Robot Stars Slides Lesson 1 · Reading the New Argument ELA Reading
New Article
Humans Should Stay Home and Let Robots Take to the Stars
By Eiren Caffall · Today we read an opposing view on space travel.
Goal: Find the author's main claim, reasons, and quotable evidence. Space Debate Showdown
What We Know vs. What Is New
Text 1 (Already Read)
Space Exploration Text
Argues that humans should explore space, mine asteroids and the moon, and one day live on Mars.
Text 2 (Brand New Today!)
Humans Should Stay Home...
Takes the opposite side. As you read, watch how Eiren Caffall builds her case against human space travel.
Important: In your final essay, you will quote BOTH articles at least once—no matter which side you pick!
Key Word Bank
Preview Before Reading
1. Inevitable
Certain to happen; impossible to stop.
2. Curtail
To cut back or limit something.
3. Accountability
Being responsible for your actions and choices.
4. Emissions
Smoke or gases sent into the air.
5. Radiation
Invisible energy waves in space that can harm human bodies.
Use this Word Bank on your Claim Hunter Worksheet as you read.
Four Big Reasons in the Text
Reason 1
Space Travel Is Expensive
Look for: How much would a Mars trip cost, and who might pay for it?
Reason 2
Harm to Our Polluted World
Look for: What does rocket exhaust leave behind in the sky?
Reason 3
More Suited to Robots
Look for: What dangers do humans face on Mars that robots do not?
Reason 4
Not Inevitable or Necessary
Look for: What does the author say we should do instead?
As you read, underline one strong quote ("...") in each section!
Your Reading Task
1
Read the Article Carefully
Read Humans Should Stay Home and Let Robots Take to the Stars .
2
Spot the Main Claim
Write what the author wants readers to believe in your own words.
3
Save Exact Quotes ("...")
Copy key facts or quotes—you will need to quote BOTH articles in your essay later!
Save your worksheet—we will use it tomorrow to compare both articles!
Turn and Talk
Which of Eiren Caffall's reasons surprised you the most?
• The $1 trillion price tag for a Mars mission?
• Black carbon pollution staying in the sky for 10 years?
• Radiation and food supply problems for astronauts?
Next up: Putting both space articles side by side and pulling quotes from each!
Claim Hunter Worksheet Name: ____________________________________ Date: ______________________
Claim Hunter Worksheet
Article: Humans Should Stay Home and Let Robots Take to the Stars by Eiren Caffall
Page 1 of 2
Word Bank (Use as you read)
Inevitable: certain to happen
Curtail: to cut back or limit
Accountability: being responsible for actions
Emissions: smoke or gases released into air
Radiation: invisible energy waves in space that can harm human bodies
1. What is the author's main claim? (What does she want readers to believe?)
Sentence Stem: Eiren Caffall's main claim is that...
2. Break Down the Author's Reasons & Evidence
Reason 1: Space Travel Is Expensive (Pages 2–3)
Explain this reason in your own words:
Stem: One reason space travel is expensive is...
Write 1–2 facts or examples from the text:
Stem: For example, the text states that...
Reason 2: Space Travel Could Harm Our Polluted World (Pages 4–5)
Explain this reason in your own words:
Stem: Space travel harms our planet because...
Write 1–2 facts or examples from the text:
Stem: According to the article, ...
Claim Hunter Worksheet (Continued)
Page 2 of 2
Reason 3: Space Travel Is More Suited to Robots (Pages 5–7)
Explain this reason in your own words:
Stem: Robots are better suited for space because...
Write 1–2 facts or examples from the text:
Stem: The author gives the example of...
Reason 4: Space Travel Isn't Inevitable or Even Necessary (Page 7)
Explain this reason in your own words:
Stem: Space travel is not necessary because...
Write 1–2 facts or examples from the text:
Stem: In the text, Caffall explains that...
3. Your Opinion: Which of the author's reasons is the strongest? Explain why using a detail from the article.
Sentence Stems: I think the strongest reason is ___ because... / The article supports this by stating...
