Over the past week, I have been preparing students to be able to do the Common Core task above: we answered questions as we read the play, we took an open book test in groups which provided discussion, we are currently studying the characters, and they are also working on a skit.
I have given the students a check list of what they need to think about for Thursday. On Thursday, I will give students 30 minutes or so to write their piece.
The goal of this assignment is to give students practice preparing for an essay they will write in one sitting. As long as the piece includes all the information required by the standard, I don't see why the students can't earn at least a B. The best writers will get the A, though, as determined by details, organization, flow, and few grammar errors.
This is NOT a huge grade. It is an exercise that should demonstrate their ability to analyze theme, characters, setting, and plot.
Students can prepare, but they are not allowed to have anything like notes or an outline to write from.
