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Social Studies Writing
Makes a Difference
Sara Lucas,
Pflugerville ISD
[email protected]
The 10th gr. TAKS Reading Puzzle
• The reading test contains 3 short answer
questions as well as an essay.
• Students frequently perform poorly on the
short answer questions.
• 10th grade scores count for AYP.
Solution!
• Reformat released TAKS Social Studies
questions to resemble the English short
answer questions.
• Win! Social studies comprehension will
improve as students process the answers
through writing.
• Win! Reading scores will improve.
• Bonus: Essay writing will also improve
through this focus.
What does the TAKS Reading test
look like?
Students have two short selections to read
as well as a third item such as a cartoon.
Short answer #1 = Literary question about
conflict, symbolism, etc.
Short answer #2 = Expository question
about attitude, importance, etc.
Short answer #3 = Crossover question that
requires students to use evidence from
both selections.
Scoring the Short Answer
• Score point 0 = Insufficient
• Score point 1 = Partially sufficient
--------------passing scores below---------------• Score point 2 = Sufficient
• Score point 3 = Exemplary
Plant Part
Seed = the essence of
the plant. Contains the
genetic blueprint.
Response Part
Answer = the main part
of the response. Must
address the question
accurately.
Plant Part
Roots = secure the
plant in the soil and
provides nourishment.
Response Part
Text evidence =
paraphrased or quoted
support from the
document.
Plant Part
Leaves = the part we
see growing out of the
seed and up from the
roots
Response Part
Analysis = commentary
that connects the
answer and the text and
pulls the response into a
whole
Short Answer Rubric
Score point 0: Insufficient (not passing)
• No answer or wrong answer.
• No seed or wrong seed and usually no
roots or leaves.
• Reader response: “Nope!”
Short Answer Rubric
Score point 1: Partially sufficient (not
passing)
• May have an answer but no support or
analysis. May have no answer but weak
support. May have an answer but offbalance writing skills confuse it.
• Seed but no roots or leaves. Roots or
leaves but no seed.
• Reader response: “What?”
Short Answer Rubric
Score point 2: Sufficient (passing)
• Has correct answer that is well-supported
with text evidence and analysis.
• Has seed, roots, and leaves.
• Reader response: “That’s it!”
Short Answer Rubric
Score point 3: Exemplary (passing)
• Solid answer which is supported in a
unique way and/or analysis that is
insightful and effective.
• Seed, roots, leaves, and flowers
• Reader response: “Awesome!”
Writing a Response
• From Washington’s Farewell Address
• Be sure to include
– Answer (seed)
– Evidence (roots)
– Analysis (leaves)
Scoring Practice
1. Highlight the answer (seed) in pink
2. Highlight textual evidence (roots) in yellow
3. Highlight analysis (leaves) in green
4. Label the parts as seed, roots, leaves.
Student Response A:
George Washington is promoting the idea
that the U.S. government shouldn’t form
alliances with any other nation. The U.S.
should remain neutral.
Score Point ______1____
Student Response B:
It is explains that it is good to be friends with
any people of other states in the foreign
world. But to have no alot of political
power with them and let them know.
Score Point ____0_____
Student Response C:
• George Washington promotes the idea that the United
States of America should avoid involvement in foreign
affairs regarding politics when developing trade between
the U.S. and other states. He uses statements such as
“true policy,” “little political connection” and “to steer clear
of permanent alliances” to convey his opinions. When
George Washington left the presidential office, the U.S.
was weak both economically and politically. So to allow
a foreign entity within the boundaries of the U.S. would
invariably, in Washington’s opinion, spell doom and
destruction for the nation.
• Score Point ____3____
Student Response D:
He is promoting that we should as a country
keep to our self and has as little as
possible to do with forien nations and to
stay away from having a permanent
friendship with any forien nations.
Score Point ____1___
Student Response E:
George Washington is clearly stating that we
should keep from making any political ties to any
country. This is made clear when he states,
“…as little political connection as possible.” It
would have been unwise for such a weak
country to ally itself with any other country.
Score Point ___2____
Note: Make a transparency and show how to turn
this into a 3 by answering the question “why?”
Student Response F:
He wants the U.S. to stay neutral. “It is our true
policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with
any portion of the foreign world.” He doesn’t
want permanent alliances because if war broke
out between other foreign countries, then he
couldn’t really help a country without the other
country becoming an opponent.
Score Point ____2____
Where to find short answer
questions
Primary sources including photographs and
current news articles
“Critical Thinking” section of the textbook
Released TAKS questions
Additional Ideas
• Teach students to score using highlighters
• Use as warm ups
• Have students create a portfolio. Check to
see that they have completed all of the
short answer you have assigned, but have
them select the ones to be graded.