Claim Hunter Answer Key Teacher Answer Key
Claim Hunter Answer Key
Article: Humans Should Stay Home and Let Robots Take to the Stars by Eiren Caffall
Lesson 1 Guide
Suggested Lesson 1 Pacing (45–50 min):
1. Preview Word Bank using Robot Stars Slides (8 min). 2. Read article aloud or in pairs, pausing after each subheading (20 min). 3. Students complete Claim Hunter Worksheet independently or with a partner (15 min). 4. Debrief Turn & Talk (5 min).
1. Author's Main Claim (Sample 6th-Grade Response)
Eiren Caffall argues that humans should stop trying to send astronauts to Mars and instead let robots explore space. She believes human space travel is too expensive, harms Earth's environment, and puts astronauts in too much danger.
2. Reasons & Text Evidence (Sample Responses)
Section
Reason in Own Words
Key Facts / Text Evidence
1. Space Travel Is Expensive
Sending humans to Mars costs too much money that could be used on Earth, and private companies cannot be trusted to run it.
• Costs $1 trillion over 25 years .
2. Harm Our Polluted World
Rockets pollute the upper sky, and planning to move to "Planet B" distracts us from fixing Earth.
• Rocket exhaust leaves black carbon above the atmosphere for up to 10 years (no rain to wash it away).
3. More Suited to Robots
Space is too dangerous for humans, and robots already do a great job exploring safely.
• Mars trip gives astronauts ~5% lifetime radiation (higher cancer risk).Hubble , Pathfinder , and Opportunity excite the public.
4. Not Inevitable or Necessary
Just because we dream about space travel does not mean we have to do it; we can invent new ideas here.
• Space is not the only hope for a bright future.
3. Your Opinion (Grading Look-Fors)
Accept any well-reasoned choice. Strong 6th-grade answers clearly name one reason (cost, pollution, safety/robots, or necessity), explain why it is convincing, and include at least one specific fact or number from the article.
Argument Clash Slides Lesson 2 · Comparing Both Arguments ELA Argument
Head-to-Head
Space Showdown: Compare & Contrast
How do two writers look at the exact same facts and reach opposite conclusions?
Goal: Compare both texts and gather at least 1 quote from each! Space Debate Showdown
Compare vs. Contrast
Compare (Same)
Find ideas, topics, or facts that both authors agree on or talk about.
Example: Both texts admit that human space travel is dangerous and expensive.
Contrast (Different)
Find where the two authors disagree or use different reasons.
Example: Text 1 says humans must go to Mars; Text 2 says only robots should go.
A strong comparison looks at BOTH similarities and differences.
Same Evidence, Different Spin
1. The Hubble Telescope & Mars Rovers
Text 1 uses them to show how exciting space tech is—and says humans should join next. Text 2 uses them to prove robots can explore without risking human lives!
2. Private Space Companies ("New Space")
Text 1 calls them bold pioneers who can help build a Mars colony. Text 2 warns they chase profits over safety and might use reality-TV ads.
3. Earth's Future
Text 1 says we may need a new home as Earth's resources run out. Text 2 says we should fix Earth's pollution instead of looking for "Planet B."
Notice how both writers use facts to pull the reader toward their side!
Signal Words to Use
To Show Similarities
• Both authors agree that...
• Similarly, ...
• Like the first article, ...
• In the same way, ...
To Show Differences
• On the other hand, ...
• In contrast, ...
• While Text 1 claims..., Text 2 argues...
• However, Caffall points out...
Use these signal words on your Side-by-Side Organizer today.
Your Task Today
1
Fill Out the Side-by-Side Chart
Compare how both articles view robots, private companies, risk, and Earth's future.
2
Practice Quoting BOTH Articles
On your SCR practice, pull 1 direct quote ("...") from each article—no matter which side you pick!
3
Pick Your Winner
Decide which author made the stronger argument and back it up with evidence from both texts.
Rule for your final essay: Quote BOTH articles at least once, no matter which side you choose!
