Discipline: Science
Grade Level: 7
Course: Life Science
©Literacy Design Collaborative. September 2011
Skills Cluster 1: Preparing for the Task
Optional Pre-test:
Administer classroom assessment as pre-test if the instructor needs to gather information.
1 period
1. Task analysis:
Ability to understand and explain the task’s prompt and rubric.
Short constructed response
In your own words, write a brief explanation of what the task is asking you to do. What texts (non-fiction, informational, technical, data, maps) might you consider for this task?
No scoring
2 periods
1. Reading “habits of mind”
Ability to select appropriate texts and understand reading strategies needed for the task.
List of appropriate websites
Identify sources you will use and note how each source relates to your task.
Meets
Selects appropriate text(s) for task.
Not yet
Attempts to meet the criteria for “meets.”
3 periods
2. Note Taking:
Ability to read purposefully and select relevant information; to summarize and/or paraphrase.
Notes & short response
Using a note-taking method, select information (passages, facts, data) relevant to the task; list (bullet) each source and note relevant information.
What does “plagiarism” mean and what strategies can you use to avoid it?
Accomplishes task by selecting relevant source material to support controlling idea.
Answers question about plagiarism correctly and provides appropriate strategies for avoiding it.
Writes in readable prose.
3. Organizing notes
Ability to prioritize and narrow supporting information.
Notes and graphic organizer
Prioritize relevant information in your notes on which to build your sequence or process.
Provides a prioritized set of notes that connects points for logic structure or line of thought.
Suggests implications drawn from information about the issue or topic.
Skills Cluster 3: Transition to Writing
Pacing: 15 min
1. Bridging conversation:
Ability to prepare for composing process.
Short response (with bullets) and class work
In a quick-write, write about what you know now that you’ve read about _______(content). What strategies might you use to ensure your information is accurate?
Skills Cluster 4: Writing Process
30 min
1. Write an opening
Ability to establish a controlling idea and consolidate information relevant to task.
Paragraph
Write a summary paragraph that includes a controlling idea and sequences the key points you plan to make in your composition.
Writes a concise summary statement or drafts an opening that establishes a controlling idea and identifies key points that support the development of information and/or explanation.
2. Development
Ability to construct an initial draft with an emerging line of thought and structure.
Opening paragraph and first draft
Draft an opening for your composition with one or more paragraphs that establishes the controlling idea and provides a lead in for your reader. Write an initial draft to include multiple paragraphs: an opening, the development of your process, and an ending that includes a comment, conclusion, or implication.
Provides an opening to include a controlling idea and an opening strategy relevant to the prompt.
Provides an initial draft with all elements of the prompt addressed.
3. Revision
Ability to apply revision strategies to refine development of information or explanation, including line of thought, language usage, and tone as appropriate to audience and purpose.
Revised drafts (two or more)
Apply revision strategies for clarity, logic, language, cohesion (students should do at least two drafts).
Demonstrates use of revision strategies that clarify logic and development of ideas; embeds relevant details; improves word usage and phrasing; and creates smooth transitions between sentences and paragraphs.
Applies a text structure to organize reading material content and to explain key points related to the prompt.
4. Editing
Ability to apply editing strategies and presentation applications.
Next-to-final draft
Finalize draft for the readership; apply finishing touches (e.g., visuals, neatness, formatting, copyediting).
Demonstrates use of strategies that enhance the readability and appearance of the work for presentation.
Attempts to meet the criteria for “meets”
Final Draft
Submit your final draft before or on due date for scoring and feedback.