The Writing of Opportunities

I have finished reading and scoring Week 4's opportunities.  I cannot post any specific details about the answers yet because we have someone making up this opportunity because of an absence.

However, I am VERY pleased to tell you that we have the first '4' this week.  (We also have one student who received a 3+.)  These students have helped me to clarify exactly what makes not just a good or good enough answer, but what makes an EXCELLENT answer.  I want to share this with you so that it can help you as you prepare for this week's opportunity.

The characteristics of a 4 are as follows (Note that these may vary from question to question, but they make an excellent starting place.):

• The answer to the question is clearly and concisely stated and the answer stands alone meaning it makes sense to someone who doesn't even know what the question is.

• Specific details are given that support the answer.  General statements are not specific details.  Specific details name actual people, places, events, times, actions.

• Explanations are given of those specific details to ensure that the reader understands what they are.  In other words naming details is good, but going further to tell something about them is expected.

• Make the impact/meaning --in other words a strong conclusion.

(If this student allows I will post their answer so you can see what I mean more clearly.)