Side By Side Organizer Name: ____________________________________ Date: ______________________
Side-by-Side Organizer
Compare & Contrast: Space Exploration Text vs. Humans Should Stay Home...
Page 1 of 2
Directions: Fill in the chart below to show how each article views the same big topics. Use the sentence stems to start each box.
Topic
Text 1: Space Exploration Text
Text 2: Humans Should Stay Home...
1. Main Claim (Big Idea)
Stem: This article argues that...
Stem: Caffall argues that...
2. Role of Robots vs. Humans
Stem: Text 1 says robots and humans...
Stem: Text 2 says robots should...
3. Private Space Companies
Stem: Text 1 views private companies as...
Stem: Text 2 warns that private companies...
4. Earth's Future & Costs
Stem: Text 1 claims Earth needs...
Stem: Text 2 points out the cost of...
Side-by-Side Organizer (Continued)
Page 2 of 2
2. Compare: What are TWO things both authors agree on or both mention?
Sentence Stems: Both authors agree that... / Another similarity is that both articles mention...
3. Same Evidence, Different Spin
Both articles mention the Hubble Space Telescope and the Mars Curiosity rover . How does each author use them differently?
In Space Exploration Text :
Stem: Text 1 uses Hubble and Curiosity to show...
In Humans Should Stay Home... :
Stem: Text 2 uses Hubble and Curiosity to prove...
4. Your Verdict: Which article makes the stronger argument? (Quote BOTH articles at least once!)
Sentence Stems: I think ___ makes the stronger argument because... / In Text 1, "..." / In Text 2, "..."
Side By Side Key Teacher Answer Key
Side-by-Side Answer Key
Comparing Space Exploration Text vs. Humans Should Stay Home and Let Robots Take to the Stars
Lesson 2 Guide
Lesson 2 Pacing (45–50 min): Use Argument Clash Slides (12 min) to model how two authors can use the same evidence differently. Have pairs complete Page 1 of the organizer (18 min), then independently finish Page 2 (15 min).
1. Head-to-Head Matrix (Sample 6th-Grade Responses)
Topic
Text 1: Space Exploration Text
Text 2: Humans Should Stay Home...
Main Claim
Humans must keep exploring space—and even colonize Mars—because it holds the key to our future.
Humans should stay on Earth and let robots explore space because human travel is too costly, polluting, and unsafe.
Robots vs. Humans
Robots (Hubble, rovers) are great first steps, but direct human involvement boosts discovery even more.
Robots are safer, inspire the public just as much, and will replace humans as better pilots and researchers.
Private Companies
"New Space" pioneers are partners with NASA who test new rockets and aim for Mars colonies.
Private companies care about profits, are badly managed, lack accountability, and might use reality-TV ads.
Earth's Future & Costs
Earth is running out of resources; space mining (asteroids, moon) and Mars colonies can help humanity survive.
Mars costs $1 trillion over 25 years and rockets leave black carbon; we should fix Earth's pollution instead of looking for "Planet B."
2. Similarities (Both Authors Agree...)
Both admit human space travel is risky, difficult, and expensive (Text 1 mentions Challenger/Columbia ; Text 2 mentions $1 trillion and radiation).
Both praise robotic missions like the Hubble Telescope and Mars rovers.
Both agree Earth is facing resource/pollution problems and needs international cooperation.
3. Same Evidence, Different Spin
Text 1: Uses Hubble and Curiosity to show amazing discoveries and build toward sending humans to search for life on Mars.
Text 2: Uses Hubble and Opportunity to show robots already excite people, and uses Curiosity 's radiation data to prove Mars is too dangerous for humans.
4. Your Verdict (Grading Look-Fors)
Either choice is valid! Look for a clear stance plus two specific reasons backed by evidence from the texts (e.g., citing $1 trillion, black carbon, and radiation for Text 2, or asteroid/moon mining and human curiosity for Text 1).
Tech Quote SCR Practice Name: ____________________________________ Date: ______________________
Test Prep: Technology & Quotes SCR
How does technology shape each author's argument?
