Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBAC) ELA/Literacy: Performance Task and Research Syllabus

ELA/Literacy: Performance Task and Research syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for ELA/Literacy: Performance Task and Research in Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBAC), not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Analyzing the Source Set

   3 topics

   • Reading the Stimulus Texts
     • Identifying purpose of each source
     • Tracking overlapping and conflicting ideas
   • Evaluating Source Reliability
     • Authority and credibility checks
     • Detecting bias and limitations
   • Answering Research Questions
     • Selecting relevant evidence per item
     • Comparing claims across sources
2. 2

   Planning the Extended Response

   3 topics

   • Interpreting the Writing Prompt
     • Identifying purpose, audience, and mode
     • Unpacking task requirements
   • Forming a Controlling Idea or Claim
   • Outlining and Sequencing Ideas
     • Selecting and ordering evidence
     • Mapping introduction to conclusion
3. 3

   Drafting the Full-Write

   3 topics

   • Constructing Organized Paragraphs
     • Topic sentences and elaboration
     • Transitions across sources
   • Integrating Cited Evidence
     • Attributing ideas to sources
     • Blending quotation with analysis
   • Maintaining Tone and Cohesion
4. 4

   Revising and Editing the Performance Task

   3 topics

   • Strengthening Development and Support
   • Improving Organization and Flow
   • Correcting Conventions Under Time Limits

ELA/Literacy: Performance Task and Research flashcards for Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBAC)

18 of 50 cards from the ELA/Literacy: Performance Task and Research deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. What is the SBAC ELA Performance Task (PT), and what two parts does it contain?

   An extended, multi-step assessment that has students read source texts and write a full essay. It contains a research/comprehension part (3-4 short questions about the sources) followed by a full-write essay based on those sources.

2. What are the three essay/writing modes that can appear on the SBAC ELA Performance Task?

   Argumentative (opinion/claim with reasons), Informational/Explanatory, and Narrative.

3. In the SBAC Performance Task, what is the 'stimulus' or 'stimuli'?

   The set of source texts (and sometimes audio/video/multimedia) students must read or view and then use as evidence in the research questions and the full-write essay.

4. When first reading the stimulus texts in a Performance Task, what should you identify in each source?

   The main idea/central claim, the author's purpose, key supporting details, and the source's perspective or point of view.

5. Why should you annotate or take notes while reading the stimulus texts?

   To locate and label evidence quickly later, track each source's main points, and avoid re-reading the entire passage when writing the essay under time limits.

6. What strategy helps you keep multiple stimulus sources straight during a Performance Task?

   Label each source (e.g., Source 1, Source 2) and jot a one-line summary plus the author's stance for each, so you can cite the correct source when writing.

7. What does it mean to read a stimulus text 'closely' for the Performance Task?

   Reading carefully for explicit and implicit meaning, noting key details, word choice, structure, and how the text supports its central idea—rather than skimming.

8. Define 'source reliability' in the context of evaluating Performance Task stimuli.

   The degree to which a source is trustworthy and credible, based on the author's expertise, accuracy, objectivity, evidence, and currency.

9. List four criteria for evaluating whether a source is reliable.

   Author's authority/expertise, accuracy and supporting evidence, objectivity (lack of bias), and currency (how up to date the information is).

10. What distinguishes a reliable source from a biased or unreliable one?

    A reliable source gives balanced, evidence-backed, verifiable information from a credible author; a biased/unreliable source uses opinion, emotional appeals, or one-sided claims without support.

11. What is the difference between a primary and a secondary source?

    A primary source is firsthand or original (eyewitness account, original data, document); a secondary source analyzes, interprets, or summarizes primary information.

12. How does identifying an author's purpose help you evaluate a source's reliability?

    Knowing whether the author aims to inform, persuade, or sell reveals potential bias—persuasive or commercial purposes may slant the information.

13. What is the purpose of the short research questions that come before the full-write essay?

    To check comprehension of the sources and have students locate, analyze, compare, or evaluate evidence they will need for the essay.

14. When answering a research question that asks you to 'cite evidence from two sources,' what must your answer include?

    Specific details or quotations drawn from the two named sources, with each piece of evidence attributed to its correct source.

15. What is the best first step when answering any Performance Task research question?

    Read the question carefully to determine exactly what it asks (locate, compare, explain, or evaluate) and which source(s) to use.

16. In research questions, what does an 'analyze' command word require versus a 'summarize' command word?

    'Analyze' requires breaking information into parts and explaining how/why it works or relates; 'summarize' requires briefly restating the main points in your own words.

17. What is the first thing to do when you receive the full-write writing prompt?

    Read it carefully to identify the writing mode (argument, explanatory, or narrative), the topic/task, the intended audience, and the purpose.

18. What does it mean to 'deconstruct' or unpack a writing prompt?

    Breaking the prompt into its parts—task, purpose, audience, mode, and any required use of sources—so your response addresses every requirement.

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