Correct Response: D. According to the WIDA ELD Standards for the language of language arts, as well as the WIDA Can Do Descriptors: Grade Level Cluster 6–8, developing-level sixth-grade English learners would be expected to have the ability to produce a short paragraph that includes one main idea (claim or argument) and some supporting details using both simple and compound sentences; therefore, writing a short opinion-piece paragraph that includes one main claim or argument and some relevant details and that uses a few compound sentences would be most appropriate for students at this proficiency level and grade band. A is incorrect because using sentence frames to write complete sentences that each express a clear idea about personal interests or favorite activities is at too low a level linguistically and conceptually. Such an activity would not sufficiently challenge sixth-grade developing-level English learners. Although students at this level might be able to compare characters or events in a story, writing a short essay that compares and contrasts two literary excerpts from different genres (B) is more appropriate for English learners at a higher language proficiency level and grade level. Developing-level English learners would be expected to be able to compose short narratives and expository essays in grades 9-12, not grades 6-8. The activity described in C, using an informational text that includes a table, graph, or chart and writing a paragraph with a few complex sentences that explains the information, is aligned with WIDA standards for high school English learners at the expanding and bridging levels of English language proficiency.
