Background Information Many Faiths (Version 2) Writing Sample Title: Text Type and Purpose: Opinion / Argument Grade level/Content area: Grade 8 English Language Arts Type of Assignment: Letter to the Editor Standards Addressed: (WCA.6-8.1), (WCA.6-8.4), (RI.8.1), (RI.8.8), (RCA-H.6-8.6), (L.8.2), (L.8.3) See descriptions of these standards in the right column of the next page. Important Note About This Sample: This sample is one of two posted letters to the editor written by different writers in response to the same assignment. Each writer produces an argument in reaction to an op-ed piece, “Many Faiths, One Truth,” by Tenzin Gyatso, the Dalai Lama.* The samples develop similar arguments but emphasize different elements of effective writing. The writer of this sample, Version 2 (Sample B8-8b), relies on adeptly linked textual evidence, rather than elaborate reasoning, to give weight to an argument that supports the Dalai Lama’s claims without expanding upon them. In comparison, the writer of Version 1 (Sample B8-8a) agrees with the Dalai Lama’s claims by delineating and expanding upon them with a combination of evidence and reasoning expressed precisely and in a formal manner. For more, read each sample and the commentary that follow. Highlights: This sample of student work meets grade level standards. It demonstrates the following attributes of effective writing.
Background Information Writing Sample Title: Many Faiths (Version 2) Text Type and Purpose: Opinion / Argument Grade level/Content area: Grade 8 English Language Arts Type of Assignment: Letter to the Editor Standards Addressed: (WCA.6-8.1), (WCA.6-8.4), (RI.8.1), (RI.8.8), (RCA-H.6-8.6), (L.8.2), (L.8.3) See descriptions of these standards in the right column of the next page. Important Note About This Sample: This sample is one of two posted letters to the editor written by different writers in response to the same assignment. Each writer produces an argument in reaction to an op-ed piece, “Many Faiths, One Truth,” by Tenzin Gyatso, the Dalai Lama.* The samples develop similar arguments but emphasize different elements of effective writing. The writer of this sample, Version 2 (Sample B8-8b), relies on adeptly linked textual evidence, rather than elaborate reasoning, to give weight to an argument that supports the Dalai Lama’s claims without expanding upon them. In comparison, the writer of Version 1 (Sample B8-8a) agrees with the Dalai Lama’s claims by delineating and expanding upon them with a combination of evidence and reasoning expressed precisely and in a formal manner. For more, read each sample and the commentary that follow. Highlights: This sample of student work meets grade level standards. It demonstrates the following attributes of effective writing.
B88b.docx