CORE Assessment Module
Module Overview
Content Area
Title
Grade Level
Problem Type
Common Core
State
Standards
SBAC
Assessment
Claims
Task
Overview
Module
Components
English Language Arts
“The Road Not Taken”
Grade 7
Constructed Response, Performance Task
RI 7.2 Determine two or more central ideas in a text and analyze their
development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of
the text.
RI 7.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text,
including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the
impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone.
RL 7.1 Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text
says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
W 7.1
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant
evidence.
W 7.10 Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection,
and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for
a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.
*SL 7.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in
groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and
issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
*SL 7.4 Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused,
coherent manner with pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples;
use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
Claim 1: Students can read closely and analytically to comprehend a range of
increasingly complex literary and informational texts.
Claim 2: Students can produce effective and well-grounded writing for a range of
purposes and audiences.
This assessment will be completed in two parts. The prewriting/planning in part one
will involve reading, note-taking, speaking and listening, and constructed response
questions. In part two, students will be asked to draft an argumentative essay
analyzing the theme.
1) Directions to Teacher
2) Text Passage
3) Graphic Organizer
4) Constructed Response Questions
5) Writing Tasks—Structure A and Structure B
*Standard addressed but not explicitly assessed.
Module Overview
Page 1
“The Road Note Taken”
Directions to Teacher
This Common Core-aligned ELA Performance Task can be given over two to three days
depending on class schedules. The directions below outline the steps to follow for a two-day
administration. For a one-day administration, give students a 5–10 minute break before starting
the writing prompt.
Text: Frost, Robert. “The Road Not Taken.” In The Poetry of Robert Frost: The Collected
Poems. Edited by Edward Connery Lathem. New York: Henry Holt, 1979. (1915)
Materials:
Text Passage
Graphic Organizer
Constructed Response Questions
Writing Tasks—Structure A or Structure B
Lined paper for writing
Day 1
1. Reading:
(Approximately 10 minutes)
Give students the poem “The Road Not Taken” and instruct them to read it silently.
2. Note-taking: RI 7.2, RI 7.4, RL 7.1
(Approximately 10–15 minutes)
Hand out the Graphic Organizer, and ask students to reread the passage and complete the
“My Thoughts” and My Evidence” sections as directed in the graphic organizer.
Encourage students to expand their thinking beyond the literal answer to the question.
3. Speaking/Listening Questions: *SL 7.1,*SL 7.4
(Approximately 20 minutes)
In pairs or groups of three, give students time to discuss the following questions and add
information to the “My Thoughts Now” section of the graphic organizer.
• What is Frost saying about choices in the first two stanzas?
• As the poem develops, how is the author’s attitude about choices revealed?
• What specific words and phrases does Frost use to convey his message about choices
in this poem?
ELA Grade 7: Directions to Teacher
Page 2
4. Constructed Response Items: RI 7.2, RI 7.4, RL 7.1
(Approximately 30 minutes)
Hand out the Constructed Response Questions and ask students to individually write their
responses to the questions on a separate piece of lined paper.
a. Word Meaning (RI 7.4) – In the first stanza, Frost uses the word “diverged” to share
with the reader the paths of the two roads. What does this mean, and what evidence
can you pull from the text to support your assertion? Why does Frost repeat this in the
final stanza?
b. Key Details (RI 7.4) – What words and/or phrases does Frost use to compare and
contrast the two roads in the second and third stanzas? Are the roads different? Justify
your response.
c. Central Ideas (RI 7.2, RL 7.1) – By the fourth stanza, Frost’s tone becomes
reflective as he looks back on his life choices. What message is he conveying?
d. Reasoning/Evaluation (RI 7.2, RL 7.1) – What is Frost’s theme in this poem?
Day 2
Performance Task (Writing Prompt) W 7.2, W 7.9
(Approximately 50 minutes)
Below are two versions of the same basic writing prompt. Note that “Structure A” has a bit more
scaffolding support than “Structure B.” You may choose to distribute either one of these
prompts. Once you have done so, let students know the amount of time they have to respond to
the prompt in writing. Encourage students to use their graphic organizer and/or constructed
response questions to inform their writing.
______________________________________________________________________
Performance Task A—Scaffold Structure
After reading Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken,” determine the theme and trace its
development through the poem’s four stanzas. Remember to:
• Determine the theme.
