Tool Box Item Details - Pathways Academy - Diversity by Design

Title

Assessment - Quick Scale Marking: Grade 8 Writing

Content

Writing Personal Views or Response

Aspect	Emerging	Developing	Proficient	Extending
SNAPSHOT	The writing addresses the topic but is seriously flawed by problems in logic, style, and mechanics. May be very short.	The writing presents relevant ideas about the topic but does not develop the topic to any extent. Often vague; parts may be flawed by errors.	The writing is clear and logical, with some analysis and development of a central idea. Provides sufficient material to meet requirements.	The writing is clear, analytic, and shows some insight. It features some engaging ideas or language.
MEANING ideas and information use of detail generalizations or connections	presents some ideas; may be illogical or inappropriate inaccurate, illogical, or insufficient details connections may be omitted or confusing	presents a series of related ideas generally accurate details, examples, and explanations; may not link to central idea some difficulty making connections beyond the immediate and concrete	sense of purpose; tries to deal with complexities relevant and accurate details, examples, and explanations; includes some analysis makes connections or generalizations beyond the immediate topic	purposeful, with some individuality, insight; deals with complexities some engaging details, examples, explanations; includes analysis, reflection, speculation puts topic in a broader context; logical generalizations, connections
STYLE clarity, variety, and impact of language	no sense of fluency or flow; sentences are often short and choppy or long and awkward limited, simple language	some sentence variety; uses complex sentences conversational language; generally appropriate	uses a variety of sentence types and lengths language is clear, appropriate, and varied	flows smoothly; uses a variety of sentence types and lengths effectively varied and effective language
FORM beginning, middle, end organization and sequence transitions	often begins with introduction, assuming that the reader knows the topic and context ending is ineffective lapses in sequence may shift abruptly from one idea to another	beginning introduces the topic ending is often weak, formulaic related ideas are together; may be listed rather than developed simple transitions; sometimes ineffective	introduces topics and purpose explicit conclusion (often formulaic) logical sequence; related ideas are together transitions connect ideas clearly	establishes purpose and context in clear and often interesting introduction logical conclusion smooth and logical sequence; explicit paragraphing variety of natural and smooth transitions
CONVENTIONS complete sentences spelling punctuation grammar	frequent errors in simple words and structures often interfere with meaning	errors in basic words and structures are noticeable but do not obscure meaning	errors in more complex language are sometimes noticeable, but meaning is clear	may include occasional errors where the writer is taking risks with complex language; these do not interfere with meaning

Writing to Communicate Ideas and Information - Essays and Opinions

Aspect	Not Yet Within Expectations	Meets Expectations (Minimal Level)	Fully Meets Expectations	Exceeds Expectations
SNAPSHOT	The writing consists of loosely connected ideas and details; fragmented and difficult to follow.	The writing presents some connected ideas; accomplishes the basic purpose or task. Often does not flow smoothly.	The writing is clear, detailed, and well organized; accomplishes the purpose or task; flows smoothly.	The writing is clear, complete, and focused; effectively accomplishes the purpose or task, and may engage the reader.
MEANING ideas and information use of detail generalizations or conclusions sense of audience	purpose is unclear; writing is unfocused inappropriate, trivial, or simplistic details generalizations or conclusions omitted, illogical, inappropriate little sense of audience; tone may be inappropriate	purpose is clear; may lose focus some relevant examples and details may overgeneralize or omit generalizations or conclusions some sense of audience; tone may be inconsistent	purpose is clear; focus is generally sustained specific relevant examples, details some generalizations and conclusions sense of audience; appropriate tone (may slip)	purpose and focus are effective and sustained uses specific relevant examples and details to elaborate and clarify logical insights, generalizations, and conclusions clear sense of audience; appropriate and consistent tone
STYLE clarity, variety, and impact of language	language is simple little sentence variety; often awkward	clear and direct language some sentence variety	clear and varied language; some specialized terms variety of sentences	language clear, varied, and specific; uses specialized terms flows smoothly; effective sentences
FORM introduction organization conclusion	introduction does not clearly identify purpose lacks organization; often one paragraph of loosely related details and examples conclusion is missing or inappropriate	introduction states purpose; not engaging related material is grouped together, but transitions and paragraphing are weak (reads like a list, leaving reader to make connections) conclusion is simple or predictable	introduction clearly establishes purpose; attempts to engage individual paragraphs or sections are well organized; overall sequence and transitions may be ineffective in places logical conclusion; tries to create impact	introduction effectively establishes purpose; engages effectively organized; paragraphs or sections are well-developed, logically sequenced, and joined by transitions conclusion is strong and has an impact
CONVENTIONS complete sentences spelling punctuation grammar	frequent errors in simple words and structures often interfere with meaning	errors in basic words and structures are noticeable but do not obscure meaning	errors in more complex language are sometimes noticeable, but meaning is clear	may include occasional errors where the writer is taking risks with complex language; these do not interfere with meaning

