CAASPP Success - Grade 4 ELA Performance Task #2

You will read three sources about the history, cultural significance, and current trends of picnics. Using the information from these sources, you will write an informational essay that explains how picnics have evolved over time, the different ways they are celebrated in various cultures, and why they remain a popular activity today.

Group 1

Source #1: The History of Picnics Picnics have been around for a long time, and they've changed a lot over the years. The word “picnic” started in France, where it was called pique-nique. It was first used by rich people in the 1600s. They would gather outdoors and bring fancy foods to share. It wasn’t just about eating; it was a way to show off how wealthy they were. When the French Revolution happened, many of these wealthy people left France and moved to places like England. They brought the idea of picnics with them. In London, a group called the “Pic Nic Society” started having indoor picnics. Each guest had to bring food, wine, and sometimes even perform a play or sing a song. It was more like a party than what we think of as a picnic today. In the 1800s, picnics became more about enjoying nature and less about showing off. People in England and the United States began to take their meals outdoors to parks and fields. They liked to escape the crowded cities and spend time in the fresh air. Picnics were a way to relax and enjoy time with family and friends. Today, picnics are popular all around the world. In Japan, people celebrate the blooming of cherry blossoms with hanami picnics. Families and friends gather under the pink trees to eat and admire the flowers. In France, picnics often include delicious bread, cheese, and other tasty treats. In the United States, people love to have picnics on the Fourth of July with foods like hot dogs, hamburgers, and potato salad. No matter where you are, picnics are a fun way to enjoy food, fresh air, and good company. Whether you’re having a simple lunch in the park or a big family gathering, it’s all about spending time together and appreciating the outdoors.

Class Companion

Source #2: A Family's Special Holi Picnic Dear Grandma, I want to tell you about the wonderful Holi picnic we had last weekend. Even though we're far from home, we tried to celebrate just like we did in India. It was a sunny day, perfect for a picnic in the park, and we set up a big blanket under the shade of an old oak tree. Everyone brought something to share, just like we used to do back home. Mom made her famous samosas and Dad whipped up his special mango lassi. Auntie even managed to recreate your delicious gujiya, which brought back so many memories. It felt like you were right there with us. Before we started playing with colors, we told the kids the story of Prahlad and Holika, the one you always shared with us. Prahlad’s bravery and Holika’s defeat remind us that good always wins over evil. We even had a small Holika Dahan ceremony the night before, using a small bonfire to let go of any negative feelings and start fresh. The next day, we put on white clothes and got ready to play with colors. It was amazing to see everyone’s faces light up as we smeared bright powders on each other. The kids loved it, and the adults got into the fun too, just like the stories you told about playing Holi in Mathura. Even though we were miles away from India, it felt like we had brought a piece of it with us. We talked about how Holi isn’t just about colors and food. It’s about forgiveness, starting over, and celebrating life. I remembered you saying that Holi was a time when everyone, no matter their age or status, came together to celebrate. Here, it felt the same. We laughed, ate, and shared stories, making new memories that we’ll cherish for a long time. I miss celebrating Holi with you, but this picnic helped us feel connected to our roots. I hope one day we can all celebrate together again. Lots of love, Anjali

Class Companion

Picnic Trends Over Time

Question 1a

Short answer

Picnics have been celebrated in different ways across the world and throughout history. Based on Source #1 and Source #2, what are two ways picnics have changed over time or are celebrated differently in other cultures? Use one piece of evidence from each source to explain your answer.

Question 1b

Essay

Using the information from all three sources, write an informational essay that explains how picnics have changed over time and why they are important in different cultures. Your essay should have an introduction, several body paragraphs with details from the sources, and a conclusion.

Teach with AI superpowers

Why teachers love Class Companion

Import assignments to get started in no time.

Create your own rubric to customize the AI feedback to your liking.

Overrule the AI feedback if a student disputes.

Other English / ELA Assignments

10th Grade Unit 2 Essay11th Grade Dystopian Unit Final Assessment11. True love can conquer all problems.12. Love is a decision you make, not something that happens to you.13. You should always listen to the advice of people more experienced than you.14. Our choices determine our destinies.15. The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.#16 TT/EAT Argument Paragraph - Anti-Jewish Decrees#18 TT/EAT + CEREAT Paragraphs (2) Most Difficult Roommate1963 The Year that Changed Everything1. Our lives are controlled by fate.2018 AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE FREE-RESPONSE QUESTION 2 - Albright2018 AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE FREE-RESPONSE QUESTION 2 - Albright2024 AP Lang Jimmy Santiago Baca and Value of Posessions Arugment Essay2024 AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Simu Liu#20 TT/EAT + CEREAT Appropriateness of selfies#21 Skateboarding in City Parks: Q3 Benchmark Standards Practice2:26 Persuasion Quick Write2-28 Improve PSTAAR ECR#24 Argument Performance Task: Mr. Van Daan#28 ARGUMENTATIVE: The Outsiders#28 INFORMATIVE: The Outsiders#28 NARRATIVE: The Outsiders(2) Compare “On Civil Disobedience” with The Crucible2. Love is only worthwhile if it is difficult.#30 "Nothing Gold Can Stay" + The Outsiders3/1/24: The Impact of Emmett Till's Murder on 1955 America3-22 Failure SCR3/3-Exit Ticket: Grade 6 RLA English Conventions - Practice #1#35 TT/EAT Paragraph "A Kenyan Teen's Discovery"#37: TT/EAT "The Day I Saved a Life"3.8 Debate It: Organizing and Communicating an Argument#39: TT/EAT Paragraph Teen Innovator/Humanitarian3D Printers Argumentative Performance Task (Part 2)3. You should only date people with a similar background to yours.4/14 Exit TIcket SCR BHT4-3 Legacy ECR4. Love should always be defended.4th Cultural Landscape of South Africa in Trevor Noah's 'Born a Crime'4th Grade CMAS Practice- Writing4th Grade STAAR Math Practice Assignment5. Parents should have a say in who you date.#5 TT/EAT Paragraph "Gaming Communities"#6 CEREAT Counter Argument Paragraph6. It is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.7.3 L7 Mastery Check7.3 L9 Mastery Check7th ELA STAAR Blitz Day 10 SCR7th ELA STAAR Blitz Day 1 SCR7th ELA STAAR Blitz Day 8 SCR