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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

In 2011, a higher percentage of Asian students reported writing for 30 minutes or more during English/language arts class in a typical week than did their White, Black, or Hispanic peers. Use the tabs below to view the percentages by the student groups shown. Click chart options below the chart to explore average scores or make comparisons of your choice.