Supporting Evidence from Prose (Selection B):
3
While both texts share a central message, each author also introduces a secondary theme unique to their medium and story.
Poem Secondary Theme: How does solitude or nature play a role?
Prose Secondary Theme: How does community or human creativity play a role?
4
Short Answer • Rubric: 4 pts
Prompt: In 4–6 sentences, explain how both selections convey the idea that beauty and strength can emerge from broken or neglected places. Include at least one direct quote from each text and explain how the evidence proves the theme.
Checklist: 🔲 Stated Theme 🔲 Quote from Poem 🔲 Quote from Prose 🔲 Explanation TEKS 7.7A Synthesis
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2
Complete the shared theme sentence using the helper words in the box:
[ broken / harsh ] [ beauty ] [ strength ] [ hope ]
"Both selections teach readers that even in ________ places, true ________ and resilience can create unexpected ________."
3
Poem: Solitary Nature
In the poem, who helps the plant grow?
A. A friendly gardener water it daily
B. It grows all on its own without help
Prose: Shared Community
In the story, how does the art impact others?
A. It brings smiles and pride to neighbors
B. It is hidden away in an alley
4
Sentence-by-Sentence Guide
Follow the sentence starters below to write your paragraph explaining the shared theme:
1. Claim:
Both texts show the theme that .
2. Poem Evidence:
In the poem, the line "" proves that nature can survive hardship.
3. Story Evidence:
Similarly, in the story, Marcus shows this when he .
4. Conclusion:
This proves that beauty can come from .
Student Self-Check: ☐ Shared Theme stated ☐ Poem quote included ☐ Story detail included ☐ Capitals and periods
Accommodations: Word Bank, Sentence Frames, Reduced Options TEKS 7.7A Scaffold
Deploy the Crossroads Theme Scaffolded Worksheet. Have students point to the Word Bank and complete the fill-in frames before attempting the 4-sentence paragraph.
Grade 7 RLA Instructional Facilitation Guide Turn to Page 2 for Complete Answer Keys & Exemplars
EXEMPLAR ANSWER KEYS Master Key & Scoring Guide
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TEKS 7.7A Alignment
1. Interactive Notebook Fill-in Answers Student Notes Key
• Part 1 Blanks: author's underlying message or lesson; expressed as a complete sentence; texts hold multiple themes.
• Part 2 Blanks: Step A = central topic; Step B = author's message/claim; Step C = direct evidence/quotes.
• Part 4 Quick Check: 1. Determination = T (Topic) | 2. Kindness heals deep grief = TH (Theme) | 3. Nature's quiet resilience = T (Topic).
2. Paired Worksheet Master Key Worksheet Pages 1 & 2
Selection A: "The Sapling at the Curb"
Primary Theme: Resilience allows living things to thrive even in oppressive or hostile environments.
Exemplar Evidence: Lines 9–10: "It asks no gardener for grace; / it weaves its taproot through the stone," or Line 3: "a green spear bargained for its life."
Selection B: "Marcus and the Mosaic"
Primary Theme: Purpose and creativity can transform broken, neglected remnants into enduring beauty for a community.
Exemplar Evidence: Paragraph 3: "By mid-summer, the jagged waste formed a radiant sun whose mosaic rays caught the afternoon light."
Synthesized Cross-Text Theme (Applies to Both):
Shared Theme: Beauty, hope, and strength can arise from broken, neglected, or inhospitable conditions through steadfast perseverance.
Contrasting Secondary Themes: Poem emphasizes solitary, unassisted natural perseverance ("bloom unborrowed and alone"); Prose emphasizes deliberate artistic vision that unites and heals a human community.
3. Short Constructed Response Rubric & Exemplar Model 4-Point TEKS Scale
4 Pts: Stated shared theme, accurate quotes from both texts, insightful explanation.
3 Pts: Clear shared theme, cites both texts, basic explanation.
2 Pts: Identifies theme, cites only one text or vague references.
1 Pt: States topic only, inaccurate or missing evidence.
Exemplar Student Response (Score: 4/4): "Both 'The Sapling at the Curb' and 'Marcus and the Mosaic' share the theme that resilience and vision can create vibrant beauty out of forgotten, broken places. In the poem, the sapling proves that life will fight through harsh concrete as it 'weaves its taproot through the stone / claiming a dark, forgotten place' (lines 10–11). Similarly, Marcus refuses to see demolished rubble as trash, patiently cementing jagged shards until 'the jagged waste formed a radiant sun' (paragraph 3). In both selections, something discarded—a sidewalk crack and construction debris—is transformed into a source of wonder and life through patience and endurance."
TEKS 7.7A Teacher Resource Guide • Exemplar Key Instructional Support & Assessment Ready
