Explain how something in this story becomes contagious. Use details from the story in your explanation. Write your answer in your answer book.

Score for Sample Student Response #1: Rubric Score 3

Annotation, Using the Rubric: This response demonstrates an understanding of the complexities of the text. The student addresses the demands of the question by identifying two ways things were contagious in the story; "…once one person began throwing trash on the ground others thought it was ok," and then described how the clean up became contagious. The student effectively uses text information to clarify the explanation; "Once Rachel picked up that trash it began to change people. Now Lee picked his trash, Mrs. Polansky …decided that she should do that. Other people…thought that was right."

Score for Sample Student Response #2: Rubric Score 2

Annotation, Using the Rubric: This response demonstrates a general understanding of the text. The student uses text-relevant information, relating how one event in the story leads to another event which shows "how something gets contagious."

Score for Sample Student Response #3: Rubric Score 1

Annotation, Using the Rubric: This response demonstrates a minimal understanding of the text. The student minimally addresses the demands of the question by stating: "things can be contagious because once some one litters people start to litter more…." The student's use of minimal information shows some understanding of the text in relation to the question.

Score for Sample Student Response #4: Rubric Score 0

Annotation, Using the Rubric: This response is irrelevant to the question. The student describes how Mrs. Polansky feels about Mr. Lee rather than focusing on what is contagious in the story.

Score 3

The response demonstrates an understanding of the complexities of the text.

• Addresses the demands of the question
• Effectively uses text-relevant¹ information to clarify or extend understanding

Score 2

The response demonstrates a general understanding of the text.

• Partially addresses the demands of the question
• Uses text-relevant¹ information to show understanding

Score 1

The response demonstrates a minimal understanding of the text.

• Minimally addresses the demands of the question
• Uses minimal information to show some understanding of the text in relation to the question

Score 0

The response is completely incorrect, irrelevant to the question, or missing.²

Note 1:

Text-relevant: This information may or may not be an exact copy (quote) of the text but is clearly related to the text and often shows an analysis and/or interpretation of important ideas. Students may incorporate information to show connections to relevant prior experience as appropriate.

Note 2:

An exact copy (quote) or paraphrase of the question that provides no new relevant information will receive a score of "0".

Rubric Document Date: June 2003