[Goldfinch and thistle]
Watercolour by
Susanna Moodie, 1869.
Copyright/Source

Assessment Criteria

Program Areas: Language, Reading; Social Studies (History)

Criteria: Read and demonstrate an understanding of non-fiction materials; analyse historical information

Attainment Descriptors:

• Analyzes and interprets information from a variety of primary and secondary sources.
• Selects and uses specific and relevant evidence from a close reading of texts to support interpretations, analyses, and arguments.
• Compares own ideas, values, and perspectives with those in a text.
• Explains the influence of social and historical values and perspectives on texts.

Program Area: Language, Writing

Criterion: Select and use appropriate writing forms with a focus on essays

Attainment Descriptors:

• Formulates and refines a thesis, using information and ideas from prior knowledge and research.
• Selects and uses the level of language and voice appropriate to the specific purpose and intended audience.
• Applies knowledge of essay structure to organize a short essay, including an introduction, a body and a conclusion.

Program Area: Language, Writing

Criterion: Revise and edit own work, independently and collaboratively

Attainment Descriptors:

• Cites researched information, ideas and quotations according to acceptable research methodology.
• Edits and proofreads own work, identifying and correcting errors according to grade/age-appropriate requirements for grammar, usage, spelling, and punctuation.

Program Area: Language, Oral and Visual Communication

Criterion: Use listening techniques and oral communication skills

Attainment Descriptors:

• Listens attentively to organize and classify information and to clarify thinking.
• Contributes ideas to whole class discussion of nature of primary and secondary sources, and advantages and disadvantages of these sources.
• Contributes ideas about similarities and differences between life in Canada today and in the 19th century.