Explain whether knowing that the passage from "The Navajo" is non-fiction makes the article easier to understand. In your response, use information from the article that supports your explanation. Write your answer on your answer document.

Annotation: The student answers that "Knowing that The Navajo is nonfiction makes the article more easier to understand" because a reader would know information "is not made up and this is how they really talk." The student does answer the question and minimally uses text support with "how they really talk." To improve this response, the student should cite some of the information from the article that is true and be more specific about the language of Native Americans. Finally the student should draw a conclusion about how specific nonfiction information about Native American language and its use during World War II could help a reader to construct meaning from the passage.

Annotation: The student answers that "It was obvious the information was true because they gave specific dates and amount of men killed" and continues that the information was "accurate" and that explanations were clear. The student concludes by citing text that supports the idea of clarity. The student does not answer the question directly and uses text to support the idea of accuracy. To improve this response, the student should focus the answer on how the accuracy of the nonfiction information could make the text easier to understand. For example the student cites the text "Fewer than 50 non-Navajo people could speak it." The student could explain how knowing that statement was factual could help a reader more easily understand why the military would find the Native American language useful in wartime.

Annotation: The student answers that the passage is easier to understand when a reader knows that it is nonfiction. The student elaborates that it is difficult "to believe that a group of Navajo volunteers came up with over four hundred Navajo words" and that it might seem "unimaginable" that less than 50 non-Navajos knew the language. The student continues that the facts in the article are "astounding" but knowing they are nonfiction makes understanding easier. The student does answer the question, offers text support about the Navajo language and its speakers, and concludes that knowing that information which could be the work of imagination is true makes comprehension easier.

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