Prepare for the SBAC test performance task with a high-speed adventure! This Narrative Writing Mini Performance Task is designed to mimic the format and rigor of the CAASPP or SBAC end-of-year state test while keeping students engaged with the thrilling world of Roller CoastersPerfect for test prep, this resource helps students practice the difficult skill of incorporating scientific facts from informational texts into a high-quality narrative writing piece. It’s the perfect "on-ramp" for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders before they face the real deal.

What’s Included?

• Informational Text Source #1: "The Science of the Scream" – A high-interest text covering potential energy, kinetic energy, G-forces, and inertia. For your convenience, this text is written at 3 differentiated levels that all cover the same basic information.

  • Level A is 261 words long

  • Level B is 411 words long

  • Level C is 471 words long

• Informational Text Source #2 (OPTIONAL): "The History of the Thrill" – An additional source covering the evolution of coasters from Russian ice slides to modern steel giants and the role of the "brakeman."

• Informational Text Source #3 (OPTIONAL): "The Future of the Thrill"

• 3 Differentiated Narrative Writing Prompts: * The First Hill, The Roller Coaster Designer, A Day at Physics Park

• Part 1 Research Questions: 3 text-dependent questions for Source #1 (Multiple Choice, Multi-Select, and Short Answer) modeled after the CAASPP test format. ANSWER KEY IS INCLUDED.

• Student-Friendly Scoring Rubrics: A "Kid-Friendly" SBAC-aligned checklist based on the official SBAC 4-point scale. Each rubric also includes a space for student self-reflection and scoring.

  • Evidence & Elaboration

  • Organization & Purpose

  • Conventions

• 6 Different Exemplar Stories (2 per narrative prompt): Use these to show students exactly what a "Level 4" response looks like.

• Bonus Informational Writing Prompt (OPTIONAL)

• Bonus Opinion Writing Prompt (OPTIONAL)

• Digital Google Slides for Teacher Modeling of reading the sources, answering the questions, planning the story, and analyzing the exemplars

• Digital Writing Prompt Google Docs for all 5 writing prompts so that your students can practice keyboarding skills while practicing writing.

• Scratch Off Tickets with Writing Assignment

Why You’ll Love It:

• Differentiated for Grades 3-6: While written at a 4th-5th grade reading level, the prompts and tasks can easily be adapted for grades 3-6.

• Standards-Aligned: Focuses on Common Core ELA standards for integrating information, citing evidence, and narrative structure.

• No-Prep Test Prep: Just print and go! This "mini-PT" is the perfect length for a 2-day writing workshop or a mock-testing session.

I'd love to hear how you use this resource in your classroom! Feel free to email me at iteachiwrite@yahoo.com with any questions or suggestions you may have.

Copyright © iTeach & iWrite by Betsy Newmeyer.

All rights reserved by the author.

Permission to use for single classroom use only.