Student Work 1

ELA	Performance Task	8-4 final
(Content Area)		(Grade Level-Task Number)

Standard(s):

Writing

E2e - The student produces a persuasive essay that:

E2e.2 develops a controlling idea that makes a clear and knowledgeable judgement

E2e.7 supports arguments with detailed evidence, citing sources of information as appropriate.

Performance Task:

The 8^th grade social studies class is planning a trip to Washington, D.C. Community organizations have provided funding for half of each student’s expenses for the trip. Your parents tell you that you will need to earn the other half of the trip expenses by completing jobs at home. You have identified several jobs that will provide opportunities to earn the necessary funds to support this trip.

In order to present your ideas to your parents, you will design a proposal that is clear and convincing. Talk with professionals who routinely provide the services in your proposal. Use their expertise to identify and provide an estimate of the costs for the professional services and to provide information on how the improvements will benefit your parents. Complete the proposal, designing charts or other visual aids to support your suggestions. Your proposal will include:

1. clear and exact identification of the jobs and the time frame in which they will be completed.

2. exact specifications for completion of the jobs and level of quality described in precise terms.

3. identification and calculation of the costs, including the pay (by the job or by the hour), the number of hours worked, the materials needed for the job, and the costs you think you will incur to finish the jobs.

4. an organized and professional appearance ( You may wish to design letterhead stationery.)

5. technical, brief, and precise language throughout.

After completing your proposal, ask the professionals interviewed to review and provide feedback. Revised as appropriate before presenting to your parents. Ask your parents to comment on your proposal before submitting the final copy to your classroom teacher.

Circumstances of Performance:

The student work is produced under the following conditions:

X	Alone		In a group
X	In class	X	As homework
	With teacher feedback	X	With peer feedback (other adults)
	Timed	X	Extended project
		X	Opportunity for revision

Criteria for Success:

1. Gives clear description of job.

2. Correctly identifies and calculates all costs based on his/her research.

3. Organizes neat, professional appearance.

4. Uses technical, brief and precise language that pertains to the jobs listed.

5. Uses correct conventions of English.

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.