and audience. Argumentative: Introduce the precise, knowledgeable claim. Narrative: Engage and orient the reader by setting out a problem, situation, or observation and its significance, establishing one or multiple points of view, and introducing a narrator and/or characters.Informational: Write with a sharp distinct focus identifying topic, task, and audience. Argumentative: Write with a sharp distinct focus identifying topic, task, and audience. Narrative: Engage and orient the reader by setting out a problem, situation, or observation, establishing one or multiple points of view, and introducing a narrator and/or characters.Informational: Develop and analyze the topic thoroughly by selecting the most significant and relevant facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples appropriate to the audience’s knowledge of the topic; include graphics and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension. Argumentative: Distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims; develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly and thoroughly, supplying the most relevant evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the audience’s knowledge level, concerns, values, and possible biases. Narrative: Use narrative techniques such as dialogue, description, reflection, multiple plot lines, and pacing, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters; use precise words and phrases, telling details, and sensory language to convey a vivid picture of the experiences, events, settings, and/or characters.Informational: Develop and analyze the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples; include graphics and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension. Argumentative: Acknowledge alternate or opposing claims and support claim with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic. Narrative: Use narrative techniques such as dialogue, description, and pacing, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters; use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to capture the action and convey experiences and events.Informational: Develop and analyze the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples; include graphics and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension. Opinion: Use clear reasons and relevant evidence to support claims, using credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic. Narrative: Use narrative techniques such as dialogue, description, and pacing, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters; use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to convey experiences and events.Informational: Develop and analyze the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples; include graphics and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension. Argumentative: Acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims and support claim with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic. Narrative: Use narrative techniques such as dialogue, description, reflection, and pacing, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters; use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to capture the action and convey experiences and events.Informational: Identify and introduce the topic clearly, including a preview of what is to follow. Argumentative: Introduce and state an opinion on a topic. Narrative: Engage and orient the reader by establishing a context and point of view and introducing a narrator and/or characters.Informational: Identify and introduce the topic for the intended audience. Opinion: Introduce and state an opinion on a topic. Narrative: Engage and orient the reader by establishing a context and introducing a narrator and/or characters.Informational: Organize complex ideas, concepts, and information so that each new element builds on that which precedes it to create whole; use appropriate and varied transitions and syntax to link the major sections of the text; provide a concluding statement or section that supports the information presented; include formatting when useful to aiding comprehension. Argumentative: Create organization that logically sequences claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence; Use words, phrases, and clauses as well as varied syntax to link the major sections of the text create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between claim(s) and reasons, between reasons and evidence, and between claim(s) and counterclaims; provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented. Narrative: Create a smooth progression of experiences or events using a variety of techniques to sequence events so that they build on one another to create a coherent whole and build toward a particular tone and outcome; provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on what is experienced, observed, or resolved over the course of the narrative.Informational: Organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories; use appropriate and varied transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts; provide a concluding statement or section; include formatting when useful to aiding comprehension. Argumentative: Organize the claim(s) with clear reasons and evidence clearly; clarify relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence by using words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion; provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented. Narrative: Organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally and logically using a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence, signal shifts from one time frame or setting to another and show the relationships among experiences and events; provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on the narrated experiences or events.Informational: Organize ideas, concepts, and information to make important connections and distinctions; use appropriate and varied transitions to link the major sections of the text; include formatting when useful to aiding comprehension; provide a concluding statement or section. Argumentative: Create organization that establishes clear relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence; Use words, phrases, and clauses to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between claim(s) and reasons, between reasons and evidence, and between claim(s) and counterclaims; provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented. Narrative: Create a smooth progression of experiences or events using a variety of techniques to sequence events so that they build on one another to create a coherent whole; provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on what is experienced, observed, or resolved over the course of the narrative.Informational: Organize ideas, concepts, and information using strategies such as definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect; use appropriate transitions to clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts; provide a concluding statement or section; include formatting when useful to aiding comprehension. Opinion: Organize the claim(s) with clear reasons and evidence clearly; clarify relationships among claim(s) and reasons by using words, phrases, and clauses; provide a concluding statement or section that follows from the argument presented. Narrative: Organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally and logically, using a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence and signal shifts from one time frame or setting to another; provide a conclusion that follows from the narrated experiences and events.Informative: Organize ideas, concepts, and information using strategies such as definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect; use appropriate transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts; provide a concluding statement or section; include formatting when useful to aiding comprehension. Argumentative: Organize the claim(s) with clear reasons and evidence clearly; clarify relationships among claim(s) and reasons by using words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion; provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented. Narrative: Organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally and logically, using a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence and signal shifts from one time frame or setting to another; provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on the narrated experiences and events.Write with an awareness of the stylistic aspects of composition.
Description
In small groups, students write a newspaper article based upon Dr. Cox's story. In a concluding activity, each student writes a "service before self" newspaper article.
Web-based Resource
The above link will direct you to the home page of the Congressional Medal of Honor Character Development Program. Once you have created a free account and have logged on, you will automatically be redirected to the appropriate lesson.
Content Provider
The program was designed to be used for a variety of educational purposes by teachers in any school system in middle and high school. The primary goal is to prompt students to think of others before themselves and to make these good choices every day.
To learn more about the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation: www.cmohs.org