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WrAP Test Structure: Levels and modes of discourse
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.
| TESTING LEVEL | MODE OF DISCOURSE |
| Elementary (Grades 3–4) | Narrative |
| Intermediate (Grades 5–6) | Informative/Descriptive |
| Middle (Grades 7– 8) | Expository |
| Secondary (Grades 9–10) | Persuasive |
| College Prep (Grades 11–12) | Critical Thinking |



