Grade 8 - Claim 2 - Target 6a
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Target 6a
Write Brief Texts
Sample Item
Grade 8Test
Claim 2
Writing
Standards
W-1a
Introduce claim(s), acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.
W-1b
Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.
W-1c
Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.
W-1d
Establish and maintain a formal style.
W-1e
Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.
W-8
Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while...
W-9
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
Clarifications
Items for this target must have a setup (Lead-in) that establishes audience, purpose (argument), and context/task. Organization items focus on the student’s ability to compose a brief text (one to two paragraphs) by providing a...
Range Achievement Level Descriptors
Evidence Required
Evidence 1
(Organization) The student will use information provided in a stimulus to organize arguments by providing an opening...
Evidence 2
(Elaboration) The student will use information provided in a stimulus to develop or elaborate on a...
Item Guidelines
Depth of Knowledge
W-DOK3
Level 3 requires some higher level mental processing. Students are engaged in developing compositions that include multiple paragraphs. These compositions may include complex sentence structure and may demonstrate some synthesis and analysis. Students show awareness of their audience and purpose...
Allowable Item Types
- Short Text, constructed response (WR)
Stimuli
Passages
Stimuli for target 6a will be brief argumentative texts (one to three paragraphs, ranging between 200 and 250 words, excluding student notes, which should range between 70 and 80 words in length). Stimuli for target 6b can be shorter and...
Text Complexity
The stimulus must be appropriately complex for the skill being assessed. The stimulus must be consistent with the purpose and intent of the target and standard being measured. The stimulus will read as would authentic student writing for the targeted grade....
Accessibility
Students will be required to read brief argumentative texts (one to two paragraphs) and write one or more paragraphs. Students with physical impairments may need to use an adapted mouse or a computer with...
Task Models
Task Model 1
Item Types
Short Text, constructed response (WR)Depth of Knowledge
W-DOK3
Target Evidence Statement
(Organization) The student will use information provided in a stimulus to organize arguments by providing an opening that establishes a clear claim organizing reasons and evidence to support claims, so as to build a logical argument providing appropriate transitional strategies for coherence, clarifying...
(Elaboration) The student will use information provided in a stimulus to develop or elaborate on a designated part of an argumentative text by referencing and/or integrating relevant reasons supported by credible evidence (from notes provided) acknowledging/addressing alternate or opposing claims establishing and maintaining...
Task Description
The Lead-in will provide information about the stimulus and the composing task. The Stem will explain how the stimulus information is to be used (e.g., compose a story beginning; develop details) within the body...
Stimulus
Text should be grade level and content appropriate, as if written by a student. Text should be a model of good writing. Text will be information that the student will use in composing a...
Appropriate Stems
ORGANIZATION ITEMS LEAD-IN: A student is writing a[n] [argumentative] <writing form> for the [newspaper/mayor/school board/town/city council/principal, etc.] about <topic>. Read the draft of the <writing form> and complete the task that follows. [Insert stimulus @ 200-250...