Rubric & Examples
Fill in the blanks.
1. Purpose, _____, and _____
2. Evidence and ______
3. ______ of Standard English
1. Purpose, Focus, and Organization
2. Evidence and Elaboration
3. Conventions of Standard English
Define each step of SCUB the T-TAP.
SCUB
T-TAP
Star the topic, circle the task, underline the audience, box the purpose
Identify the acronym for introductions and what it stands for.
HIT
Hook, inform, thesis
Identify the acronym for body paragraphs and what it stands for.
REEL
Reason, Evidence, Elaboration
Conclusion paragraphs must have a minimum of ___ sentences.
3
What would result in a student scoring a 0 for conventions?
constant grammar mistakes that make it difficult to understand the work
Identify the topic: Write an informational essay about how technology has changed the way students write. Use the information presented in the passages to support your points. Make sure to include information from all the passages in your essay.
technology; write
What is the thesis, and where do you get it?
The thesis is the main idea and writers should develop it using the task, the part of the prompt that they circle which tells them what to say about their topic.
How do you support the reason/supporting idea you present in the body paragraph?
Evidence and Elaboration!
What three steps do you need to take when writing a conclusion?
Restate the thesis
Sum up key reasons
End with an original final thought
What does the highest quality (4) work include in regards to evidence and elaboration?
relevant evidence; specific citations; strong elaborations; a variety of sentences and vocabulary
Identify the task: Write an essay in which you argue whether or not mistakes are a key part of discovery. Use the information presented in the passages to support your points. Make sure to include information from all the passages in your essay.
whether or not mistakes are a key part of discovery
*Remember that the task is what you need to say about the topic.
Quote, fascinating fact, description, example
Identify how the evidence is stated (quote or paraphrase) AND the type of citation used (sentence lead or parenthetical).
According to the 2017 Climate Science Special Report, the U.S. has experienced more record high temperatures, less record low temperatures, and an increase in significant rainfall since 1950.
Paraphrased (restated in the author's own words)
Sentence Lead (stated the source as part of the sentence as a way to start the sentence)
How should you start your first sentence of your conclusion?
With a transition word or phrase
What will the highest quality (4) work include in regards to purpose, focus, and organization?
Clear main idea; Nothing off-topic; transitions throughout; Intro, body, & end; style & tone perfect for audience/ tone
Identify the audience and purpose: Research shows that people communicate messages about who they are by the clothing they wear. Explain to a group of fashion executives how and in what ways clothing sends messages to other people.
fashion executives
explain
What type of hook strategy is being used: Adult grizzly bears can run-up to an incredible 40mph, which is the same pace as a greyhound, and would actually break the speed limit on many roads in the US!
Fascinating fact
Identify how the evidence is stated (quote or paraphrase) AND the type of citation used (sentence lead or parenthetical).
The text states "there are more than 8,000 critically endangered plant and animal species in the wild" (Sehmi, AWF, 2022).
Quoted
Parenthetical Citation
What are some things you should not do in your conclusion?
Add new information or evidence
Thank your reader
Use the same exact wording for your thesis and reasons
Refer to the Google Form to score Example Essay A.
Purpose, Focus, & Organization: 1/4
Evidence/Elaboration: 1/4
Conventions: 1/4
Poor 3/3
SCUB the T-TAP: Using information from the article about the first moon landing and the transcript of a phone conversation between President Nixon and the astronauts, write an essay explaining the significance of this event.
Star the topic: first moon landing
Circle the task: the significance of this event
Underline the audience: your teacher
Box the purpose: explaining
Which type of hook strategy is being used: Becoming an Olympian takes dedication and practice. Shaun White started snowboarding at the age of 6 and was able to compete in his first Olympics at the age of 19.
Example
Find and label two different types of evidence (professional reference, observation/example/anecdote, or statistic/fact) to support the statement: The school day should start later for adolescents (teens).
Answers will vary.
Add a transition and restate the thesis for a conclusion paragraph:
Libraries are essential resources for communities and should be funded.
Answers will vary.
Refer to the Google Form to score Example Essay B.
Purpose, Focus, & Organization: 4/4
Evidence/Elaboration: 4/4
Conventions: 2/2
Superb work!
SCUB the T-TAP: A wealthy donor plans to build a new facility that will benefit young people in your area. It could be a swimming pool, a theater, a skateboard park, an art school, or any other facility that would provide young people with constructive ways to spend their time. The donor is not sure what kind of facility would be most useful. Write a letter to the donor in which you identify the type of facility you would like to have built, and persuade her it is the best choice. Be sure to support your opinion with convincing reasons and evidence.
Star the topic: facility
Circle the task: identify the type of facility you would like to have built, and persuade her it is the best choice.
Underline the audience: donor
Box the purpose: persuade
Write the "I" and the "T" for the following prompt: Music programs are in danger of being stopped in schools. Write an argumentative essay about why or why not music is important for children.
Answers will vary. Example of an acceptable answer:
"I" - Music is the use of sound to create rhythm and harmony. This sound can be produced with an instrument or a voice.
"T" - It is an important part of a child's life from the moment they are born because it connects them to their world, builds their knowledge base, and opens the creative side of their brain.
Finish the paragraph with elaboration:
Video games can negatively affect your school work. According to the University of Texas, more than two hours a day playing video games can cause trouble sleeping and paying attention.
Answers will vary.
Students should self-question to develop an elaboration! So what? Who cares? Why does this matter?
Create a closing sentence for the conclusion:
To sum up, cyber bullying is on the rise among teens. Experiencing this problem on social media or through cell phone usage puts a lot of stress on many teens, and can cause depression and anxiety.
Answers will vary, but should be one of the following:
-an observation
-powerful quote
-a statement or question that makes the reader think
-a call to action
Writers should not thank the reader.