Explain which article more effectively uses words and phrases to persuade a reader about the value of the contributions of Native Americans during World War II. In your response, use information from the article that supports your explanation. Write your answer on your answer document.

Annotation: The student answers, "Top Secret (Codetalkers) uses more effective words like unbreakable, transmit, and ultimately." The student does answer the question and uses minimal but ineffective text support. To improve this response, the student should explain how the use of certain words can persuade a reader about the value of Native American contributions to the war effort. For example, the word "unbreakable" refers to the code used by Native Americans that helped save many lives. The word "transmit" is used in connection with "secret messages" that were used to win battles. By elaborating on some good choices of words, the student could establish how they could persuade a reader about Native American contributions.

Annotation: The student answers that "The Navajo persuades the reader more effectively." Next the student offers examples of "important dates," "important ideas followed by examples," and that these were persuasive because the material appeared to be "more true, so that I could understand it more." The student does answer the question but uses marginal and vague text support. To improve this response, the reader should specifically explain about the dates and important ideas. To conclude the student should establish how what is true can be more understandable and persuasive. For example, the fact that on September 17, 1992, a Code Talker exhibit was unveiled at the Pentagon shows that the American military valued the efforts of Native Americans and that the author included this information in her article to persuade a reader of Native American efforts during the war.

Annotation: The students answers that The Navajo is the more effective article. To support that idea the student cites the text "'the Code Talkers saved thousands of American lives'" which the student says "points out the life-saving quality of Native American codes." Next, the student refers to the United States Marines calling the Code Talkers their "secret weapon." The student does answer the question and uses specific text to support his/her answer. To improve this response, the student should draw a conclusion about the two quotes emphasizing how the saving of American lives and the use of the term "secret weapon" show a sense of value about the contributions of Native Americans.

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