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Classroom Context: Writing for School

As part of the 2011 writing assessment, eighth-graders were asked how much time they spend writing a paragraph or more during English/language arts classes. The full text of the question and percentage of students who responded in each category are below.

In a typical school day, about how much time do you spend on writing assignments of a paragraph or more during English/language arts class? The writing could be on paper or on a computer.

A. I don't take this class
B. 0 minutes
C. Up to 15 minutes
D. Between 15 and 30 minutes
E. Between 30 and 60 minutes
F. More than 60 minutes

Grade 8
Grade 12

Approximately 25 percent of eighth-grade students spent more than 30 minutes on writing assignments of a paragraph or more during their English/language arts class in a typical school day. Click chart options below the chart to explore average scores or make comparisons of your choice.