Explain why the introduction was included in this passage. In your response, use details from the passage that explain why the introduction was included in this passage. Write your response on the lines below.

Annotation: The reader answers that "the introduction was included…because it gives you background of the recent events and about Thomas Jefferson…"and continues to remark upon Jefferson's intelligence and the respect he was accorded by the public. The response concludes with the observation that Amelia must be "brave to give her input on the recent events." The reader does answer the question and provides minimal text support. To improve this response, the reader can offer more specific text support that addresses Jefferson's intellect (drafted The Declaration of Independence, scientist, inventor, etc…) and the respect he enjoyed (considered a statesman, multiple ranges of skills). The reader could conclude by linking Amelia's bravery or having the confidence to address such a prominent figure and share her intellectual thoughts with him and how the introduction offers the reader initial insight into the writer as well as the recipient of the letter.

Annotation: The reader answers that "The introduction was included…to give…background information about the president at that time and Amelia Hornsby" and continues, "Amelia had taken an active interest in current events and why the president would care what this woman had to say?" The reader concludes with remarks about Jefferson's brilliance and talent. The reader does answer the question and offers minimal text support for that answer. To improve this response the reader could connect Amelia's interest in current events to Jefferson's roles as family man, friend, and philosopher as an explanation about why Jefferson would respond to this young woman. For example the reader could explain that Jefferson as a father and a thinking man would be inclined to listen to a young woman's thoughts about important topics of the time. This, in turn, addresses why the introduction would relay that particular information about both Amelia and Jefferson because it establishes a link between them.

Annotation: The reader answers that "The introduction gave us background information…" that made the letter more understandable. The reader does answer the question and offers only the names of Jefferson and Amelia Hornsby. To improve this response, the reader needs to adjust the cyclical thoughts of the response and offer specific text support about Jefferson and Hornsby that make the letter more understandable. For example, knowing that Jefferson was considered a statesman and that Amelia was interested in the politics of her day shows a shared interest in the state of their country so that the introduction offers a reason why they might correspond.

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