Requirements:
- Every performance task must have at least five unique items.
- The five items can relate to one text or to multiple texts.
- Source material must be an informational text that supports an author’s argument.
- In a multiple-choice item, a minimum of two answer choices must be provided.
Items/Questions
Teacher direction: The author of this article says students should have homework every day. Follow along as I read the article. As I read, think about whythe author believes students should have homework every day. [Read the article to the student.]Homework Helps
I think students should have homework every day. Homework helps students remember what they learn in class. Homework will make students smarter.
Teacher direction: Which detail in the article supports the argument that students should have homework every day?[Read the answer choices to the student]
A. Homework helps student remember what they learn.
B. Homework is fun.
Teacher direction: The author of this article says students should wear school uniforms. Follow along as I read the article. As I read, think about whythe author believes students should wear school uniforms. [Read the article to the student.]
Uniforms
I think wearing school uniforms is a good idea. Wearing uniforms would save money. Uniforms are cheaper than many regular clothes. School uniforms also encourage school spirit. They make everyone feel comfortable.
Teacher direction: Which detail in the article supports the idea that students should wear school uniforms?[Read the answer choices to the student]
A. Uniforms are expensive.
B. Uniforms encourage school spirit.
Teacher direction: The author of this article says students should be allowed to chew gum in school. Follow along as I read the article. As I read, think about whythe author believes students should be allowed to chew gum in school. [Read the article to the student.]
Gum in School
All students should be allowed to chew gum in school. Scientists have discovered that chewing gum can help learning. The scientists learned that students who chewed gum could concentrate longer. Students even earned better grades.
Teacher direction: Which detail in the article supports the idea that students should
be allowed to chew gum in school?[Read the answer choices to the student]
A. Chewing gum helps students concentrate.
B. Chewing gum is messy.
Teacher direction: The author of this article says students should get 9 hours of sleep. Follow along as I read the article. As I read, think about whythe author believes students should get 9 hours of sleep. [Read the article to the student.]
Good Night
Studies have shown that middle school students should have at least 9 hours of sleep. Students who have a good night sleep are able to stay awake at school, concentrate on assignments, and get better grades. We should all get a good night’s sleep.
Teacher direction: Which detail in the article supports the idea that students should get 9 hours of sleep?[Read the answer choices to the student]
A. A good night’s sleep allows students to watch more TV.
B. A good night’s sleep helps students stay awake at school.
Teacher direction: The author of this article says students should be able to use their cell phones at school. Follow along as I read the article. As I read, think about whythe author believes students should be able to have cell phones at school.
[Read the article to the student.]
Students should be allowed to use cell phones in school. Most cell phones are mini computers. Students can use these to look up information for school assignments. Students can also use the phones to have anonymous class discussions with the teacher.
Teacher direction: Which detail in the article supports the idea that students should be able to have cell phones at school?[Read the answer choices to the student]
A. Students can use cell phones to have discussions with teacher.
B. Students need cell phones to call home to be picked up after school.
Teacher direction: The author of this article says students should not have to wear uniforms. Follow along as I read the article. As I read, think about why the author believes students should not have to wear uniforms. [Read the article to the student.]
Uniforms
Students should not have to wear uniforms in school. It is important for students to express themselves through the clothes they wear. Uniforms are boring and forces parents to buy clothes they may not be able to afford.
Highlight one detail in the article that supports the idea that uniforms should not be worn in school.
Teacher direction: The author of this article says students should be given iPads. Follow along as I read the article. As I read, think about why the author believes students should be given iPads. [Read the article to the student.]
iPads
Students should be given iPads instead of curriculum books. Books are expensive for schools to buy and the information is not always up to date. If students had iPads they would always have the most up to date and accurate information.
Highlight one detail in the article that supports the idea that students should be given iPads.