Writing

W.8.1

 Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.

Grade 8

Score 4.0

In addition to score 3.0 performance, the student demonstrates in-depth inferences and applications that go beyond what was taught. 

For example: Counterclaim is sophisticated and well-developed

For example: Counterclaim works to make claim stronger

Score 3.0

Bold content is new to grade level

The student will: 

Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.

a.            Introduce claim(s), acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.

b.            Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources, including oral sources, and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text. 

c.             Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence. 

d.            Establish and maintain a formal style. 

e.            Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.

Learning Target(s):

• I can introduce a claim and support my claim throughout with logically organized, clear reasons and relevant evidence.
• I can distinguish claims from counterclaims. 
• I can acknowledge an opposing claim
• I can use accurate, credible sources.
• I can use transitions to create cohesion and clarify relationships in the text.
• I can provide a conclusion to support argument presented.

Score 2.0

The student will recognize or recall specific vocabulary, such as: 

• accurate, alternate, argument, claim, counterclaim,  clarify, clause, cohesion, concluding statement, credible, distinguish, evidence, formal style, introduce, logical, opposing, organize, phrase, reason, reasoning, relationship, relevant, source, support, text, topi

The student will perform basic processes, such as:

• Introduce a claim, and support my claim with reasoning and evidence.
• Identify an opposing claim.
• Use transitions.
• Provide a conclusion.

Score 1.0

With help, partial success at score 2.0 content and score 3.0 content.

Writing

W.8.2

 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.

Grade 8

Score 4.0

In addition to score 3.0 performance, the student demonstrates in-depth inferences and applications that go beyond what was taught. 

For example: Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented (e.g., articulating implications or the significance of the topic).

For example: Introduce a topic; organize complex ideas, concepts, and information to make important connections and distinctions

Score 3.0

Bold is new to 8th grade content

The student will: 

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. 

a.            Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories; include formatting (for example, headings), graphics (for example, charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension 

b.            Develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples 

c.             Use appropriate and varied transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts 

d.            Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic

e.            Establish and maintain a formal style 

f.              Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented 

Learning Target(s):

• I can introduce a topic clearly and preview what is to follow.
• I can organize ideas into broader categories.
• I can include formatting, graphics and multimedia to aid in comprehension when necessary                                                                  
• I can develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples 
• I can use a variety of appropriate transitions to link major ideas of my paper and show connections between ideas and concepts.
• I can use precise language and specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
• I can use a formal style.
• I can provide a concluding statement or section that supports significance of explanation presented 

Score 2.0

The student will recognize or recall specific vocabulary, such as: 

• Analysis, category, chart, clarify, cohesion, comprehension, concept, concluding statement, concrete, convey, definition, detail, domain-specific vocabulary, example, explain, fact, formal style, formatting, graphic, heading, idea, inform, information, informative/explanatory, introduce, multimedia, organization, organize, precise, preview, quotation, relationship, relevant, selection, support, table, topic, transition, varied

The student will perform basic processes, such as:

•  Introduce a topic
• Provide a conclusion statement
• Identify the characteristics of a model informative/explanatory piece
• Generate a list of details from relevant information related to a topic

Score 1.0

With help, partial success at score 2.0 content and score 3.0 content.