How do you assess whether pupils have mastered certain concepts and skills? Designing a performance task that asks learners to demonstrate their skills and providing writers with a rubric that identifies these skills and provides criteria is no small matter. Thankfully, there are resources that provide just what you need. A performance task packet assesses individuals' ability to craft an argument essay based on the subject of free speech.

Concepts

argumentative writing, persuasive arguments, counterarguments, the first amendment, libel

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Additional Tags

english language arts

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Instructional Ideas

• Have groups research recent free speech controversies involving social commentators like Ann Coulter and Milo Yiannopoulos and protest marches
• Groups might also research the free speech rights of students and student newspapers

Classroom Considerations

• The 49-page packet includes a copy of the student test booklet, a teacher's guide, and a scoring rubric

Pros

• Careful scaffolding ensures that writers have identified the evidence they need to craft an argument essay

Cons

• None

Common Core

RI.11-12.1 RI.11-12.3 RI.11-12.4 RI.11-12.5 RI.11-12.6 RI.11-12.8 W.11-12.1.a SL.11-12.1.a