10 th Grade Writing Test Review

1. 10th Grade Writing TestReview Test date: Tuesday, March 8, 2011

2. Definition Essay • Defining an abstract word or phrase, possibly within a specific context. • Possible topics: • Freedom, independence, respect, ingenuity, character, democracy, patriotism.

3. Cause / Effect essay • Prompt will ask you to identify causes or effects (maybe both) and could include an abstract word to define. • Possible topics: global warming, technology, justice, discrimination, injustice

4. Read the Prompt • Write a speech to present to the graduating class of 2008 in which you discuss the effects of independence on a high school student. You may use the quotations above as well as your own observations, experiences and/or readings. • Be sure to identify the Purpose, Audience and Context.

5. Then, read the bulleted points! As you write your speech on the effects of independence on high school students, remember to: • Focus on the effects of independence on high school students. • Consider the purpose, audience and context of your speech. • Organize your speech so that your ideas progress logically. • Include relevant details that clearly develop your speech. • Edit your speech for standard grammar and language usage.

6. Don’t forget to read the Quotes! • Independence is essential for permanent but fatal to immediate success. Samuel Butler • No one can build his security upon the nobleness of another person. Willa Cather

7. Then you can Plan!

8. Read prompt (assignment) and determine PAC P – purpose, what am I writing about? A – audience, to whom am I writing? C – context, what type of writing is this? Fill in PAC on tri-venn. Assignment: Write a speech to present to the graduating class of 2008 in which you discuss the effects of independence on a high school student. Steps to a successful Tri-venn

9. What is the topic of the paper? On back, brainstorm a list of all possible topics related to the subject. Students should then pick three (the strongest) to discuss in paper. Brainstorm Topics

10. Fill in Tri-venn Topics Pay for own clothing • Write the three strongest topics on the topic line in the three bubbles of the tri-venn.

11. Determine Examples for Topics Pay for own clothing • For each topic, students will find one real-world example and write this in the example space on the bubble (must be specific) I can buy Seven jeans with my own money

12. Identify Details for Examples Pay for own clothing • For each example, students will identify details about the example and write on the space on the bubble (must be specific) I can buy Seven jeans with my money I work at Target I make $8 an hour I have saved $100

13. Elaboration is the key! When my parents gave me the freedom to get a job and begin to earn and save money, I realized that I would be able to buy clothing that I wanted, no matter how expensive it might be. • In order to get a three or better – you must explain how your example/topic is important or a result of the PURPOSE given in the prompt!

14. Write Your Thesis! • Once your planning is done, write your thesis statement. • The trick is: Purpose (is, means) topic 1, topic 2 and topic 3. • Once a teenager is granted independence, they are able to have a job, drive where they want to go, and take on more responsibilities in the household

15. Now it’s Time to Write!

16. The PURPOSE is always written in the 1st bullet at the bottom. Use transition words to help your paper have COHERENCE. Make sure that you have a THESIS statement. Try to use good vocabulary words (but use them correctly!) Watch your conventions! Helpful Hints

17. For a conclusion: In summation In retrospect In reflection Within a paragrah: Although On occasion As a result of However PLEASE avoid using First Second Third Finally In conclusion Next For example To begin with Great Transitions can help!

18. Good vocabulary, used correctly, can improve your paper. Try the following alternative words for the old, overused ones! Good – spectacular, fantastic, outstanding, superb Things/stuff – materials, component, paraphernalia A lot – multitude, plethora, mountainous, enormous Cool – frigid, icy, creative, entertaining, fantastic (based on context) Nice – friendly, appealing, pleasing, affable Vocabulary is Extraordinary!

19. Proper grammar, spelling and punctuation can be the difference in passing and failure! Use great subject-verb agreement! Make sure your pronouns and antecedents match! No run-ons or fragments please! Capitalize and punctuate! Don’t use IM/texting symbols or slang! (k? lol) Watch your Conventions!

20. You will have 100 minutes to take the NC Writing Test You should be spending: 40 Minutes for planning 55 Minutes on writing the actual essay (if you plan, the writing won’t take long) 5 minutes editing and revising. How much time will it take?

21. How is this graded? • Each paper will have TWO readers who will give a CONTENT and CONVENTIONS score • A passing CONTENT score is a 3 or 4, out of a possible 4. • CONVENTIONS scores are 0, 1, 2.

22. Finally… • You have the training and the ability to pass this assessment! • Read the prompt, plan well and write an outstanding essay! You can do it!