Writing to Communicate Ideas and Information - Reports and Procedures

Aspect	Not Yet Within Expectations	Meets Expectations (Minimal Level)	Fully Meets Expectations	Exceeds Expectations
SNAPSHOT	The writing consists of loosely connected information; fragmented and difficult to follow.	The writing presents some connected information; accomplishes the basic purpose or task. Often does not flow smoothly.	The writing is clear, detailed, and well organized; accomplishes the purpose or task.	The writing is clear, complete, and focused; effectively accomplishes the purpose or task, and may engage the reader.
MEANING purpose ideas and information use of detail	purpose is unclear; writing is unfocused information is often inaccurate, incomplete, copied, or from an inappropriate source inappropriate, trivial, or simplistic details generalizations or conclusions omitted, illogical, inappropriate	purpose is clear; may lose focus information is generally relevant and accurate; may be vague or from limited sources some relevant examples and details may overgeneralize or omit generalizations or conclusions	purpose is clear; focus is generally sustained information is accurate, complete, from appropriate source(s) specific relevant examples, details some generalizations and conclusions	purpose and focus are effective and sustained information is accurate and complete; may use multiple sources uses specific relevant examples and details to elaborate and clarify logical insights, generalizations, and conclusions
STYLE clarity, variety, and impact of language	language is simple little sentence variety; often awkward	clear and direct language; few specialized terms some sentence variety	clear and varied language; some specialized terms variety of sentences	language is clear, varied, and specific; uses specialized terms flows smoothly; effective sentences
FORM purpose organization conclusion special features, where appropriate	does not clearly identify purpose, topic, and subtopics lacks organization; often one paragraph of loosely related details and examples conclusion is missing or inappropriate required graphics, visuals, and text features omitted or inappropriate	identifies purpose and topic related material is grouped together, but transitions and paragraphing are weak (reads like a list, leaving reader to make connections) conclusion is simple or predictable appropriate graphics, visuals, and text features are included but flawed	clearly identifies purpose, topics, subtopics individual paragraphs or sections are well organized; overall sequence and transitions may be ineffective in places logical conclusion; tries to create impact appropriate graphics, visuals, and text features are clear and complete	establishes and engages interest in purpose, topics, subtopics effectively organized; paragraphs or sections are well-developed, logically sequenced, and joined by transitions conclusion is strong and has an impact appropriate graphics, visuals, and text features are clear and effective
CONVENTIONS complete sentences spelling punctuation grammar	frequent errors in simple words and structures often interfere with meaning	errors in basic words and structures are noticeable, but do not obscure meaning	errors in more complex language are sometimes noticeable, but meaning is clear	may include occasional errors where the writer is taking risks with complex language; these do not interfere with meaning

