Explain whether or not the words in this article make junior drag racing sound like a sport you would like to try. In your response, use information from the article that supports your explanation. Write your answer on your answer document.

Annotation: The student answers that junior drag racing is "a sport I myself would want to try" and then offers the reasons that "you get to go up to 60 mph and you get to use a car." The student concludes the response saying that those reasons are "cool." The student does answer the question, offers some text support, and draws a minimal conclusion. To improve this response, the student should expand the text support giving more details about the speed factor and the specifications about the car. Finally, the student should qualify what is "cool" about the speed and the car.

Annotation: The student answers that junior drag racing is not appealing "because in the article it says that accidents are rare" and clarifies that "just because they're rare dosen't mean they can't happen." The student does answer the question, uses minimal text support as a reason, and further but minimally explains his/her reasoning. To improve this response, the student should provide further text support about the rarity of accidents giving information about the parameters of the track, estimated times, and safety equipment. Next, the student should extend the idea about the possibility of accidents using that same information about the track, time, and equipment.

Annotation: The student responds that "Jr. drag racing is a sport because they have championship and they get tropheys so that makes it a sport." The student has misunderstood the question and responds about words that justify drag racing as sport not as a sport he/she would like to try. To improve this response, the student should be redirected to use the text support of championships and trophies as words that make jr. drag racing sound like a sport to try. Next, the student should clarify what it is about a championship or trophy in jr. drag racing that creates interest or enthusiasm.

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