Benchmark Assessment 4: “If Black English Isn’t a Language, Then Tell Me What Is?”
Written Task 2
Prompts: (Choose 1 of the 4)
Categories:
Power and Privilege
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How and why is a social group presented in a particular way?
Which social groups are marginalized, excluded, or silenced within a text?
Reader, Culture, and Text
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How could the text be read and interpreted differently by two different readers?
If the text had been written in a different time or place or language or for a different audience,
how and why might it differ?
Text:
“If Black English Isn’t A Language, Then Tell Me What Is?” Author: James Baldwin
Rubric:
Written Task 2 Rubric (can be found on my SWIFT page)
Helpful Hints:
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Keep in mind the relationship between language and identity as well as between language and
power.
Incorporate direct quotes. DO NOT LEAVE THEM HANGING!
Each body paragraph should follow the outline of a CLAIMS PARAGRAPH.
Be sure that your thesis CLEARLY answers the prompt question with specific points.
This essay is about proving an argument. NOT summarizing a story.
MLA Format
Suggested Thesis Format:
Overall, James Baldwin’s authorial intention in his article “If Black English Isn’t a Language, Then Tell Me
What Is?” is to portray (response to chosen prompt) through his use of (rhetorical devices).
Essay Outline
Name:
___________________________
Period:
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Prompt Question:
_________________________________________________________________
Title: (MAY NOT BE the title of the story)
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Intro Paragraph
Attention Grabber:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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Background/Context:
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Thesis:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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1st Body Paragraph (corresponds to FIRST point in thesis)
Claim:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Context:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Direct Quote(s):
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Fresh Point/Transition:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2nd Body Paragraph (corresponds to SECOND point in thesis)
Claim:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Context:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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Direct Quote(s):
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Fresh Point/Transition:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
3rd Body Paragraph (corresponds to THIRD point in thesis)
Claim:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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Context:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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Direct Quote(s):
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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Fresh Point/Transition:
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Continue this format for any additional body paragraphs!
Conclusion
Restate thesis in a new way:
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Provide final thoughts and concluding remarks:
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Fresh, final point that makes a statement:
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