26. An explanation of the life cycle of a ladybird

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Task details

Name of writing assessment task  An explanation of the life cycle of a ladybird
EAL student stage range  A2, B1, B2, S1, S2
Text orientation Informative
Task type Cued response

 

Task specification

Purpose To assess students' ability to construct a simple information report
Description Students complete a report of the ladybird based on diagram and report stage questions
Assumed knowledge and description
  1. Content knowledge: Understanding of the life cycle of a ladybird and how to interpret cycle diagrams
  2. Text type, genre: Information report: an explanation of the life cycle of a ladybird
  3. Linguistic structures and features:
    • present tense to explain a process
    • time sequencers: then, next, after…
  4. Vocabulary: Key vocabulary in the life cycle of a ladybird: Eggs, larva, pupa

 

Learning/teaching context

Language centre/mainstream class EAL support
Subject/key syllabus objectives, outcomes   Science
Topic/teaching unit  Unit of work around insects, spiders
Assessment conditions
  1. Individual activity
  2. Formal/informal: Formal
  3. Time limit: Flexible
  4. Teacher intervention:  Limited to response to student request for clarification and encouragement 
  5. Access to resources: Students have access to the diagram of the life cycle of a ladybird 
  6. Scaffolding (modelled/guided/independent support): Guided
  7. Accommodations: -
Notes
  • The assessment is done on students' first draft
  • Pre-assessment activities can be extended as appropriate for students
  • The diagram of the life cycle of the ladybird is an example only
  • The diagrams can be made simpler or more difficult according to the needs of the students.  There are a selection of diagrams on the web to choose from.

 

Task implementation

STAGE ACTION STEPS
Pre-assessment activity
  • Teachers and students revise the life cycle of the ladybird and the vocabulary needed at each stage based on learning gained in lessons prior to the assessment
  • Teacher distributes a diagram of the life cycle of the ladybird
  • Using the diagram, students verbally explain the life cycle to each other
Assessment activity
Post-assessment activity
  • In pairs or small groups students show each other their explanation of the life cycle of a ladybird and do self and peer feedback
  • Give students time to improve and write a second draft
  • Students illustrate their explanation
  • Once the students' work has been read, provide individual and whole class feedback on strengths and individual or global improvement steps

This is undergoing development.  Please check back soon.

This is undergoing development.  Please check back soon.

This is undergoing development.  Please check back soon.

 

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