Read this sentence from paragraph 3.

Is the word "greatest" a good way for Whale to describe herself and Elephant? In your response, use details and examples from the story that support your explanation. Write your answer on your answer document.

Annotation: The student responds that " 'we are the greatest' it is in a good way." The student substantiates his/her answer from the text with "Whale said to Brother Elephant that he should rule sea and Brother Elephant should rule land" relating greatness with ruling or being in charge. To improve this response the student should detail those qualities that create greatness and connect more firmly greatness with being in power. Finally the student should relay what is good about being the greatest.

Annotation: The student responds "No" because both animals "fell for a trick." Next, non-text based support is offered. The student concludes with text support that "they were to dumb to know rabbit tricked them." To improve this response, the student should explain how whale and elephant were tricked and why being tricked should prevent someone from being described as great.

Annotation: The student responds that the description is not correct "because neither of them are the greatest." The student offers text support that both were "out-wited" which shows "they weren't the greatest at cleverness." Next the student gives details about the trick where they "ended hurting themselves." The student concludes that "if there not the best at cleverness…they're not the greatest of all." The student answers the question, supports the answer from the text, and then draws the conclusion from the text that because there is a flaw neither animal can achieve the superlative "greatest."

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