Literary Writing - Stories

Aspect	Not Yet Within Expectations	Meets Expectations (Minimal Level)	Fully Meets Expectations	Exceeds Expectations
SNAPSHOT	The story is an attempt at the required type but is seriously flawed by problems in logic, style, and mechanics. May be very short.	The story is direct and complete, with some detail, although ideas are not fully developed, and parts are flawed by errors. Attempts required form.	The story is clear and logical; develops a theme, central idea, or problem with some detail. Uses the required form.	The story is expressive, featuring some engaging ideas or language. Form and style help to develop and enhance meaning; some emotional impact.
MEANING ideas and information use of detail sense of audience	creates a story around a very simple and direct idea; may be very short, illogical, or based on another work little relevant detail and description to develop characters, events, and images little sense of audience; may include inappropriate material	relatively simple, concrete story; often predictable, with parts modelled on other works some detail and description to develop setting, characters, events, and images; development is uneven limited sense of audience; focuses on form rather than impact	creates a straightforward story; may feature some complexity or originality uses detail and description to develop setting, characters, events, and images some sense of audience; ideas and language have some impact	creates a story with some complexity, originality, and creative development uses detail and description to develop setting, characters, events, images, themes sense of audience; creates an emotional impact or makes a point
STYLE clarity, variety, and impact of language	little sentence variety; sentences tend to be short and choppy or long and awkward language is conversational and may be inappropriate	some sentence variety; uses complex sentences, but some problems with subordination language is generally clear, appropriate, and direct; often imprecise	variety of sentences; more complex structures may be awkward language is clear, appropriate, and varied	flows smoothly; uses a variety of sentence types and lengths effectively language is varied and often precise; experiments; may “play” with language
FORM beginning development ending characters dialogue	beginning does not establish the problem or situation series of weakly connected events without a clear problem or resolution ending is often abrupt and may be illogical characters are identified; description tends to focus on physical traits needed dialogue is often omitted or confusing	beginning describes the problem or situation and introduces the main character(s) story develops through a series of related events; the connections among some events may be unclear ending often seems forced or unlikely characters are described; stereotypic often overuses or under uses dialogue	beginning introduces problem, characters; tries to engage generally predictable events are believable within story context ending is logical characters are partly revealed through their words and behaviour; they may be somewhat stereotypic dialogue may add to plot, characterization	engaging beginning reveals the story problem and introduces the character(s) develops conflict through events that are believable within story context ending is plausible; may be surprising, humorous characters have some individuality, revealed by what they do and say dialogue may add interest and develop plot and character
CONVENTIONS complete sentences spelling punctuation grammar	frequent errors in simple words and structures often interfere with meaning	errors in basic words and structures are noticeable but do not obscure meaning	errors in more complex language are sometimes noticeable, but meaning is clear	may include occasional errors where the writer is taking risks with complex language; these do not interfere with meaning

Literary Writing - Poems

Aspect	Not Yet Within Expectations	Meets Expectations (Minimal Level)	Fully Meets Expectations	Exceeds Expectations
SNAPSHOT	The poem is an attempt at the required type but is seriously flawed by problems in form, style, and mechanics. May be very short.	The poem is direct and complete, with some detail, although ideas are not fully developed. Attempts required form; parts often flawed by errors.	The poem is clear and develops a theme or central idea with some detail and imagery. Uses the required form.	The poem is expressive and features some engaging ideas or language. Form and style help to develop and enhance meaning; some emotional impact.
MEANING ideas and information use of detail sense of audience	creates a poem around a very simple and direct idea; may be very short, illogical, or based on another work little relevant detail and description little sense of audience; may include inappropriate material	creates a poem around a relatively simple, concrete idea or topic; often predictable, with parts modelled on other works some detail and description to develop ideas and images; development is uneven limited sense of audience	creates a poem around a straightforward, controlling idea; may feature some complexity or originality uses detail and description to develop ideas and images some sense of audience; ideas and language have some impact	creates a poem around a key or controlling idea with some complexity, originality, and creative development uses detail and description to develop ideas, images, and themes sense of audience; creates an emotional impact or makes a point
STYLE clarity, variety, and impact of language	language is conversational and may be inappropriate little figurative language or other techniques; may attempt required elements such as rhyme	language is generally clear, appropriate, and direct; often imprecise may attempt simple figurative language (e.g., similes) and poetic techniques (e.g., rhyme) that have been recently taught	language is clear, appropriate, and varied takes risks to create effects with figurative language and other techniques (e.g., rhyme, repetition); results may be uneven	language is varied and often precise; experiments; may “play” with language experiments with figurative language and increasingly sophisticated techniques (e.g., irony, rhythm)
FORM poetic form imagery	does not follow the “rules” of the chosen form; may appear to be prose written in short lines little attempt to create images; these may seem illogical	attempts to write in the chosen form, but flawed; (ideas and language are often contrived to fit form) some attempts to create images, often through literal, concrete description	follows “rules” of chosen poetic form; may be somewhat contrived uses some sensory and figurative language to create images (often predictable)	follows “rules” of chosen form; tries to make form and meaning work together uses figurative language and imagery with some originality and impact
CONVENTIONS spelling punctuation grammar	frequent errors in simple words, punctuation, and grammar often interfere with meaning	errors in basic words, punctuation, and grammar are noticeable but do not obscure meaning	errors in more complex words, punctuation, and grammar are sometimes noticeable, but meaning is clear	may include occasional errors in words, punctuation, or grammar where the writer is taking risks with complex language; these do not interfere with meaning