Explain how the setting of the story creates a conflict for Eric. Use details from the story in your explanation. Write your answer in your answer book.

Score for Sample Student Response #1: Rubric Score 3

Annotation, Using the Rubric: This response demonstrates an understanding of the complexities of the text. The student effectively uses text-relevant information to clarify how the blizzard caused conflict for Eric: "Eric tried to use the phone but the blizzard must of knocked a tree down on a powerline. This conflict forces Eric to use the radio." The student extends the understanding of the setting's effect on the conflict by stating that it makes "the story more suspencful."

Score for Sample Student Response #2: Rubric Score 2

Annotation, Using the Rubric: This response demonstrates a general understanding of the text. The student describes the setting, "the snow-storm that is going on" and generally explains that this "creates problems." The student identifies several problems that Eric experiences, "his phone went dead" and "the radio's sound [was] so unclear"; however, the student does not explain how the problems impacted Eric's actions.

Score for Sample Student Response #3: Rubric Score 1

Annotation, Using the Rubric: This response demonstrates a minimal understanding of the text. The student minimally addresses the demands of the question by describing a conflict: "Eric...is far away from Mac and can't help him." The student, however, does not explain how the setting, "its winter," creates a conflict for Eric.

Score for Sample Student Response #4: Rubric Score 0

Annotation, Using the Rubric: This response is completely incorrect.

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