Read this passage from 'Captain Kate', a novel that takes place during the Civil War. Kate and Seth must take the family canal boat to Washington City to sell a load of coal. Then answer the following.

Explain why the setting is important to the events of these passages. In your response, use details from the passages that show why the setting is important to the events. Write your response on the lines below.

Annotation: The reader answers the setting is important because it is the travel to Washington, which is a source of "the argument which showed how stubborn each of them were." The reader elaborates that if they weren't in Washington "Seth wouldn't have been eager to explore which caused conflict with Kate…" The reader does answer the question and offer text support for the answer. To improve this response, the reader might be more specific about the arguments between them and show how those arguments were specific to that setting.

Annotation: The reader answers, "The setting is important because it's perfect for accidents and arguments and rescues." The reader does answer the question but fails to provide adequate text support for the accidents, arguments, and rescues, all of which occur within the passage. To elaborate, the reader could explain what particular elements about the setting make it "perfect" for the listed types of events.

Annotation: The reader answers the setting is important "because without it it can't set the mood for the story" and continues specifically "because without the cold water, Seth couldn't have a grudge with Kate." The reader does answer the question and uses minimal text to support the answer. To improve this response, the reader should explain the reference to cold water. Because Kate is pivotal in Seth's landing in the cold water, Seth could be angry with her. Additionally, setting the mood for the story should be addressed. By stating the exact mood that is created with the help of the setting, the reader can link the setting as a proper place for the water accident that gives rise to the mood of the passage.

Annotation: The reader answers, "With out the seting nobodey would know ware the storey is takeing place. And it would noto make sences." The reader does show an understanding of what a setting is but does not indicate why the setting is important or provides text support, which addresses the setting. To improve this response, the reader should identify the setting and explain the sense of certain events occurring in that setting.

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