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Forward Exam Short Write Student Checklist
A one-page student checklist for the two Forward Exam ELA short writes: the 1 to 3 rubric, what a complete paragraph needs, and how to turn the prompt into your checklist.
For students · Grades 3–8 · 1 page · PDF
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How to use it: The Forward Exam Short Write Explained: A Guide for Wisconsin Teachers
What's on the sheet
How each short write is scored
One score from 1 to 3 on the rubric for that mode. You write two short writes, so 6 points in all.
| Mode | Grades |
|---|---|
| Opinion | 3–5 |
| Argumentative | 6–8 |
| Informative | 3–8 |
| Narrative | 3–8 |
The prompt is your checklist
There’s no Writer’s Checklist on the test. The prompt lists what to include, like “introduce your topic” or “include a concluding statement.” Underline every one.
You don’t have to quote the passage. Spelling doesn’t count against you if it can be read.
Before you write
- I figured out the mode: opinion or argument, informative, or narrative.
- I underlined every instruction in the prompt.
My paragraph
- My focus is clear and fits the mode.
- My first sentence introduces the topic and makes the reader want to keep going.
- My details or reasons are organized to get my idea across.
- I used transitions and vocabulary that connect my ideas (“because,” “another reason is”).
- My last sentence is a real conclusion that supports my topic.
- I reread for errors that would get in the way of my meaning.
My plan
Opening sentence
Details or reasons
Concluding sentence
One paragraph is expected, but a story with dialogue can run longer without a penalty. Student summary based on DPI's Forward Exam short-write rubrics (grade 6 informative rubric shown) and Short Write FAQs; not an official DPI document.