• Include how Frost’s word choice, repetition, and structure convey his message.
• Cite evidence from the text to support your analysis.
Be Sure To:
• Include relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotes, or other information
• Use appropriate transitions
• Use precise language and vocabulary to inform or explain your topic
• Establish and maintain a formal style
• Provide a concluding section that follows form and supports your explanation
ELA Grade 7: Directions to Teacher
Page 3
______________________________________________________________________
Performance Task B
After reading Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken,” determine the theme and analyze the
way it is developed over the course of the text, attending to word choice, repetition, and
structure.
Be Sure To:
• Include relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotes or other information
• Use appropriate transitions
• Use precise language and vocabulary to inform or explain your topic
• Establish and maintain a formal style
• Provide a concluding section that follows form and supports your explanation
ELA Grade 7: Directions to Teacher
Page 4
“The Road Note Taken”
Text Passage
Frost, Robert. “The Road Not Taken.” In The Poetry of Robert Frost: The Collected Poems.
Edited by Edward Connery Lathem. New York: Henry Holt, 1979. (1915)
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
ELA Grade 7: "The Road Not Taken"
Page 1
Student Name ______________________
“The Road Note Taken”
Graphic Organizer
Directions: Read the questions below. Reread the passage and write answers to the questions
in the “My Thoughts” section. In the “My Evidence” column, list the evidence from the text to
support your thoughts. You will then be given time to talk to a classmate and share ideas. Then
complete the “My Thoughts Now” section based on your conversation.
Questions
My Thoughts
My Evidence
My Thoughts Now
What is Frost saying
about choices in the
first two stanzas?
As the poem
develops, how is the
author’s attitude
about choices
revealed?
What specific words
and phrases does
Frost use to convey
his message about
choices in this poem?
Additional notes or ideas about the text
ELA Grade 7: “The Road Not Taken”
Page 2
Student Name ______________________
“The Road Note Taken”
Constructed Response Questions
Directions:
Answer the questions below on a separate sheet of lined paper. You may use this sheet
to make any notes or draft your response, but only your complete answers on a separate
sheet of paper will be scored. You may refer to the reading passage and your graphic
organizer to help you answer the questions.
1. In the first stanza, Frost uses the word “diverged” to share with the reader the paths of
the two roads. What does this mean, and what evidence can you pull from the text to
support your assertion? Why does Frost repeat this in the final stanza?
2. What words and/or phrases does Frost use to compare and contrast the two roads in the
second and third stanzas? Are the roads different? Justify your response.
3. By the fourth stanza, Frost’s tone becomes reflective as he looks back on his life
choices. What message is he conveying?
4. What is Frost’s theme in this poem?
ELA Grade 7: “The Road Not Taken”
Page 3
A
Student Name ______________________
“The Road Note Taken”
Writing Task
Directions:
Please respond to the prompt below in writing. You may use your graphic organizer
and/or constructed response questions to inform your writing. You may take notes on
this paper but you should write your entire response on the lined paper provided by your
teacher.
Writing Prompt
After reading Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken,” determine the theme and trace its
development through the poem’s four stanzas. Remember to:
• Determine the theme.
• Include how Frost’s word choice, repetition, and structure convey his message.
• Cite evidence from the text to support your analysis.
Be Sure To:
• Include relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotes, or other information
• Use appropriate transitions
• Use precise language and vocabulary to inform or explain your topic
• Establish and maintain a formal style
• Provide a concluding section that follows form and supports your explanation
ELA Grade 7: “The Road Not Taken”
Page 4
B
Student Name ______________________
“The Road Note Taken”
Writing Task
Directions:
Please respond to the prompt below in writing. You may use your graphic organizer
and/or constructed response questions to inform your writing. You may take notes on
this paper, but you should write your entire response on the lined paper provided by
your teacher.
Writing Prompt
After reading Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken,” determine the theme and analyze the
way it is developed over the course of the text, attending to word choice, repetition and
structure.
Be Sure To:
• Include relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotes, or other information
• Use appropriate transitions
• Use precise language and vocabulary to inform or explain your topic
• Establish and maintain a formal style
• Provide a concluding section that follows form and supports your explanation
ELA Grade 7: “The Road Not Taken”
Page 5