ACAP Text Dependent Writing Specs

The following is important information for your reference regarding ACAP Written Response Item Specs.  It has also been sent to teachers in grades 2-5 via email.  We will discuss at our ACAP Precept Team PD the end of October.

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Text Dependent Writing (TDW)

ACAP Summative – Grades 4-8

If you are teaching the standards, you will elicit the type responses expected for a successful TDW.  The response should be steeped in evidence within the text.

What is a TDW?       

·         Based on a writing prompt

·         Students are presented with a passage and given a question about the passage(s)

·         Students write an essay response to the question, using evidence from the passage to draw inferences to support an analysis—it is not a summary of the passage

·         Integrates reading, writing and language standards

·         Based on a narrative or informational text

What Standards does a TDW Measure?

Aligned to the anchor standard ALCOS W9 – Draw evidence from literary (RL) or informational (RI) texts to support analysis, reflection, and research

Ex: Grade 4, Standard 30: Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection and research (W.4.9)

a.    Literary – Describe in depth a character, setting or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (W.4.9a)

b.    Informational – Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support points in a text

What does a TDW Requires of Students?

·         Close reading, to infer meaning and provide supporting textual evidence, and writing skills

How is a TDW Scored?

The holistic score reflects the skill level at which is mostly demonstrated by the student.

·         Measures overall writing skills, analysis of the passage(s), and use of information from the passage(s) to develop a comprehensive essay

·         Reflects the students’ skill level in that it is scored in draft form

·         Students may receive a score of 1-4, then it is multiplied by 2 to get the final TDW score

·         All parts of the task must be performed to get a score of 4

What does a Successful TDW Look Like?  

·         Demonstrates a deep understanding of the text(s) or passage(s)

·         Thoroughly analyzes text(s) to support claims, opinions, or ideas

·         Uses a successful organizational structure with effective introduction, body and conclusion

·         References the text(s) using main ideas, details, examples, and/or facts as evidence

·         Uses precise grammar and punctuation

·         Uses proper grammar and conventions

Score Levels
Score 4	Effective analysis of text and skillful writing
Score 3	Adequate analysis of text and appropriate writing
Score 2	Limited analysis of text and inconsistent writing
Score 1	Minimal analysis of text and inadequate writing