Student Work 1

ELA	Performance Task	10-5 final
(Content Area)		(Grade Level-Task Number)

Standard(s):

Writing

E2a. -- The student produces a report that:

E2a.1 engages the reader by establishing a context, creating a persona, and otherwise developing

reader interest

E2a.3 creates an organizing structure appropriate to purpose, audience, and context

E2a.4 includes appropriate facts and details

E2a.5 excludes extraneous and inappropriate information.

E2c. -- The student produces a narrative (fictional or autobiographical) account that:

E2c.1 engages the reader by establishing a context, creating a point of view, and otherwise

developing reader interest;

E2c.3 creates an organizing structure

E2c.5 excludes extraneous details and inconsistencies.

Conventions, Grammar and Usage of the English Language

E4a. -- The student independently demonstrates an understanding of the rules of the English language in written and oral work, and selects the structures and features of language appropriate to the purpose, audience, and context of the work. The student demonstrates control of:

E4a.1 grammar

E4a.2 paragraph structure

E4a.3 punctuation

E4a.4 sentence construction

E4a.5 spelling

E4a.6 usage.

E4b -- The student analyzes and subsequently revises work to clarify it or make it more effective in communicating the intended message or thought. The student’s revisions should be made in light of the purposes, audiences, and contexts that apply to the work. Strategies for revising include:

E4b.1 adding or deleting details

E4b.3 clarifying difficult passages

E4b.4 rearranging words, sentences, and paragraphs to improve or clarify meaning

E4b.5 sharpening the focus

E4b.6 reconsidering the organizational structure.

Performance Task:

Knowledge of the culture, era, history, politics, social structure, economics, and geographic setting can enhance the enjoyment of any piece of literature. In the case of Julius Caesar, having this knowledge will make his life and times “come alive.”

The play itself will be easier to understand and the motives and actions of the characters will be easier to visualize.

1. You will research the period of time in which Julius Caesar was emperor of the Roman Empire. Topics may include those mentioned above as well the daily life of the average Roman, marriage, traditions, religion, and forms of entertainment. You might wish to begin your research with “All Roads Lead to Rome” (Web Quest). Use multiple sources to check and confirm accuracy of information.

2. In a small group each class member will summarize their research and determine, collaboratively, a topic on which to focus.

3. Individually you will continue to research your specific topic and add or delete information as needed in order to complete a comprehensive overview of your subject. Use the overview to write a report. Return to your small group and review your draft with the group for the purpose of obtaining feedback. Revise your work. Remember to keep your draft with revisions, as it will become part of your final report.

4. This report will be included in a class portfolio of the life and times of Julius Caesar. The portfolio will become your class legacy to the next group of students who read Julius Caesar.

Note: Please remember to record “Julius Caesar” in your reading log.

Circumstances of Performance:

The student work is produced under the following conditions:

X	alone	X	in a group
X	in class	X	as homework
	with teacher feedback	X	with peer feedback
	timed	X	extended project
		X	opportunity for revision

Criteria for Success:

Completes web site evaluations for all web sites searched.

Writes the article with a partner including all relevant information, facts, details (and diagrams etc. as appropriate).

Writes an article that has a good focus with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Engages the reader.

Shows good understanding of standard English conventions.

Shows an understanding of ancient Rome that is important and accurate.

Related Standard(s):

E1a -- The students reads at least 25 books or book equivalents each year.