ELPAC Writing Domain Task Types 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the ELPAC Writing domain, which task type requires students to write sentences in response to a visual prompt such as a picture?
- Opinion writing
- Sentence writing from a picture prompt (Correct answer)
- Collaborative writing
- Note-taking from a lecture
Correct answer: Sentence writing from a picture prompt
Sentence writing from a picture prompt asks students to compose sentences describing or responding to a visual image.
Question 2: When completing a short constructed-response writing task on the ELPAC, what is the student expected to produce?
- A multi-paragraph essay with a thesis
- A brief written response, typically one to two sentences (Correct answer)
- A fully developed narrative with dialogue
- A formal business letter
Correct answer: A brief written response, typically one to two sentences
Short constructed-response tasks require a brief, focused written response rather than a full essay.
Question 3: Which ELPAC writing task type most directly assesses a student's ability to write for an informational purpose?
- Personal narrative writing
- Informational/explanatory writing task (Correct answer)
- Creative story writing
- Friendly letter writing
Correct answer: Informational/explanatory writing task
Informational/explanatory writing tasks require students to convey factual information clearly and logically.
Question 4: A Grade 5 student on the ELPAC is asked to write an opinion piece supporting a claim with reasons. Which writing domain task type is being assessed?
- Descriptive writing
- Narrative writing
- Opinion/argumentative writing (Correct answer)
- Summary writing
Correct answer: Opinion/argumentative writing
Opinion/argumentative writing requires students to state a claim and support it with reasons and evidence.
Question 5: On the ELPAC, 'writing from sources' tasks differ from independent writing tasks primarily because they:
- Require students to write longer essays
- Ask students to use information from provided texts in their response (Correct answer)
- Prohibit the use of any graphic organizers
- Are scored only on grammar and mechanics
Correct answer: Ask students to use information from provided texts in their response
Writing from sources tasks require students to draw on and integrate content from one or more provided reading passages.
Question 6: Which feature distinguishes a narrative writing task on the ELPAC from an informational writing task?
- Narrative tasks require students to define technical vocabulary
- Narrative tasks focus on telling a story with characters and events (Correct answer)
- Narrative tasks always include a persuasive argument
- Narrative tasks must cite external sources
Correct answer: Narrative tasks focus on telling a story with characters and events
Narrative writing centers on storytelling elements such as characters, setting, plot, and sequence of events.
Question 7: When the ELPAC Writing domain uses a 'graphic organizer scaffold,' what is its primary function?
- To provide the student with pre-written sentences to copy
- To offer an organizational framework that supports the student's planning before writing (Correct answer)
- To replace the written response entirely for lower proficiency levels
- To test reading comprehension rather than writing skills
Correct answer: To offer an organizational framework that supports the student's planning before writing
Graphic organizer scaffolds help students organize their ideas before drafting, reducing cognitive load so they can focus on expressing language.
ELPAC Writing Domain Task Types 2
In the ELPAC Writing domain, which task type requires students to write sentences in response to a visual prompt such as a picture?