English Benchmark

Standards Addressed:

RL.9-10.1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.

RL.9-10.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language evokes a sense of time and place; how it sets a formal or informal tone).

RI.9-10.3 Analyze how the author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas or events, including the order in which the points are made, how they are introduced and developed, and the connections that are drawn between them

Score:

Skills Addressed:    

Students can analyze text and cite strong and thorough textual evidence in short answers.

Students can determine the meaning of words and how they relate to the overall mood of the passage.

Students can analyze the unfolding of events to determine mood change within the passage.

7

6

5

4 and below

Thesis

Clear, sophisticated thesis statement stating position on the given topic and previewing the topics for discussion.

Clear thesis statement stating position on the given topic.

Thesis statement is included but may be unclear.

Thesis statement may be missing or incomplete.

20-22

18-19

16-17

15 and below

Comprehension of key ideas

The student response

provides an accurate

analysis of what the text

says explicitly and

inferentially showing full

comprehension of complex ideas in the text.

The student response

provides a mostly accurate

analysis of what the text

says explicitly and

inferentially showing extensive comprehension of ideas in the text.

The student response

provides a somewhat

accurate analysis of what

the text says explicitly or

inferentially showing a

basic comprehension of

ideas expressed in the text

The student response

provides a minimal, inaccurate, or

no analysis of

the text.

20-22

18-19

16-17

15 and below

Quality of textual support

Quote is embedded into the argument.

Quote choice is strong and it is clearly and strategically linked to the thesis.

Quote is embedded into the argument.

Quote choice is strong and it is clearly linked to the thesis.

Quote is introduced but not embedded.

Quote’s connection to the thesis is unclear and/or link to the thesis is brief.

Quote, if present, stands alone.

Quote is missing or irrelevant.

20-22

18-19

16-17

15 and below

Quality of textual support

Quote is embedded into the argument.

Quote choice is strong and it is clearly and strategically linked to the thesis.

Quote is embedded into the argument.

Quote choice is strong and it is clearly linked to the thesis.

Quote is introduced but not embedded.

Quote’s connection to the thesis is unclear and/or link to the thesis is brief.

Quote, if present, stands alone.

Quote is missing or irrelevant.

5

4

3

2 and below

Citation

Correct MLA citation.

Punctuation of citation is incorrect.

Content of citation is incorrect.

Both content and punctuation are incorrect or citation missing

7

5

4

3 and below

Editing

The student response

demonstrates command of

the conventions of

standard English consistent with effectively edited writing.

The student response

demonstrates command of

the conventions of standard

English consistent with

edited writing.

There are multiple distracting errors in grammar and usage that sometimes impede understanding.

There are frequent distracting errors in grammar and usage that often impede understanding.