Student Work 1

ELA	Performance Task	7-5 final
(Content Area)		(Grade Level-Task Number)

Standard(s):

Literature

E5a - The student responds to non-fiction, fiction, poetry, and drama using interpretive, critical, and evaluative processes; that is, the student:

E5a.1 identifies recurring themes across works

E5a.3 identifies the characteristics of literary forms and genres

E5a.5 identifies the effect of point of view

E5a.6 analyzes the reasons for character’s actions, taking into account the situation and

basic motivation of the character

E5a.9 makes inferences and draws conclusions about fictional and non-fictional

contexts, events, characters, settings and themes.

Writing

E2b - The student produces a response to literature that:

E2b.2 advances a judgment that is interpretive, analytic, evaluative, or reflective

E2b.3 supports judgment through references to the text, references to other works,

authors, or non-print media, or references to personal knowledge

E2b.4 demonstrates an understanding of the literary work.

E2b.6 provides a sense of closure to the writing

Performance Task:

Often different literary genres share similar themes. For example, in the following literary selections, the issue of identity is addressed:

The Revolt of the Evil Fairies by Ted Poston

The Way It Is by Gloria Oden

Without Commercials by Alice Walker.

Where do you think authors get their ideas? Do authors intentionally write about the same things?

1. Read three literary works of different genres that share a common theme. As you read or review each selection, take careful note of the recurring themes, effect of point of view, and reasons for character’s actions including basic motivations. Using a graphic organizer while working with a partner, identify the common elements, character traits (both common and unique), and significant events in each literary piece. When looking at character traits go beyond the surface and “look inside their heads.”

2. Use this analysis to write a response to the selections that compares and contrasts the literary pieces. Include any personal experiences you may have had that are similar to those experienced by the characters.

3. Ask you partner to proofread your response and provide feedback that will assist you in making revisions.

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:

ü Identifies the effects of point of view for all three literary selections.

ü Analyzes the reasons for characters’ actions.

ü Draws conclusions based on the content of the three selections.

ü Includes personal experiences, feelings and opinions.

Related Standard(s):

Conventions, Grammar and Usage of the English Language

E4a -- The student 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.