EXAMPLE Table of Specifications for a Unit Test (Cells can be cleared to create your own, including different item types and point
values. You can also add or delete rows.)
Outcomes to Assess
Content Standard
Objectives
•
•SWBAT
•
•
Item Types (with Item numbers)
Multiple Choice
(1pt each)
True/False
(2 pts each)
Short
Answer
(5 pts each)
Matching
(0.5 pts
each)
TOTAL
POINTS
1, 3, 7
11, 17, 18
21
30, 31, 32,
33
16
2, 4, 5
14, 16, 19, 20
22
27, 28, 29
17.5
6, 8, 9, 10
12, 13, 15
23
24, 25, 26
16.5
10
20
15
5
50
•SWBAT
•SWBAT
•
• SWBAT
•
• SWBAT
TOTAL POINTS
EXAMPLE Table of Specifications for a Performance Task (Cells can be cleared to create your own. You can also add rows.)
Standards
Objectives
Task Prompts
Reading 3.0: Read and respond to
historically or culturally significant
works of literature and conduct indepth analyses of recurring themes.
Reading 3.2: Analyze how the theme
or meaning of a selection represents a
view or comment on life, using
textual evidence to support the claim.
SWBAT:
 Draw conclusions about literature
through textual analysis.
 Respond in writing to recurring
themes
 Use examples and quotes from the
text to support their viewpoint on
themes in the literature.
Pick one recurring theme from The
House on Mango Street. What do you
think Cisneros is trying to
communicate through this personal
narrative? Write a 4 paragraph essay
on this question and use textual
evidence to support your thesis.
Writing 1.3: Structure ideas and
arguments in a sustained, persuasive,
and sophisticated way and support
them with precise and relevant
examples.
SWBAT:
 Write an introduction that includes
a hook, thesis, and background
information.
 Write organized body paragraphs
containing textual support.
 Write an effective conclusion.
 Write transitions to connect ideas.
Writing1.9: Revise text to highlight
individual voice, improve sentence
variety and style, and enhance
subtlety of meaning and tone in ways
that are consistent with the purpose,
audience, and genre.
SWBAT:
 Use appropriate and effective
words in writing.
 Vary sentence length and
complexity.
 Write in a formal essay tone –
avoiding casual and slang
expressions.
Conventions 1.1: Demonstrate
control of grammar, diction, and
paragraph and sentence structure and
an understanding of English usage.
Conventions 1.2: Produce legible
work that shows accurate spelling
and correct punctuation and
capitalization.
Conventions 1.3: Reflect appropriate
manuscript requirements in writing
SWBAT:
 Write complete sentences with
little-no grammatical errors.
 Produce legible work that shows
accurate spelling and correct
punctuation and capitalization.
 Use MLA format.
Your introduction should include a
hook, thesis, and background
information about the novel or
novelist. Details within each
paragraph should support the main
idea of each paragraph, and these
main ideas should contribute to your
thesis. The conclusion should restate
your thesis and provide insight into
the novel. Transitions should be used
to connect ideas between paragraphs.
Check over and revise your work, or
ask for feedback from the teacher or
peers. Make sure to use your own
words in describing your
interpretation of the novel. Vary
your sentence structures and pick
words that capture your ideas
precisely. Write for an academic
audience, so avoid casual or slang
expressions.
Pay attention to grammar, and use
correct spelling and punctuation.
Make sure that you are using your
words correctly. Use the MLA
format in citing references from the
text or other texts.
Assessment Criteria (rubric)
Ideas: Essay is focused and uses
interesting, original details. Thesis is
clear, convincing, and fresh.
Supporting details are accurate and
relevant. Quotations are carefully
selected, thought-provoking, and
support thesis. Essay analyzes literature
and shows thorough understanding of
the text.
Organization: Strong organization
highlights key ideas. Introduction is
engaging and provides a clear direction.
Details and commentary are closely
linked to the thesis. Body paragraphs
are organized and contain a strong
balance between concrete details and
commentary. Transitions link ideas
together smoothly and naturally.
Conclusion is thought-provoking and
reinforces important ideas.
Style: Well-chosen words convey the
message in a precise way, adding new
levels of understanding. Word choice is
explicit and vivid, and phrasing is
memorable and readable. Sentences are
specific, strong, and vary in complexity
and length. Words are not wasted.
Writing is fluid and strong.
Conventions: Essay is essentially free
from grammar, punctuation, and
spelling errors. Errors are so few and
minor they are easily overlooked.
Essay is presented in the correct format.