Overview

In this performance assessment, students will have an opportunity to work independently and with a peer. They will research the topic of global warming, determine a claim, and create a presentation defending their argument based on the articles they read. They will listen and respond to their partner’s presentation by writing a short paragraph.  

Specifically, students will be asked to read an article about global warming in either Michigan or Switzerland (the teacher can choose any articles he/she wants, but I have provided one about Michigan and one about Switzerland). In addition, they will read articles regarding the topic of global warming. The students will determine a claim regarding whether they agree or disagree with the argument of global warming, based on the articles. Using textual evidence from the articles and citing their resources, students will create a presentation to show their partner. The students will listen to and identify the key points of their partner’s arguments and write a brief response to the presentation.
Students can create the final presentation in any appropriate way, including, but not limited to, PowerPoint or Google Slides (or another slideshow tool). 

This assessment can be used at any time in grade 7 after students have been introduced to or reviewed the structure of an argument. They should have a clear understanding of how to use textual evidence to make a claim, defend a claim, and cite their resources. 

Details

Big Ideas & Competencies

Big Ideas Competencies

C. Writing

Students can effectively communicate purpose to an intended audience through written language, using a variety of media.

C1

Students can write arguments to support claims using clear and logical reasoning, relevant evidence, and counter arguments to demonstrate understanding of the topic.

D. Speaking and Listening

Students can listen effectively, present information appropriately to a variety of audiences, given the situation, and collaborate with peers.

D1

Students can present information in a focused, logical order using speaking techniques and visuals to highlight important points.

NOTE ABOUT ASSESSMENT RUBRICS

Below are analytic teacher rubrics. The column on the left shows the dimension that is being measured in the student’s performance. The levels across the top row indicate the performance level in the dimensions. Occasionally all dimensions and performance levels are exemplified by multiple students in a single recording.

Teacher Rubric

Dimensions Not Yet Meeting Expectations Meeting Expectations Exceeding Expectations

Focus/Organization of Presentation

  • Introduces a claim, but parts of the presentation shift and do not connect to the claim.
  • Uses a basic or ineffective structure to organize or group the supporting details, and/or evidence. 
No exemplars at this time.
  • Introduces a claim and maintains the claim throughout the presentation.  
  • Uses a logical body structure to organize and group supporting details and evidence that support the claim. 
No exemplars at this time.
  • Clearly establishes a credible claim and alternate or opposing claims and coherently maintains the claim in an insightful manner throughout the presentation.
  • Uses coherent and sophisticated body structure to organize and group supporting details and evidence that support the claim.
No exemplars at this time.

Development/Comprehension of Presentation

  • Includes partially related or unrelated visuals and/or information or does not include details and visuals about the topic.
  • An unclear or no explanation of the information is provided demonstrating a weak understanding of the topic, ideas, and concepts. 
No exemplars at this time.
  • Develops the topic with appropriate information, including relevant visuals, facts, definitions, details, quotations, and/or examples.
  • Provides an explanation of the information to demonstrate an understanding of the topic, ideas, concepts, and important. 
No exemplars at this time.
  • Supports a claim with logical and insightful reasoning and relevant and precise evidence from credible and accurate sources.
  • Provides a clear and insightful explanation of the evidence demonstrating a thorough understanding of the topic or texts. 
No exemplars at this time.

Development/Comprehension of Response

  • Uses a basic or ineffective structure to organize or group the supporting details, and/or evidence that relate directly to their partner’s claim.
No exemplars at this time.
  •  Uses a logical body structure to organize and group supporting details and evidence that support their partner’s claim.
No exemplars at this time.
  • Uses a coherent and sophisticated body structure to organize and group supporting details and evidence that support their partner’s claim. 
No exemplars at this time.

Leave Feedback for this Assessment

What did you like? Did you need to revise anything? How could we make this assessment better? Our Assessments are written by teachers for you, so your feedback is important to us!

Comments about items may be moderated and/or reposted to aid item improvement and teacher learning. By leaving a comment, you agree that we can use your comment without attributing it to you.

You must be logged in to leave feedback.

Don't have an account? Register Here

Log in