Creating an effective unit test for analyzing informational text involves assessing students' understanding of various elements, such as text structure, main ideas, supporting details, and analysis of the author's purpose and tone. Below is a sample unit test that you could use or modify based on your specific curriculum and student needs.
Informational Text Unit Test
Name: ____________________
Date: ________________
Part 1: Multiple Choice (2 points each)
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What is the main idea of the text? a. A detailed account of an event
b. The primary message the author wants to convey
c. A list of facts surrounding a topic
d. A conclusion drawn from various sources -
Which of the following best describes the term "text features"? a. The physical aspects of a book
b. Elements such as headings, charts, and graphs that aid in understanding
c. The author's personal opinion
d. The length of the text -
If a passage primarily uses statistics and data, which type of text structure is likely being used? a. Chronological
b. Cause and effect
c. Compare and contrast
d. Problem and solution -
What does the author’s tone refer to? a. The subject matter of the text
b. The author's attitude towards the topic
c. The intended audience
d. The complexity of the vocabulary used -
Which of the following is an example of a supporting detail? a. "The Earth revolves around the Sun."
b. "Many scientists agree that climate change is a pressing issue."
c. "In 2020, global temperatures reached an all-time high."
d. "Climate change is a global crisis."
Part 2: Short Answer (5 points each)
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Identify and explain the author's purpose in the following excerpt: (Provide an excerpt from a nonfiction piece of your choice for students to analyze.)
-
Describe the effect of the text features used in one of the passages read during this unit. Provide specific examples.
Part 3: Essay (10 points)
Write a short essay analyzing how the use of evidence enhances the author's argument in the following article.
(Provide a prompt and/or an article link for the students to reference.)
- Be sure to include your understanding of the main idea, supporting details, and how they relate to the author's purpose.
- Discuss the types of evidence used and their effectiveness.
Scoring Rubric:
- Multiple Choice: Each correct answer earns 2 points.
- Short Answer: Clear identification and explanation earns full points (5 points each); partial credit based on the depth of analysis.
- Essay: Full points for a well-organized, thorough analysis; partial credit for less clarity or insufficient evidence.
Total Points: ______ / 40
Feel free to adapt the content, specific texts, and scoring criteria to align with your students’ levels and the instructional goals you've set for the unit on informational text analysis!
1 answer