SCR Practice
Short Constructed Response (SCR) Prompt
Explain how technology influences the argument of both authors. Support your answer with a direct quote from each article.
Step 1: Find One Quote About Technology in Each Article
Copy a short sentence from each text that shows how the author views technology (robots, rockets, or telescopes). Put quotation marks "..." around the author's exact words.
Space Exploration Text Quote:
Stem: The author writes, "..."
Humans Should Stay Home... Quote:
Stem: Caffall states, "..."
Step 2: Write Your Short Constructed Response (SCR)
Sentence Stems (Use these to build your response):
1. Topic Sentence: Technology plays a major role in both articles, but each author uses it to support a different claim.
2. Text 1 + Quote: In Space Exploration Text, technology influences the author to argue that... For example, the text states, "..."
3. Text 2 + Quote: In contrast, Eiren Caffall uses technology to argue that... She writes, "..."
Tech Quote SCR Key Teacher Answer Key
Tech Quote SCR Answer Key
Test Prep: How Technology Influences Both Authors' Arguments
Lesson 2 SCR Key
1. Strong Verbatim Quotes About Technology
Space Exploration Text
"direct human involvement, aided by technological innovation, could likely boost the potential for discovery." (p. 3)
"Technological innovations are developing to allow us to venture even farther into space." (p. 3)
"Some New Space pioneers have tested supersonic retropropulsion technology..." (p. 6)
Humans Should Stay Home...
"Considering the extreme risks for humans, some scientists assert space exploration should be strictly robotic." (p. 6)
"...robots will replace humans as the better pilots and researchers." (p. 7)
"There is no solid reason to think of space as the only hope of our bright technological future." (p. 7)
2. Model Short Constructed Response (SCR)
Technology plays a major role in both articles, but each author uses it to support a different claim. In Space Exploration Text , new technology influences the author to argue that humans can safely reach Mars and beyond. For example, the text states, "direct human involvement, aided by technological innovation, could likely boost the potential for discovery." The author believes better rockets and landing tools make human space travel possible.
In contrast, Eiren Caffall uses technology to argue that humans should stay home and let machines do the work. She writes that "robots will replace humans as the better pilots and researchers." Because robotic telescopes and rovers already explore space without risking human lives, Caffall concludes that human space travel is unnecessary.
Quick SCR Coaching Tips for Students:
Keep quotes short: Students do not need to copy a whole paragraph—one clear sentence or phrase is best.Check the punctuation: Remind students to put quotation marks "..." around exact words and name which article the quote came from.Explain the "why": A strong SCR always connects the quote back to how technology pushes the author's argument forward. Comparison Draft Slides Lesson 3 · Argumentative Writing RACEACER + Waterfall
Writing Workshop
The Final Verdict: Is Space Exploration Necessary?
Use RACEACER and the ECR Feedback Waterfall to build a strong, focused argument.
Goal: Plan, draft, highlight, peer-check, and type your essay. Space Debate Showdown
Your Writing Prompt
Read "Space Exploration Should Be More Science Than Fiction" and "Humans Should Stay Home and Let Robots Take to the Stars."
Explain your opinion on whether space exploration is a necessity for societal progress.
Write a well-organized argumentative essay that uses specific evidence from both texts to support your answer.
Rule: No matter which side you choose, you MUST quote BOTH articles at least once!
RACEACER Essay Map
R + A · Intro
Topic + Thesis
Introduce the debate and state your clear controlling idea (thesis) with 1–2 big reasons.
C + E · Body 1
Claim + Evidence + Reasoning
Cite a quote from the first article, then explain HOW it proves your thesis (do not just restate it!).
A + C + E · Body 2
Counterargument + Evidence
Address the second article with at least 1 quote, then explain why your position still wins.
R · Conclusion
Reflect + Universal Closing
Restate your thesis and end with a big-picture thought for society's future.
Plan each box on Page 1 of your packet before drafting.
RACEACER Sentence Starters
[R + A] Thesis:
"While there are some benefits, space exploration [is / is not] necessary for societal progress because..."
