4 Prerequisite Skills for Text-dependent Writing Tasks

Explore how to effectively engage with text-dependent writing tasks by learning prerequisite skills such as reading comprehension, textual analysis, evidence gathering, and incorporating sources.

Text-dependent writing tasks are assignments that require students to formulate responses based explicitly on information provided within a given text. These tasks aim to cultivate critical thinking skills, reading comprehension, and effective communication. Students are expected to analyze the text, cite evidence to support their responses, and demonstrate a deep understanding of the content. Text-dependent writing tasks are aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in English Language Arts, particularly in Reading and Writing.

At the end of our Literacy Geeks Show: Episode 2, we mentioned prerequisite writing skills necessary for successfully responding to text-dependent tasks. Here is a list of skills to consider as you explicitly teach how to use sources in writing.

Reading Comprehension

Students must be able to comprehend the text thoroughly to extract relevant information and ideas. We recommend spending a significant amount of time modeling close reading strategies and increasing opportunities for students to rehearse close reading skills collaboratively and independently.

Textual Analysis

Students must learn how to analyze and interpret a text, identifying arguments, evidence, and purpose. As part of understanding an author's purpose, students must learn how to identify what is motivating a writer to write. What is the writer responding to? If students can understand what a writer is saying and begin to comprehend why the writer is saying it, they will be better at using sources to support their own ideas.

Evidence Gathering

Once students have read and understood a source, they should ask a few questions:

How can I use this source?
How much of the source should I use?
What needs to be directly quoted and why?
How might this source support my thinking?
How do I intend to use these sources (if there are 2 or more available) together?
Which one makes the strongest argument?

Incorporating Sources and Attributing

Understanding how to integrate and cite textual evidence effectively and attribute sources properly is essential to college and career readiness. Students, when writing, must manage their sources by clearly distinguishing between their own voice and the voice of others. (Much more will be said on this topic in our next Literacy Geeks Show).

By possessing these prerequisite skills, students can effectively engage with text-dependent writing tasks, demonstrating their comprehension, analytical prowess, and ability to articulate ideas cogently.

Jonathan LeMaster