The annotated work samples in Judging Standards support teachers when reporting against the achievement standards; when giving assessment feedback; and when explaining the differences between one student’s achievement and another’s. Grey highlighting identifies those aspects of the achievement standard addressed in the work sample. Annotations in black text refer to the assessment pointers while those in coloured text highlight additional, specific qualities evident in the work. Reporting against the Achievement Standard Imaginative writing: Mahtab’s first day at school in Australia Students had read and studied Mahtab’s Story by Libby Gleeson. They were required to create an additional chapter of the book to describe Mahtab’s first day at school in Australia. Students researched both in class and at home. The final copy was then completed in class on their personal laptops. The school and teachers’ names have been removed for privacy. Reading and viewing By the end of Year 8, students understand how the selection of text structures is influenced by the selection of language mode and how this varies for different purposes and audiences. They explain how language features, images and vocabulary are used to represent different ideas and issues in texts. They interpret texts, questioning the reliability of sources of ideas and information. They select evidence from the text to show how events, situations and people can be represented from different viewpoints. Writing and creating Students understand how the selection of language features can be used for particular purposes and effects. They explain the effectiveness of language choices they use to influence the audience. Through combining ideas, images and language features from other texts students show how ideas can be expressed in new ways. They create texts for different purposes selecting language to influence audience response. When creating and editing texts for specific effects, they take into account intended purposes and the needs and interests of audiences. They demonstrate understanding of grammar, select vocabulary for effect and use accurate spelling and punctuation. Speaking and listening Students listen for and identify different emphases in texts, using that understanding to elaborate upon discussions. They understand how the selection of language features can be used for particular purposes and effects. They explain the effectiveness of language choices they use to influence the audience. Through combining ideas, images and language features from other texts students show how ideas can be expressed in new ways. They create texts for different purposes selecting language to influence audience response. They make presentations and contribute actively to class and group discussions, using language patterns for effect. Imaginative texts, Creative texts, Narratives Student achievement is reported at the end of the semester or year using the letter grades and achievement descriptors. Letter grades and achievement descriptors should not be used to assess individual pieces of work. 2014/27519 [PDF 2014/28657] English: Year 8 Grade A Work Sample 1 Creates an engaging imaginative text that develops own ideas and/or that accurately replicates the language and style of other texts, e.g. orientates the reader by referring to events in stimulus text. Constructs paragraphs, focused on one idea, that are welldeveloped, using a combination of topic, developing, supporting and linking sentences, e.g. uses sentence fragments for effect. Makes a range of effective creative language choices in an imaginative text, including the use of descriptive and figurative language, to enhance meaning and reader engagement, e.g. uses interior monologue (italicized) to convey character’s thoughts and emotions. Uses short sentences for effect. 2014/27519 English: Year 8 Grade A Work Sample 2 Spells most words accurately, including difficult and challenging words. Uses descriptive language to convey character’s emotions, e.g. ‘suddenly many memories flooded into her head.’ 2014/27519 English: Year 8 Grade A Work Sample 3 Expresses ideas effectively, varying sentence structures, length and beginnings to shape meaning. Consistently uses a range of complex punctuation correctly, e.g. uses quotation marks to indicate dialogue. Includes a satisfying resolution, foreshadowing a happy future for the protagonist. 2014/27519 English: Year 8 Grade A Work Sample 4