[C + E] Evidence & Reasoning:
"In [Title], [Author] writes, '...' This reveals that... / This proves my claim because..."
[A + C + E + R] Counterargument & Closing:
"Although [Author] argues, '...', this shows... / To conclude, society does [not] need..."
Always explain HOW your quote supports your thesis!
Color-Code & Peer Check Before Typing!
Yellow Task & Claims: Thesis + body claims
Green Evidence: At least 1 quote from EACH text
Pink Counterargument: Other text's opposing view
Blue Reasoning: HOW quotes prove your thesis
Orange Capital Letters: Sentence starts & names
Purple Periods: End of every sentence
Step 3: Highlight your draft → Step 4: Swap for Peer Check → Type final essay!
Comparison Essay Packet Name: ____________________________________ Date: ______________________
Synthesis ECR Packet
Space Exploration Should Be More Science Than Fiction & Humans Should Stay Home and Let Robots Take to the Stars
Page 1 of 3
Extended Constructed Response Writing Task
Read both texts and write a well-organized argumentative essay: Explain your opinion on whether space exploration is a necessity for societal progress. Use specific evidence from both texts.
Essay Academic Vocab
Thesis: Your main opinion/position on the prompt
Reasoning: Explaining how evidence proves your claim
Claim: A reason that supports your thesis
Counterargument: The opposing side's point
Evidence: Specific facts or quotes from the texts
Universal Closing: Big-picture thought for society
Step 1: Plan Your RACEACER Essay Map (Use the sentence stems)
[R + A] Introduction & Thesis: State your clear position with 1–2 big reasons.
Stem: Space exploration [is / is not] necessary for societal progress because...
[C + E] Body 1 (Claim, Evidence & Reasoning): Cite focused evidence and explain HOW it proves your thesis.
Stems: To begin, ... / In [Title], [Author] writes, "..." / This reveals that...
[A + C + E] Body 2 (Counterargument & Other Text): Address the other text with a quote and explain why your side wins.
Stems: Although [Author] believes..., she also writes, "..." / However, this shows that...
[R] Conclusion (Reflection on Thesis + Universal Closing): Restate your thesis and end with a big-picture thought.
Stem: To conclude, space exploration [does / does not] need to happen because...
Step 2: Write Your RACEACER Essay
Page 2 of 3
RACEACER Sentence Stems (Include transitions between paragraphs):
[R+A] Space exploration [is / is not] necessary for societal progress because... | [C+E] In [Title], [Author] states, "..." This reveals...
[A+C+E] Although [Author] argues, "...", ... | [R] To conclude, society will progress best if...
Argumentative Essay (Continued)
Page 3 of 3
Step 3: Color-Code & Highlight Your Draft (Before Typing Final Draft)
Yellow Task & Claims: Thesis + claims
Green Evidence: Quotes from BOTH texts
Pink Counterargument: Other side's view
Blue Reasoning: HOW quotes prove thesis
Orange Capital Letters: Starts & names
Purple Periods: End of every sentence
Step 4: Peer Check (Swap with a partner before typing)
Partner: ________________________
1. What color/part is strongest?
Stem: One strong part of your essay is...
2. What is missing or needs fixing?
Stem: Before typing, you should add or fix...
Comparison Rubric Guide Teacher Assessment Guide
ECR Waterfall Rubric & RACEACER Model
Prompt: Whether space exploration is a necessity for societal progress
Lesson 3 Guide
1. ECR Feedback Waterfall Rubric (20 Points Total)
Waterfall Step
4 · Great Job
3 · On Track
1–2 · Needs Work
Task & Thesis
Clear thesis directly answers the prompt and stays consistent.
States a clear side and mostly stays on topic.
Thesis is missing, unclear, or off-prompt.
Organization
Clear intro, body paragraphs, and universal closing idea.
Has an intro, body, and ending.
Missing intro/ending or ideas jump around.
Evidence
Focused, quality quotes from BOTH texts (no summarizing).
Uses at least 1 focused detail from each text.
Only 1 text used, or dumps/summarizes text.
