Description

The teacher will provide an overview of the rubric, asking students to evaluate some sample columns. Afterward, they will have time in class to finish their columns.

Objectives

• Students will finalize their first drafts.
• Students will assess other student writing based on the rubric provided.
• Students will finish their own columns with the rubric in mind.

Common Core State Standards

Length

50 minutes

Resources

Copies of sample column (see Column Examples)

Handout: Column Rubric

Lesson step-by-step

1. Rubric walk through — 5 minutes

Distribute copies of the rubric. Explain that you will be evaluating the column on that rubric and explain what each section means. It may help to remind students they could write a powerful, excellent column about their own experience, but if it only uses one type of evidence, or fails to address counterarguments, it wouldn’t earn a high score.

2. Evaluate the column — 20 minutes

Divide students into groups of three to four. Distribute copies of a sample column for each student and a copy of the rubric for each group. Have each group read the column and evaluate it using the rubric.

After they finish, go through each section of the rubric and ask the groups how they graded the column. Explain the score you would give and why. Make sure the students have a clear idea of what you are looking for in a piece of writing.

3. Work time — 25 minutes

Remind students that drafts of their columns are due next time. If students finish their drafts during class, or are already done, they can do a self-evaluation using the rubric and start revising accordingly. Students need bring in a copy of their review to share with other students for the next class.