Name__________________________________________

Unit 4 State & Local Performance Assessment: Letter to a Rep. E-Portfolio

*Recognize that if you desire to earn a 4 (Advanced), you must meet the points of emphasis in Proficient plus most of the criteria outlined in Advanced.

Skills
Idea Development

4-Advanced

3-Proficient

2-Developing

1-Needs Improvement

My position is important, clear,

and defensible.
My argument demonstrates my
understanding of the topic.
I explain and show the reason
for each idea used to support
my position on the bill and I
address different points of
view.
I explain the significance of the
bill and my opinion (the so
what- of my paper).

My position is lacking clarity

and/or is not defensible.
My argument is confusing, OR
it only partly shows that I
understand the topic. I mainly
summarize the information
instead of explaining how my
ideas relate to my position.
I attempt to explain the
significance of my argument,
but it is not clear.

I use sufficient evidence that is

relevant to my argument and
that effectively elaborates on
my point.
I use accurate evidence with
enough detail to support my
argument.
I cite supporting evidence from
multiple sources appropriately,
even when paraphrasing.

My introduction orients the

reader to my topic and
provides an overview of my
position.
My topic sentences are clearly
stated in each paragraph and
develop my letters logic.
My letter is properly formatted
as a formal business letter.
My conclusion summarizes my
analysis and reflects upon my
position.

I use evidence to support my

argument, but it is insufficient,
not fully relevant, or repeats
rather than elaborates on my
point.
Most of my evidence is related
to my argument, but some of it
may not be accurate, detailed,
or correctly interpreted.
I sometimes cite my supporting
evidence appropriately.
My letter begins with an
introduction that only partly
orients the reader to the rest of
my letter.
My topic sentences are
sometimes underdeveloped or
unclear.
My transitions between ideas
are inconsistent.
My letter contains some errors
in formatting as a formal
business letter.
My conclusion does not fully
close/summarize my letter.

*To achieve a 4.5

my argument
includes different
points of view and
develops the
reasoning,
evidence,
strengths, and
limitations for
each point of view.

Supporting Evidence
*To achieve a 4.5 I
consistently and
effectively integrate
well-chosen citations
to create a cohesive
analysis and to
address questions and
counterclaims.
Organization, Style,
Conventions
*To achieve a 4.5 I
maintain the
audiences interest by
doing the following:
~varying syntax and
sentence structure
~Using figures of speech
~Choosing precise and
content-specific
language

I make connections between

the topic of my letter and the
impact of my argument on
myself and the world.

In my analysis, I distinguish
fact from opinion and show
that I know how to identify
and use each appropriately.
I anticipate my audiences
knowledge level, including
concerns, values, and
possible biases.

My introduction hooks and

orients the reader to topic in
a thoughtful and engaging
way.
My body paragraphs build in
significance and enhance the
clarity and engagement of
my letter.
My conclusion is interesting
and ties up my position,
leaving the reader with a
new perspective.

My letter has a topic but I fail to

state a position.
My ideas are not clearly related
to my topic. I only list
information rather than connect it
to my argument. OR I make
inappropriate connections
between the evidence and my
topic.
I do not explain the significance
of my topic.

I use limited evidence, or it

contradicts or does not connect to
my argument.
I use evidence that is inaccurate
or misinterpreted.
I do not include citations from
my research OR I use direct
quotations but do not say where
they are from.

My letter begins presenting

information without an
introduction.
The order of my information and
supporting evidence is confusing
and distracting.
My topic sentences are mostly
missing, unclear, or do not relate
to the rest of the paragraph.
The transitions between my ideas
are non-existent or hard to
follow.
My letter lacks a conclusion.