Effective Reasoning
Explains HOW evidence supports the thesis (never just restates).
Gives basic explanation linking quote to claim.
Quotes dropped in without explaining why.
Revision & Editing
Smooth transitions, no repetition, clean conventions.
Some transitions; minor surface errors only.
Repetitive/vague ideas or distracting errors.
2. Mentor RACEACER Exemplar (For Modeling)
[R+A] While space travel offers some benefits, space exploration is not necessary for societal progress because robotic technology already completes these tasks safely and other innovations on Earth can secure our future.
[C] To begin, in "Humans Should Stay Home and Let Robots Take to the Stars," Eiren Caffall states that "some of the best reasons to curtail space exploration come down to... technology." [E] This reveals that society is already advanced enough to explore without risking human lives. [A+C] Although "Space Exploration Should Be More Science Than Fiction" supports human space travel, it also notes that "robotic spacecraft have conducted some of NASA's most exciting and productive missions," such as Cassini. [E] Because robots cover far more territory faster and safer than humans, society can rely on machines instead of sending astronauts.
[C+E] Additionally, Caffall argues that "There are as many ways to innovate as there are human ideas," reminding us that inventions in medicine and technology here on Earth have always driven progress. [R] To conclude, space exploration does not need to happen for society to advance—while space excites our curiosity, we can make life better right here on our home planet.
Waterfall Coaching Tip: Have students review from top to bottom (Task → Organization → Evidence → Reasoning → Revision → Editing) so they fix big ideas and reasoning before polishing spelling and punctuation.
Investment Draft Slides Writing Workshop RACEACER Guide
Step-by-Step Support
Should We Spend Money on Space?
Invest = spend money, time, and effort.
Goal: Plan, write, highlight, and check your essay. Space Debate Showdown
What Is the Question Asking?
Test Prompt:
"Explain your opinion on whether society should or should not invest in space exploration."
In Simple Words:
Should people spend money and time on space travel? Pick YES or NO , and use 1 quote from each article to prove your idea!
There is no wrong side—just pick the side you can explain best!
Pick Your Side & Use These Quotes
NO · Do Not Invest
Idea 1 (Pollution): "black carbon from rocket exhaust"
Idea 2 (Too Expensive): "it would take $1 trillion over a 25-year period"
YES · Invest in Space
Idea 1 (New Home): "looking toward Mars as a potential new home"
Idea 2 (Discoveries): "robotic spacecraft have conducted... productive missions"
These exact quotes are printed on Page 1 of your packet to help you!
Easy RACEACER Sentence Frames
[R + A] Your Opinion (Thesis):
"Society [should / should not] invest in space exploration because ________."
[C + E] Quote 1 + Explain:
"First, in Humans Should Stay Home... , the author writes, '________.' This shows that ________."
[A + C + E] Other Article + Explain:
"On the other hand, Space Exploration... says, '________.' However, I still think ________."
[R] Ending (Conclusion):
"In conclusion, we [should / should not] spend money on space so we can ________."
Follow these 4 frames to write a complete essay!
Highlight & Check Before Typing!
Yellow Your Opinion: Thesis + reasons
Green Quotes: Exact words from BOTH texts
Pink Other Side: What the other article says
Blue Explain: Why your quote matters
Orange Capital Letters: Starts & names
Purple Periods: End of every sentence
Step 3: Highlight your paper → Step 4: Partner Check → Type final essay!
Investment Essay Packet Name: ____________________________________ Date: ______________________
Space Investment Packet
Step-by-Step Writing Support · Use both space articles
Page 1 of 3
Your Question
Should society invest (spend money & time) in space exploration? Pick YES or NO and use 1 quote from each article.
Helpful Words
Thesis: Your big opinion | Claim: A reason whyEvidence: Quote from text | Reasoning: Explain whyCounterargument: What the other side says
Quick Quote Bank (Pick 1 quote from each side to use in your essay!)
Humans Should Stay Home... (NO)
• "to get humans to Mars, it would take $1 trillion over a 25-year period."
