What text feature could have been added to "Codetalking" so that a reader could better understand information about Native American languages? In your response use information from the article that supports your answer. Write your answer on your answer document.

Annotation: The student responds, "The author could have put in a map to show where they used the code the most." The student answers the question and minimally refers to the text with the reference to the "code." To improve this response, the student should use more text support detailing sites or battle names where the code was used and then explain how seeing this information on a visual like the suggested map would help a student understand information about Native American languages.

Annotation: The student responds, "a text feature that could be added would be subtitles" and continues that "above paragraph two the subtitle could be the code talkers and above paragraph three it could be the secret." The student answers the question and indicates portions of the text where subtitles could be placed. To improve this response, by using information from the indicated paragraphs, the student should justify that the suggested subtitles for paragraph two: "the code" and paragraph three: "the secret" are appropriate. Next, the student should explain how those subtitles would help a student understand information about Native American languages.

Annotation: The student responds an additional text feature could be "quotes of the real Native American words" and that this would help a reader "understand why it (the language) is hard to learn and pronounce" and "hard to decode." The student concludes by citing the portion of text where the code is called "unbreakable." The student answers the question and does reference and then cite the text in support of the suggested text feature. To improve this response, the student should explain what type of quotes would be most appropriate for the passage and how their inclusion would help a student understand information about Native American languages.

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