Sense of Place
Common Task 7.2.4
Research the history of a nearby place
and present an argument about its value or importance.
Prompt: Research a nearby place and write a well-developed paragraph arguing why it is still
important to people today. Attach an image of the place to your final draft.
Steps for Success:
1. Visit the Media Center and choose a nearby place that interests you.
2. Gather details and stories about the history of your place. Research the
importance of the place to people today.
3. Draft the paragraph. Put what you have learned into your own words. Explain the
most important things in depth.
4. Get feedback from peers. Read your paragraph aloud, reorganize, and add
information as necessary.
5. Type a final draft using manuscript form.
Rubric:
36-40 (A)
32-35 (B)
28-31 (C)
24-27 (D)
20-23 (E)
40, 39, 38, 37, 36-This document demonstrates consistent mastery. It uses language and
vocabulary purposefully and is generally free of errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics.
35, 34, 33, 32-This document demonstrates adequate mastery with occasional lapses in quality. It
generally uses language and vocabulary effectively. It may have some errors in grammar.
31, 30, 29, 28- This document demonstrates partial mastery, but it has one or more flaws. It
generally uses language coherently, but some word choices are vague or inappropriate. It may
contain a number of errors in grammar, usage or mechanics.
27, 26, 25, 24- This document demonstrates little mastery and is marred by one or more
weaknesses. It uses limited language and vocabulary or incorrect word choice. It contains errors
in grammar, usage, or mechanics that sometimes hamper meaning.
23, 22, 21, 20- This document demonstrates a lack of mastery and serious flaws. This document
has numerous errors in vocabulary and use of language. It contains numerous errors in grammar,
usage, or mechanics that consistently hamper meaning.
Revised: 1/7/16
Research Notes
Directions: As you research, record the following information about your selected place.
1. Place:
2. Historical Importance:
● What events occurred at this place?
● What important people are associated with this place? Why are they important?
● What key details are critical in understanding the importance of this place?
● Other ideas and details.
Revised: 1/7/16
3. Current Importance:
● Why is it still important to people today?
● What impact does it have on people in the community?
● What does it symbolize?
Bibliography
Directions: Fill out the following information for the article or page you use to gather research.
Author:
Title of Article or Page:
Other Contributors:
Name of Website:
Site Publisher/Sponsor:
Date of E-Publication:
Web Date of Access:
Optional URL:
Use the format below to cite your research.
Author(s). "Title of Article/Page." Other Contributor(s). Name of Web Site. Site
Publisher/Sponsor, Date of E-Publication. Web. Date of Access. <Optional URL>.
Image taken from:
Revised: 1/7/16
Paragraph Organizer
Topic Sentence: Include the title of the place with a brief description.
Write 3-4 sentences explaining the history of the place.
Write 3-4 sentences arguing why the place is important today.
Conclusion: Write an Aha statement connecting the history and current importance.
Revised: 1/7/16
Peer Revision
Directions: Exchange papers with a partner. Read their paragraph and look for the following
items.
1. Does the topic sentence state the place, location, and give a brief description of its current
importance? If not, what’s missing?
2. Does the response include details about the history of the place? What information could be
included to make these ideas more clear?
3. Does the response include a well-developed argument about why the place is still important
today? What information could be included to make this point stronger?
4. Does the aha statement make an insight about the place’s history and current importance?
Record 2 strengths
1.
Record 2 areas for improvement
1.
2.
2.
Revised: 1/7/16