• "black carbon from rocket exhaust" harms our world.
Space Exploration Should Be... (YES)
• "looking toward Mars as a potential new home for humankind."
• "robotic spacecraft have conducted... productive missions."
Step 1: Plan Your Ideas (Use the sentence frames)
[R + A] Your Opinion (Thesis): Circle SHOULD or SHOULD NOT, then write your reason.
Frame: Society [should / should not] invest in space exploration because...
[C + E] Reason 1 + Quote: Copy 1 quote from the Quote Bank above and explain what it means.
Frame: First, in [Article], the author writes, "..." This shows that...
[A + C + E] Other Article + Reply: Copy 1 quote from the OTHER article and say why your side is better.
Frame: On the other hand, [Other Article] says, "..." However, I still think...
[R] Ending (Conclusion): Say your opinion one more time.
Frame: In conclusion, society [should / should not] spend money on space so we can...
Step 2: Write Your Essay
Page 2 of 3
Helpful Sentence Frames (Put your notes from Page 1 into full sentences):
1. [R+A] Society [should / should not] invest in space exploration because ________.
2. [C+E] First, in [Article 1], the author states, "________." This shows that ________.
3. [A+C+E] On the other hand, [Article 2] says, "________." However, I still believe ________.
4. [R] In conclusion, we [should / should not] spend money on space because ________.
Your Essay (Continued)
Page 3 of 3
Step 3: Highlight Your Paper (Before Typing Final Draft)
Yellow Opinion: Your thesis + reasons
Green Quotes: Words from BOTH articles
Pink Other Side: What the other article says
Blue Explain: Why your quote matters
Orange Capital Letters: Starts & names
Purple Periods: End of every sentence
Step 4: Partner Check (Trade papers before typing)
Partner: ________________________
1. What did your partner do well?
Stem: One good part of your essay is...
2. What color/part is missing?
Stem: Before typing, please add or fix...
Investment Rubric Guide Teacher Assessment Guide · ESL Support
Investment ECR Rubric & RACEACER Model
Prompt: Whether society should or should not invest in space exploration
Lesson 4 Guide
1. ECR Feedback Waterfall Rubric (20 Points Total)
Waterfall Step
4 · Great Job
3 · On Track
1–2 · Needs Work
Task & Thesis
Clear thesis directly answers whether to invest and stays consistent.
States a clear side and mostly stays on topic.
Thesis is missing, unclear, or off-prompt.
Organization
Clear intro, body, and ending (using sentence frames smoothly).
Has an intro, body, and ending.
Missing intro/ending or ideas jump around.
Evidence
Focused quotes from BOTH texts (may use Quick Quote Bank).
Uses at least 1 quote or detail from each text.
Only 1 text used, or no text facts included.
Effective Reasoning
Explains in own words HOW each quote supports the opinion.
Gives simple explanation linking quote to opinion.
Quotes copied without explaining why.
Revision & Editing
Ideas make sense; capitals (Orange) & periods (Purple) checked.
Some surface errors, but meaning is still clear.
Missing capitals/periods make it hard to read.
2. ESL-Accessible RACEACER Exemplar (Modeled on Mentor Essay)
[R+A] Society should not invest in space exploration because it is bad for our environment and costs too much money.
[C] First, in "Humans Should Stay Home and Let Robots Take to the Stars," Eiren Caffall writes that "black carbon from rocket exhaust" harms our world. [E] This shows that rockets add dirty smoke to our sky, so we should clean Earth instead.
[C] Also, Caffall states that "to get humans to Mars, it would take $1 trillion over a 25-year period." [A+C] On the other hand, "Space Exploration Should Be More Science Than Fiction" says we are "looking toward Mars as a potential new home for humankind." [E] However, I still think we should spend that money to help people on Earth first. [R] In conclusion, society should not spend money on space so we can protect our planet and our future here.
ESL Scaffolds Built In: (1) Students may use the Quick Quote Bank on Page 1 rather than searching both articles. (2) Sentence frames on Pages 1–2 support complete English syntax. (3) Color-coding Orange (capitals) and Purple (periods) builds editing independence before typing.
