HSPA Section: Narrative Reading
(50 minutes to read passage which is appx. 4 pages in length, answer 10 multiple choice and 2 open-ended questions)
The Narrative Reading + Open-Ended Questions
A NARRATIVE TEXT is written primarily to tell a story. This story will establish or develop a conflict and address common aspects of human existence. Because appropriate literature may contain unsettling or disturbing issues or events, text selected for the assessment will provide a positive resolution and affirm the dignity of the human spirit.
Open-Ended Scoring Rubric:
Points |
Criteria |
4 |
Clearly demonstrates understanding of the task, completes all requirements, and provides an insightful explanation/opinion that links to or extends aspects of the text. |
3 |
Demonstrates an understanding of the task, completes all requirements, and provides some explanation/opinion using situations or ideas from the text as support. |
2 |
May address the requirements, but demonstrates a partial understanding of the task, and uses text incorrectly/with limited success resulting in an inconsistent or flawed explanation. |
1 |
Demonstrates minimal understanding of the task, does not complete the requirements, and provides only a vague reference to or no use of the text. |
0 |
Is irrelevant or off-topic. |
Tips for Open-Ended Questions:
- The first bullet is usually "close to the text" / to apply what you know.
- The second bullet is usually "beyond the text" / to extend what you know.
- Reword the question to create your topic sentence. Use pieces of the statement and the bullet question. This helps you to focus and lets the scorer know what you are writing about.
- Frame out your answer using several text examples. It is always good to correctly work quotes into your response. Use 5-8 sentences per paragraph (and at least 1 paragraph for each bullet) for a full response.
- Close your open-ended response with a concluding sentence similar to your topic sentence.
- Even if you can’t answer completely, make an attempt. These questions are scored from 0-4 points and are worth 44% of the total reading score. A partial answer can earn you some points.
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