High School English Language Arts/Literacy Sample Items and Student Responses by Reporting Achievement Level
A student scoring at the indicated overall achievement level is likely to provide a writing response that scores similarly to the sample response provided.
Argumentative Writing Prompt
Student Assignment:
The head librarian at the public library where you are an intern has asked you for a recommendation about whether or not the library should purchase a 3D printer for use by the general public. She wants your recommendation in a letter addressed to the library’s board of directors.
Your assignment is to use the research sources to write a multi-paragraph argumentative letter supporting or opposing the acquisition of a 3D printer. Make sure you establish an argumentative claim, address potential counterarguments, and support your claim from the sources you have read. Develop your ideas clearly and use your own words, except when quoting directly from the sources. Be sure to reference the sources by title or number when using details or facts directly from the sources.
Level 1 Sample Student Response
Here at our library we seem to be having a little dilemma here wheather or not we should get a 3D printer in our library. Theres a lot of doubters that dont want it and say its a waste of money but i really dont think it is. Yeah there may be some problems with the system sometimes like it says in source #4 but it 95% of the time it will be flawless.
In source #5 Hugh Rundle goes off on how 2D printers are all about content and that 3D are not, but thats so not true 3D printers can have so much more content on them because they are so much bigger. Also he says how the printer will print in chocolate and how unuseful that will be but it could be useful with someone that works with chocolate or something, i think it would be a game changer.
Scoring Annotation: Overall, the writing includes a clear claim—supporting the purchase of a 3D printer for the library—and begins to address a counterargument. It shows an emerging use of evidence and explanation to support the claim. The writing demonstrates a developing command of conventions.
Level 2 Sample Student Response
3-D printers should be purchased through public libraries. They are a innovation in technology that could become and new step in learning. 3-D printers can attract a new style of art, they have potential to become the best new thing. 3-D printers can be purchased as easy as going to Staples and buying one.
In Source #4 the article talks about how copy right works over the online copy right system, eventually saying that the 3-D printing content works well under the system and the system doesnt have any big problems. a problem could occur such as someone getting abusing the copy right clause while using the public 3-D printer.
Scoring Annotation: Overall, the writing includes a clear claim—that public libraries should purchase 3-D printers—and uses relevant evidence from the sources. It includes a counterargument and shows emerging development of the claim, though the explanation would be stronger with a clearer connection back to the claim. The writing includes simplistic language and demonstrates a partial command of conventions.
Level 3 Sample Student Response
The 3D Printer is one of the greatest innovations yet. It is a manufacturing device that allows the user to create actual three-dimensional objects using a machine that sprays thin layers of hot plastic. However, the library is not an appropriate place for hosting the 3D Printer. The library should not purchase a 3D printer for use by the general public because it will bring unnecessary money and lawful provlems instead of educational benefits.
The installment of the 3D Printer in the library will bring financial issues that the library is better off not having. Each 3D Printer is a whopping $1,299 plus shipping which is just too costly. The library will have to spend money that is meant for books and other library utilities for a printer that does not belong in the library. This money could be spent on more book shelves, tables, desks, lighting, water, and more.
Scoring Annotation: Overall, the writing includes a clear claim—opposing the purchase of a 3D printer for the library—and is supported by relevant evidence from the sources. It addresses counterarguments. Despite some errors in spelling, the writing employs a mix of precise and more general language and demonstrates an adequate command of conventions.
Level 4 Sample Student Response
The idea of the 3-D printer has been around for many years. Scientists and engineers have been working around the idea of a device that could make virtually anything for years. Until recently, that has only seemed like a Sci-Fi movie prop. Now it is a real life object on sale to anyone willing to pay. Although the library is a great place to learn about technology, there is no need for ours to have a 3-D printer. It is not what the library is supposed to be based around.
The library is supposed to be a place of learning and fun. It is a place to join a world of beautiful yet intangible places and objects through words. The library has been a quiet, knowledgeable place for centuries.
Scoring Annotation: Overall, the writing includes a clear claim—opposing the purchase of a 3-D printer for the library—that is strongly maintained and includes relevant evidence from multiple sources and addresses counterarguments. Despite a few grammar errors, the writing includes precise language and demonstrates an adequate command of conventions.
About This Item
Claim 2
Writing
Target 7
Compose Full Texts. Write full arguments about topics using a complete writing process attending to purpose and audience: establish and support a claim; organize, elaborate, and cite supporting evidence from credible sources; provide appropriate transitional strategies for coherence; and develop a conclusion that is appropriate to purpose and audience and follows from and supports the argument(s) presented.
Standard
11-12.W.1a: Introduce precise, knowledgeable claim(s), establish the significance of the claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and create an organization that logically sequences claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.