Division of School Improvement - Model Curriculum Units

Choose a passage of at least one paragraph in length that exhibits careful word choice by the author. Cut out (or photocopy, at teacher’s discretion) the passage. Then write a paragraph or more explaining how the passage shows careful word choice. Be sure to cite specific words from the passage as support.

Score	Criterion
10	Response includes an appropriate passage choice and an appropriate explanation of how that exhibits careful word choice by the author. Response cites multiple examples from the passage as support

8	Response includes an acceptable passage choice. Response includes an explanation of how the passage exhibits careful word choice and uses at least one example from the passage as support

6	Response includes an acceptable passage choice, though it may be somewhat weak in exhibiting careful word choice. Response includes a vague explanation of how the passage does that

Write a paragraph (or more) about _____________ using precise language and making word choices carefully, including considering words’ connotations.

Score	Criterion
10	Paragraph consistently uses precise, vivid language; the author appears to have chosen his/her words carefully, including considering words’ connotations. Paragraph is well-written with one main idea and three to five details to support that. There are no distracting sentences and/or ideas

8	Paragraph uses some precise, vivid language, though in some instances stronger synonyms with more appropriate connotations might have been chosen. Paragraph is generally correctly written with one main idea and at least three details to support that, though some sentences and/or ideas may not seem to quite fit

6	Paragraph uses little precise, vivid language and may show little to no evidence of consideration of words’ connotations. Paragraph construction may be weak. It may be difficult to determine a single main idea, and/or support for the main idea may be weak