Southern Nevada Regional Professional Development Program  RP DP Southern Nevada Regional Professional Development Program RPDP.net RPDP Secondary Literacy

Suggestions for Students Taking the Writing Proficiency Exam Ready, Set, Write Strategies Developed by Jill M. Leone (For ELL and Read/Write Students) Copyright © 2006 RPDP Secondary Literacy

Introduction These strategies and writing tips for proficiency are the ones that I have developed and used successfully for many years with my ELL and read/ write students. However, they may also be used with any students who need a little extra help with their writing. I recommend that you stop as needed and practice the various strategies rather than presenting this to your students your in its entirety. Good luck. RPDP Secondary Literacy

analyze a writing prompt examine different types of writing Today's Objective Students will – analyze a writing prompt examine different types of writing practice strategies for writing proficiency RPDP Secondary Literacy

When your teacher gives you a writing assignment, do you ever just sit there wondering where to begin? RPDP Secondary Literacy

Take a few minutes to watch this presentation, and the next time you write for proficiency, it should be a lot easier. RPDP Secondary Literacy

First, always read the topic and the directions carefully. RPDP Secondary Literacy

What are you being asked to write about? Make sure that you understand the writing prompt. What are you being asked to write about? RPDP Secondary Literacy

The prompt is the topic and the directions for a writing assignment. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Address the assigned topic. Provide background information. Pretend your reader doesn't know what you're writing about. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Take a minute to think and plan what you want to say. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Often a prompt will give you a choice by using the word Remember to write about only one of the choices: or. Think about an advertisement that is your favorite or least favorite. You choose one. RPDP Secondary Literacy

If the directions contain two or more parts – Be sure that you respond to everything that is asked. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Here’s an example: Describe your school or place where you are receiving your high school education. Tell about the building and neighborhood, the students and teachers, and the events that take place in your school. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Look how many parts there are in this one writing assignment. Describe your school or place where you are receiving your high school education. Tell about the building and the neighborhood, the students and teachers, and the events that take place in your school. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Prewriting Organize your ideas on a piece of scratch paper before you begin writing. My school students building teachers neighborhood events RPDP Secondary Literacy

My school Prewriting friendly big a lot gray building students modern helpful kind teachers neighborhood nice sports parks and churches old and young events new homes Homecoming RPDP Secondary Literacy

My school huge over 3,000 students friendly big a lot gray stone From many different countries building students several buildings very helpful modern kind teachers neighborhood clean and nice sports such as football and soccer green parks and new churches events beautiful new homes old and young Homecoming RPDP Secondary Literacy

Maybe a list works better for you: my school neighborhood not very old nice modern families huge (more details) houses and apartments gray churches and parks over 3000 students clean several buildings other schools nearby (not important) different programs teachers events lots of them sports (more details) friendly many different clubs helpful Homecoming, Sadie’s, Prom old and young freshman barbecue senior trip RPDP Secondary Literacy

There are many different ways you can prewrite. Prewriting Who? What? When? Where? Why? How? Choose the one that works best for you. RPDP Secondary Literacy

3 Advantages of Prewriting Your paper’s easier to write. You’ll respond to all parts of the topic. You won’t forget your good ideas. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Ask yourself what verb tense you need to use: probably either PAST or PRESENT. You can tell from the verb tense used in the directions. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Try to keep all your verbs in the same tense – the tense you selected from reading the prompt. RPDP Secondary Literacy

You only get one chance to make a first impression? Topic Sentences Have you heard people say: You only get one chance to make a first impression? Your topic sentence is very important. Think of it as your first impression. So make it good! RPDP Secondary Literacy

Make necessary changes, like changing you/your to I/me/my. If you get stuck- Take your topic sentence from the first sentence in the directions. Make necessary changes, like changing you/your to I/me/my. Be sure to change the verb tense so it agrees with the first person I or third person he, she, it. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Eliminate direction words. Example: Discuss a situation that taught you a lesson. Write: A situation that taught me a lesson was when I lost my wallet. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Almost everyone has had at least one teacher who is hard to forget. General Sentence If the first sentence of the topic does not contain the words you or your - you can use that as the first sentence of your paragraph. Almost everyone has had at least one teacher who is hard to forget. RPDP Secondary Literacy

background information. Almost everyone has had at least one teacher who is hard to forget. This is a free sentence because you don’t have to change it. It also provides the reader with background information. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Copy this sentence onto your paper exactly as it is. Strategy Copy this sentence onto your paper exactly as it is. Then, your second sentence can discuss your response. Almost everyone has had at least one teacher who is hard to forget. My tenth grade English teacher is a person I will always remember… RPDP Secondary Literacy

This way, you can be sure of two things: Your first sentence is correct. You’re focused on the topic and what you need to write about. Your topic sentence RPDP Secondary Literacy

