EXAMPLE Table of Specifications for a Unit Test (Cells can be cleared to create your own, including different item

types and point

values. You can also add or delete rows.)

Outcomes to Assess Item Types (with Item numbers)

Matching
Multiple Choice True/False Short Answer TOTAL
Content Standard Objectives (0.5 pts
(1pt each) (2 pts each) (5 pts each) POINTS
each)
SWBAT
30, 31, 32,
1, 3, 7 11, 17, 18 21 16
33

SWBAT

2, 4, 5 14, 16, 19, 20 22 27, 28, 29 17.5

SWBAT

6, 8, 9, 10 12, 13, 15 23 24, 25, 26 16.5

SWBAT

SWBAT

TOTAL POINTS 10 20 15 5 50
EXAMPLE Table of Specifications for a Performance Task (Cells can be cleared to create your own. You can also add rows.)
Standards
Reading 3.0: Read and respond to
historically or culturally significant
works of literature and conduct in-
depth analyses of recurring themes.
Reading 3.2: Analyze how the theme
or meaning of a selection represents a
view or comment on life, using
textual evidence to support the claim.
Objectives
SWBAT:
Draw conclusions about literature
through textual analysis.
Respond in writing to recurring
themes
Use examples and quotes from the
text to support their viewpoint on
themes in the literature.
Task Prompts
Pick one recurring theme from The
House on Mango Street. What do you
think Cisneros is trying to
communicate through this personal
narrative? Write a 4 paragraph essay
on this question and use textual
evidence to support your thesis.
Assessment Criteria (rubric)
Ideas: Essay is focused and uses
interesting, original details. Thesis is
clear, convincing, and fresh. Supporting
details are accurate and relevant.
Quotations are carefully selected,
thought-provoking, and support thesis.
Essay analyzes literature and shows
thorough understanding of the text.

Writing 1.3: Structure ideas and SWBAT: Your introduction should include a Organization: Strong organization
arguments in a sustained, persuasive, Write an introduction that includes ahook, thesis, and background highlights key ideas. Introduction is
and sophisticated way and support hook, thesis, and background information about the novel or engaging and provides a clear direction.
them with precise and relevant information. novelist. Details within each Details and commentary are closely
examples. Write organized body paragraphs paragraph should support the main linked to the thesis. Body paragraphs
containing textual support. idea of each paragraph, and these are organized and contain a strong
Write an effective conclusion. main ideas should contribute to your balance between concrete details and
Write transitions to connect ideas. thesis. The conclusion should restate commentary. Transitions link ideas
your thesis and provide insight into together smoothly and naturally.
the novel. Transitions should be used Conclusion is thought-provoking and
to connect ideas between paragraphs. reinforces important ideas.
Writing1.9: Revise text to highlight SWBAT: Check over and revise your work, or Style: Well-chosen words convey the
individual voice, improve sentence Use appropriate and effective words ask for feedback from the teacher or message in a precise way, adding new
variety and style, and enhance in writing. peers. Make sure to use your own levels of understanding. Word choice is
subtlety of meaning and tone in ways Vary sentence length and words in describing your explicit and vivid, and phrasing is
that are consistent with the purpose, complexity. interpretation of the novel. Vary your memorable and readable. Sentences are
audience, and genre. Write in a formal essay tone sentence structures and pick words specific, strong, and vary in complexity
avoiding casual and slang that capture your ideas precisely. and length. Words are not wasted.
expressions. Write for an academic audience, so Writing is fluid and strong.
avoid casual or slang expressions.
Conventions 1.1: Demonstrate control SWBAT: Pay attention to grammar, and use Conventions: Essay is essentially free
of grammar, diction, and paragraph Write complete sentences with little- correct spelling and punctuation. from grammar, punctuation, and spelling
and sentence structure and an no grammatical errors. Make sure that you are using your errors. Errors are so few and minor they
understanding of English usage. Produce legible work that shows words correctly. Use the MLA format are easily overlooked. Essay is
Conventions 1.2: Produce legible accurate spelling and correct in citing references from the text or presented in the correct format.
work that shows accurate spelling and punctuation and capitalization. other texts.
correct punctuation and capitalization. Use MLA format.
Conventions 1.3: Reflect appropriate
manuscript requirements in writing