ACCESS for ELLs Grades 4-5 Writing Test

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of the sample writing exercise introduced to the students?

To help students prepare for demonstrating their English proficiency in writing (correct)

To test students' knowledge of South Pacific history

To teach students about different cultures in New Zealand

To entertain students with stories about Tane and Kura

How long should a mock administration of the sample item be set aside for?

1 hour

15 minutes

45 minutes (correct)

30 minutes

What activity did Tane and Kura enjoy doing?

Flying kites and climbing trees (correct)

Fishing and sailing

Exploring new islands

Weaving and crafting

What task should students do after they finish writing?

Check their work using questions on the last page Signup and view all the answers

What materials are students required to have for the writing exercise?

A copy of the sample test items and a pencil Signup and view all the answers

What type of items are the students going to complete in the writing exercise?

Sample test items similar to an upcoming assessment Signup and view all the answers

What is one material that teachers should print for the mock administration?

One copy of page 1 for themselves Signup and view all the answers

What part of the Pacific Islander life does the exercise ask students to compare?

How their lives are the same and different from Tane and Kura’s Signup and view all the answers

What activity did Kura engage in during their outdoor play?

Making baskets Signup and view all the answers

What is a hangi?

An underground cooking pit covered with dirt Signup and view all the answers

Which lesson did Tane learn from his family?

How to garden and catch food Signup and view all the answers

What did Tane use a hangi for?

To cook food Signup and view all the answers

How did Tane spend his time outdoors?

Cooking and gardening Signup and view all the answers

What is one way students are encouraged to relate their lives to Tane and Kura’s lives?

By comparing their lives to Tane and Kura’s Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as part of Tane and Kura's experience?

Going to school Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of writing are students prompted to check after completing their essay?

If they wrote a beginning, middle, and ending Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

ACCESS for ELLs Writing Test Overview

Provides a sample writing task focused on Pacific Islander life for Grades 4-5, Tier B/C.
Aimed at preparing students for their English proficiency test through a realistic practice exercise.

Mock Administration Suggestions

Recommended to conduct a mock test session lasting around 45 minutes.
Instructions include distributing materials: one copy for the instructor and individual copies for each student.
Students should write their names on each page before starting.

Conducting the Writing Exercise

Explain to students that the exercise simulates the upcoming test and serves to demonstrate their writing proficiency.
Monitor student progress and adherence to directions during the writing period.
Allow flexible timing—30 minutes initially, with a 5-minute extension if needed.

Content of the Writing Task

Central characters: Tane and Kura, who lived over 300 years ago in New Zealand.
Students are prompted to compare their lives to Tane and Kura’s based on images and provided context.

Key Activities of Tane and Kura

Engaged in outdoor activities such as kite flying and tree climbing.
Family education focused on practical skills like gardening and food preparation.
Used a traditional cooking method (hangi) to prepare meals.

Writing Plan and Guidelines

Students must describe similarities and differences between their lives and those of Tane and Kura.
Encouraged to use notes, outlines, webs, or graphic organizers to organize thoughts before writing.

Writing Process

Students are instructed to write essays detailing their life similarities and differences in relation to Tane and Kura.
Emphasis on supporting ideas with details from visual aids provided.

Self-Assessment Criteria

Students should evaluate their writing by considering:
- Inclusion of an engaging beginning and a conclusive ending.
- Use of detailed support for main ideas.
- Clarity and organization of writing.
- Selection of appropriate vocabulary.

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Description

This quiz provides an overview of the writing test tasks designed for Pacific Islander life, specifically for Grades 4-5 at Tier B/C. It includes mock administration suggestions and outlines how to conduct the writing exercise while monitoring student progress. Ideal for preparing students for their English proficiency testing.