Revision Polish Practice Name: ____________________________________ Date: ______________________
Revision & Editing Practice
Read Maya's rough draft about space exploration and answer the revision questions.
Page 1 of 2
(1) Space is often called the final frontier, and people disagree on whether we should spend money exploring it. (2) Society should not invest in space exploration because it harms our environment and costs too much money.
(3) To begin, space exploration is bad for our planet. (4) In the text "Humans Should Stay Home and Let Robots Take to the Starts," Eiren Caffall states that "black carbon from rocket exhaust" gets "deposited in the outer atmosphere." (5) This dirty smoke stays in the sky for up to ten years. (6) Do you want to breathe that in? (7) I know I do not! (8) Therefore, we should focus on cleaning Earth instead of adding more pollution.
(9) Furthermore, space travel is very expensive. (10) Caffall writes that "to get humans to Mars, it would take $1 trillion over a 25-year period." (11) Space is very big and dark. (12) Although Claudia Alarcon argues in "Space Exploration Should Be More Science Than Fiction" that we are "looking toward Mars as a potential new home for humankind," we need to fix problems on earth before trying to move to another planet.
(13) Overall, space exploration is too risky and costly. (14) Society should invest in taking care of our home planet.
1. Sentence 3 needs a clearer topic sentence for the second paragraph. Which sentence can BEST replace sentence 3?
A. Space rockets are very loud when they launch.
B. One major reason to avoid space exploration is the environmental damage it causes.
C. People have studied space for many years.
D. Space is mysterious and exciting to many scientists.
2. What correction should be made in sentence 4?
A. Change "Starts" to "Stars"
B. Remove the quotation marks around "black carbon from rocket exhaust"
C. Change "atmosphere" to "atmospheres"
D. No change is needed
Revision & Editing Practice (Continued)
Page 2 of 2
3. Sentences 6 and 7 sound too informal for an argumentative essay. Which revision BEST improves sentences 6 and 7?
A. Keep both sentences as questions
B. Delete sentence 6 only
C. Replace them with: "This pollution harms our oceans, forests, and health."
D. Add another exclamation mark to sentence 7
4. Maya included a sentence in paragraph 3 that does not belong with her focus on cost. Which sentence should be removed?
A. Sentence 9
B. Sentence 10
C. Sentence 11
D. Sentence 12
5. What editing change should be made in sentence 12?
A. Change "earth" to "Earth"
B. Change "planet" to "planets"
C. Remove the comma after "Fiction"
D. No change is needed
6. Which sentence could BEST follow sentence 14 to give the essay a strong universal closing?
A. In conclusion, space has many stars and planets.
B. If we want to invest our time and money wisely, let us invest in protecting Earth and helping people today.
C. Astronauts wear special suits when they travel.
D. There are many books written about Mars.
7. Check Your Own Draft: Which revision from above do you need to watch for most in your own essay, and why?
Sentence Stem: In my own essay, I need to watch for ___ because...
Revision Polish Key Teacher Answer Key
Revision & Editing Answer Key
STAAR-Style Revision & Editing Practice (Maya's Space Essay)
Lesson 3 Key
Question
Answer
Rationale
1
B
Option B clearly introduces the paragraph's focus on environmental damage, making it a strong topic sentence.
2
A
The article title is "Humans Should Stay Home and Let Robots Take to the Stars " ("Starts" is a spelling error).
3
C
Removing the rhetorical question and informal "I know I do not!" replaces them with formal, clear reasoning.
4
C
Sentence 11 ("Space is very big and dark.") is vague and off-topic in a paragraph about the high cost of space travel.
5
A
"Earth" should be capitalized when referring to our planet as a proper noun.
6
B
Option B provides a strong universal closing statement that connects back to the thesis about investing wisely on Earth.
7. Written Reflection (Sample Response & Look-Fors)
Sample: In my own essay, I need to watch for capitalizing proper nouns like "Earth" and checking my article titles because small errors can distract the reader from my argument.
