Practice 2 - Instruction:

"Living in the Desert" is an informational selection about technological advances to improve living conditions in the desert, while "Far From Here" is a poem celebrating the role of nature in the desert. Both selections offer solutions to a problem encountered while living in the desert. Both selections are linked to the book icons on the right.

Living in the Desert Far From Here

Tips:

• Read the prompt you will be answering, so that there is a place in your brain to file away solutions as you read!
• Before reading, divide a piece of paper in half, in order to take notes solutions to the problem of living in the desert. Label one half of the paper article, and the other half, poem. Jot down details as you read.

Short Answer Prompt: According to the article and the poem, what is the main problem associated with living in the desert? Then include a solution to this problem from each selection in your answer. Note: What key elements will be needed for a full two point answer? Choose ONE of the following three options for writing your response. 1. If Microsoft Word is available on your computer, this document allows you to type your answer, use spell check, save, copy/paste text, and/or print the page to turn in. << Click here to open a word form for your response.   2. This file can be printed, and allows you to use your best penmanship (yes, real writing instead of typing), and turn it in to your teacher. << Click here to open a .pdf file for your response.   3. If you are a student taking this class through IA, you will need to use this document for your response. Follow directions on your checklist to copy/paste into an e-mail. << Click here for the text.

You are the an expert at scoring short answer responses now. Go ahead and score your own writing using this criteria:

• A two point answer would show understanding of the main problem of living in the desert, and include text-based solutions, one from the poem, one from the article.
• A one point answer would show partial understanding of the main problem of living in the desert, and might only discuss one text-based solution from either the poem or the article.
• A zero point answer might be, "I don't know." Or it might be an inaccurate explanation of the problem, or not include any solutions.

This may help identify the key elements in your writing.

Yes	No	Criteria
		I wrote in my own words.
		I explained the main problem of living in the desert.
		I included a solution from "Living in the Desert."
		I included a solution from "Far From Here."
		I used information from the text to support my answers.

If you check all five yes buttons, chances are you earned 2 points! Way to go.

If you didn't check all five yes buttons, take a look at what was missing, and go back and revise your answer until you can check all five yes buttons!

When you are totally satisfied with your answer, print the Word document with your answer and score for your teacher.

You've worked hard! Let's head back to the stars and make some connections.

Practice 3 >>