Virginia SOL 11.W.1.B.iii

ELA11th GradeModes and Purposes for Writing

The Standard

Examine and evaluate processes and/or problems to propose solutions.

Virginia Standards of Learning for English

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students break a process or problem into parts, identify causes and effects, and judge what works and what does not. They propose a realistic solution, support it with evidence, and explain tradeoffs.
What Mastery Looks Like: Students identify root causes, evaluate the current process using clear criteria, and support claims with relevant evidence. Their solution addresses the cause, is feasible, and considers tradeoffs or objections.
Common Misconceptions: Students often summarize a problem instead of analyzing its causes. They may propose a preferred solution without evidence, confuse symptoms with root causes, or ignore cost, feasibility, and unintended effects.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: A cafeteria has two checkout lines, but 70 percent of students use the only line that accepts cash. Explain the main problem and propose an evidence-based solution.

Lesson moves

Give groups cards showing each step in school dismissal, then have them reorder the cards, mark bottlenecks, and redesign one step.
Ask: Which school policy creates an avoidable problem, and what evidence would prove your proposed change is better?
Run a Solution Pitch tournament where pairs rank proposals using evidence, cost, feasibility, and likely unintended effects.
Analyze a city bus schedule and rider complaints, then write a memo recommending one route or timing change.

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