ELPAC Writing Domain Task Types 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In ELPAC Writing, which task type specifically asks students to write a response based on information they have listened to in an audio passage?
- Reading-based writing task
- Listening-based writing task (Correct answer)
- Collaborative discussion writing
- Independent opinion writing
Correct answer: Listening-based writing task
Listening-based writing tasks require students to process an audio stimulus and then demonstrate comprehension through a written response.
Question 2: Which score trait is NOT typically included when holistically scoring an ELPAC extended writing response?
- Organization and development of ideas
- Vocabulary usage and sentence variety
- Accuracy of handwriting style (Correct answer)
- Conventions such as grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Correct answer: Accuracy of handwriting style
ELPAC writing is scored on language and content dimensions, not on the physical appearance of handwriting.
Question 3: A Kindergarten student on the ELPAC is given a writing task in which they draw a picture and write a label or one sentence. What does this task type accommodate?
- The need for advanced academic vocabulary at early grades
- The developmental writing abilities of young learners with emergent literacy (Correct answer)
- The requirement to produce a five-paragraph essay
- The expectation that Kindergartners write in cursive
Correct answer: The developmental writing abilities of young learners with emergent literacy
Early grade ELPAC tasks are designed to match the emergent literacy level of young children, accepting drawing plus a label or simple sentence.
Question 4: On the ELPAC, what is the purpose of a 'writing from a read-aloud' task at the lower grade levels?
- To test silent reading fluency
- To allow students who cannot yet read independently to access a writing task through listening (Correct answer)
- To assess advanced literary analysis skills
- To require students to memorize and reproduce a passage
Correct answer: To allow students who cannot yet read independently to access a writing task through listening
Read-aloud delivery makes the text accessible to early readers so the task genuinely measures writing, not decoding ability.
Question 5: Which ELPAC writing task type would most likely prompt: 'Write a letter to a friend describing your favorite weekend activity'?
- Argumentative essay task
- Informational report task
- Personal narrative or descriptive writing task (Correct answer)
- Research synthesis task
Correct answer: Personal narrative or descriptive writing task
Writing a letter that describes a personal experience or preference falls under personal narrative or descriptive writing.
Question 6: When ELPAC extended writing tasks are scored using a two-trait rubric, the two traits typically evaluated are:
- Spelling and handwriting
- Meaning/content and language use (Correct answer)
- Vocabulary and reading comprehension
- Fluency and word count
Correct answer: Meaning/content and language use
The two-trait ELPAC rubric evaluates the quality of the student's ideas and content alongside their command of English language features.
Question 7: A student's ELPAC writing response uses mostly simple sentences but communicates the main idea clearly. Which proficiency level does this pattern most align with?
- Bridging
- Emerging (Correct answer)
- Expanding
- Reaching
Correct answer: Emerging
Emerging writers on the ELPAC typically rely on simple, formulaic sentence structures while still conveying a basic message.
ELPAC Writing Domain Task Types 3
In ELPAC Writing, which task type specifically asks students to write a response based on information they have listened to in an audio passage?