WrAP Test Structure: Levels and modes of discourse

ERB includes all five common modes of discourse in writing as recognized by The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE):

• Narrative writing—The student tells a story or relates an incident or experience to entertain or to illustrate a point.
• Informational writing—The student portrays a person, place, or event with specific and well-chosen details to create a clear impression.
• Expository writing—The student clarifies or defines various points of view, positions, or possible courses of action as viable solutions to a problematic situation through supporting facts or arguments for each.
• Persuasive writing—The student makes the case for a specific course of action or point of view through the marshalling of logical argument and telling facts in support of the recommended action or position.
• Critical thinking—The student incorporates higher-order skills to produce writing intended to demonstrate readiness for college credit courses.

Writing assessment program sequence

These five modes are arranged in a developmentally appropriate sequence according to classroom practice at each level. The challenge increases from one level to the next.