We'll finish up the practice readings by listening in on a conversation
between Bill Cosby and his son. You'll find humor of course. And
of course, you would expect a difference in opinion when his son
requests a car. Enjoy the humor and focus on the contrasting opinions
of father and son!
This example covers the concept of compare/contrast. Read the
question carefully before reading the passage to set up your brain
for connections.
Instruction:
"Wheeler-Dealer"
is a humorous dialogue between a father and a son over the
issue of a car. Bill Cosby is the writer and the conversation
is taken from a real-life experience of his. However, you
can imagine this dialogue occurring over and over between
father and son or daughter, maybe even in your home.
Read the prompt you will be answering, so that there is a place
in your brain to file away ideas as you read! Taking notes would
be an excellent idea!
Extended
Answer Prompt:
In this passage,
the son is trying to convince the dad he should own his
own car. The humor in the passage is based on the difference
of opinion on this subject.
Fill in the chart with
words or phrases that tell the son's reasons for owning
a car, and the father's different opinion. Also fill in
words that indicate the attitude of the son and the father.
How does each feel about the request?
Then write about
ways the reasons given by father and son are different.
Finally, compare
and contrast the attitudes of the father and son. Discuss
how the father feels about the request for a car, compared
to how the son feels about his request. (hint:
don't forget the humor in the passage, and how father and
son feel about each other.)
Ready for writing a full four point answer? Go for
it!
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've had experience at score an extended response now. Take over!
Score your own writing using this criteria:
4 - Extensive (top notch, bullseye!)
3 - Basic (good, middle of target)
thoroughly (completely) contrasts reasons of son
and father
thoroughly compares/contrasts attitudes of son
and father
interpretation of comparison/contrast of reasons and
attitudes shows insight
ample (more than enough) relevant (makes sense)
examples from the passage to support ideas
contrasts reasons of father and son
compares/contrasts attitudes of son and father
interpretation of comparison/contrast of reasons and attitudes
are thoughtful
sufficient (enough) examples from the passage
to support ideas
2 - Partial (needs practice, outer edge of
target)
1 - Minimal (try again, off target)
contrasts part of the reasons of son and father
compares/contrasts part of attitudes of son and
father
interpretations of comparison/contrast of reasons and
attitudes are simple or right on the surface
tries to use evidence from the passage to support ideas,
but they may not be relevant (may not make sense).
difficulty contrasting reasons of father and son
difficulty comparing/contrasting attitudes of son and
father
may not include interpretation of comparison/contrast
of reasons and attitudes or may write "I don't know."
little or no evidence from the passage included
If you scored 3 or 4, print the Word
document for your teacher.
If you scored 1 or 2, figure out how to improve your writing,
what needs to be added to increase your score. Sometimes it really
helps to discuss it with a parent, friend or your teacher. Revise
your Word doc, and then when you are satisfied
with it, rescore it and print for your teacher!
What a lot of hard work! Now it's all about you and your
learning! You have a chance to reflect and check the learning
you accomplished in this lesson. Because of your hard work,
it should be a chance to celebrate that learning also!
