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M-STEP Passage-Based Writing Student Checklist
A one-page student checklist for the M-STEP Passage-based Writing prompt: the holistic 1 to 4 rubric, why analysis matters more than summary, and a planning space for evidence.
For students · Grades 3–7 · 1 page · PDF
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How to use it: M-STEP Passage-Based Writing Explained: A Guide for Michigan Teachers
What's on the sheet
How your essay is scored
One holistic score from 1 to 4:
| Score | Analysis of the text | Writing |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Effective | Skillful |
| 3 | Adequate | Appropriate |
| 2 | Limited | Inconsistent |
| 1 | Minimal | Inadequate |
Analysis comes first
A neat, error-free summary of the passage won’t reach a 3. Explain what your evidence shows.
There’s no separate conventions score to fall back on.
The task
- I read the prompt and answered all of its parts.
- I wrote about the passage and the prompt I was given, not a different topic.
Analysis and evidence
- My analysis uses what the text says directly and what it suggests.
- I referred to the text accurately, with enough evidence to support each paragraph.
- After every piece of evidence, I wrote a “this shows” sentence.
- My body paragraphs explain the passage; they don’t just retell it in order.
Organization and writing
- My essay has an introduction and a conclusion.
- I used transitions to connect my ideas.
- I proofread, so errors don’t get in the way of my meaning.
My plan
My main idea
Evidence from the passage
This shows…
On MDE's 2027 field test, the prompt comes with a checklist of what a well-written essay includes. Student summary based on MDE's M-STEP Passage-based Writing scoring guidelines; not an official MDE document.