ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines genre-based backward design, a standards-based model for assessment and instruction of written and spoken texts in a world language. Through the example presented in this chapter, genre-based backward design seeks to develop students’ ability to write in one genre in Spanish, the landmark description. This unit of instruction serves as the model for the organization of the remaining chapters in this volume. Further, the chapter is intended to guide teachers of any language through the process of implementing genre-based backward design in the world language classroom. To this end, the chapter includes 1) a description of the features of the genre and register variables, 2) the Can-Do Statements Addressed in the Unit of Instruction, 3) assessment criteria for the genre (following Brisk (2015)), 4) detailed learning and assessment activities in an instructional unit focused on the genre.
