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Direct Writing Assessment

GRADE 4 | Direct Writing Assessment: Autobiographical Incident
This on-demand writing assessment embeds stages of the writing process into a defined time period. Students write about an unforgettable event that they have experienced. Previous topics have included a past event when students found themselves nervous, lost, or resourceful. The assessment includes an introduction to the task, a short reading selection that serves as a model, some discussion questions, one or more suggestions for planning, the prompt and a checklist of revision and editing questions.


GRADE 6 | Direct Writing: Persuasive
This on-demand writing assessment embeds stages of the writing process into a defined time period. Students write a persuasive essay supporting a particular point of view. The topic is designed to be meaningful and accessible to students in sixth grade. Previous topics have included friendship advice, transitioning to a new school or grade level, and homework. The assessment includes an introduction to the task, a short reading selection that serves as a model, some discussion questions, one or more suggestions for planning, the prompt and a checklist of revision and editing questions.


GRADE 7 | Direct Writing: Firsthand Biography
This on-demand writing assessment embeds stages of the writing process into a defined time period. Students write about someone they know or knew who embodies a particular value or personality trait. The topic is designed to encourage seventh grade students to explore multiple dimensions of a friend or acquaintance. Previous topics have asked students to describe someone they knew whom they liked but was different and someone whose first impression was misleading. The assessment includes an introduction to the task, a short reading selection that serves as a model, some discussion questions, one or more suggestions for planning, the prompt and a checklist of revision and editing questions.


GRADE 9 | Direct Writing: Reflective Autobiographical Incident
This on-demand writing assessment embeds stages of the writing process into a defined time period. Students write about an event from their past. The prompt focuses on an aspect of students' social or intellectual development. The topic is designed to encourage ninth grade students to be reflective. Previous topics have asked students to write about a time when they jumped into a new interest or to describe when a book, movie or TV show had a particularly strong influence on what they thought or did. The assessment includes an introduction to the task, a short reading selection that serves as a model, some discussion questions, one or more suggestions for planning, the prompt and a checklist of revision and editing questions.

Direct Writing Resources