Remember: Your reader won’t have this lovely picture. Now, describe your tenth grade teacher and explain why she’s hard to forget. Remember: Your reader won’t have this lovely picture. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Let’s try one you’ll have to change– Recall a time when someone helped you. Explain who that person was, where you were, what happened, when it happened, and how you felt. A time when someone helped me was last year. I was taking the CAT bus home from school because I stayed late to make-up a math test. I opened my wallet to pay for the bus ride and saw I had no money. It was almost dark and I told the driver my problem. Just then, a kind lady with long, red hair stood up and put in the exact change for me. She told me that she had a daughter about my age and hoped someone would do the same thing for her… RPDP Secondary Literacy

See how short and simple you can make your topic sentence? A time when someone helped me was last year. I was taking the CAT bus home from school because I had stayed late to make-up a math test. I opened my wallet… See how short and simple you can make your topic sentence? You can save your interesting and colorful details for your supporting sentences. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Never write the word BECAUSE in your topic sentence! RPDP Secondary Literacy

This limits what you can write about. If you write: My best year in school was ninth grade because I made many new friends. The rest of your paragraph has to be about your new friends in ninth grade. RPDP Secondary Literacy

With a short topic sentence - My best year in school was ninth grade. First, I made many new friends. In fact, I met my best friends in my ninth grade English class. In addition, I had wonderful teachers, who really helped me with my reading and math. Also, ninth grade was my first experience playing sports… With a short topic sentence - RPDP Secondary Literacy

By shortening your topic sentence and eliminating the word BECAUSE – you can now write about the experiences that made ninth grade your best year in school. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Now the past becomes the present for you and reader. Use this last strategy only if you haven't learned your past tense verbs: If you’re a student still learning English and have trouble with past tense verbs, you can write your topic sentence: My best year in school was ninth grade. I can close my eyes and picture it now. I have many new and wonderful friends. My teachers are very friendly and helpful. I play soccer everyday after school. In fact, my coach helps me … Now the past becomes the present for you and reader. RPDP Secondary Literacy

I call this a “Time Machine Strategy.” My best year in school was ninth grade. I can close my eyes and picture it now. I have many new and wonderful friends. My teachers are very friendly and helpful. I play soccer everyday after school. In fact, my coach helps me… RPDP Secondary Literacy

By bringing your reader back to the past (like a time machine), you can now write your paper in the present tense instead of the past. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Let’s look at some helpful hints. Verbs You can probably communicate with people in almost any country in the world if you know the verbs and how to use them. Let’s look at some helpful hints. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Make sure you understand whether you’re using regular Watch your verb tenses! Make sure you understand whether you’re using regular or irregular verbs. It makes a difference in the past tense because irregular verbs don’t end in –ed the way regular verbs do. RPDP Secondary Literacy

I help my teacher every day after school. Let’s look at some examples: I help my teacher every day after school. I helped my soccer coach yesterday. I bring my lunch to school each day. Yesterday, I brought lunch for my friend, too. It’s easy to see which verbs are irregular. RPDP Secondary Literacy

It’s a good idea to memorize your irregular verbs. RPDP Secondary Literacy

If you’re writing about one person, one place, or one thing in the present tense, add either –s or –es to the end of your verbs. Example: I walk. He/she/it walks. RPDP Secondary Literacy

What should you do if you’re not sure? If you’re not sure which verb form to use, substitute the pronouns: he, she, it, or they for your nouns. If you can substitute he, she, or it in the present tense, then you need to add –s or –es to your verb. RPDP Secondary Literacy For regular verbs

My teacher speaks. He speaks. The student comes to class everyday. Examples: My teacher speaks. He speaks. The student comes to class everyday. She comes to class everyday. They come to class RPDP Secondary Literacy

Do not change your verb tenses after the following words: Warning! Do not change your verb tenses after the following words: to would did could can should will might RPDP Secondary Literacy

Be careful with your verb tenses after the word NOT. Example: They could not went on the trip. (incorrect) They could not go on the trip. (correct) Be careful with your verb tenses after the word NOT. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Don’t make your sentences too long! No more than 1 – 2 lines. This will help prevent run-on sentences. Run-on sentences are sentences that are too long and seem to go on forever. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Your paragraph should contain no less than: A topic sentence At least 8 – 10 supporting sentences that give more details about your topic A conclusion or summary sentence You don’t have to write multiple paragraphs. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Don’t forget your transition words: first also for example then in addition in fact next however above all soon meanwhile in reality later at last unfortunately suddenly therefore meanwhile before finally in conclusion afterward for these reasons in the future RPDP Secondary Literacy

Your transition words help the reader follow your ideas. Don't lose your reader! Your transition words help the reader follow your ideas. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Check all plural and possessive words. Make sure you understand the difference! Plural words: events, students, books Possessive: Juan’s truck my friend’s locker Some words just end in –s like always. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Write neatly and clearly. If they can’t read it, they can’t pass it! RPDP Secondary Literacy

I can close my eyes and picture that. Be descriptive enough so anyone reading your paper can close his eyes and picture what you’re writing about. I can close my eyes and picture that. RPDP Secondary Literacy

I found a gold ring with a huge, round, sparkling red stone. Example If you’re writing about a ring you found, say what color the stone is, if it’s silver or gold, big or small, and how it’s shaped. I found a gold ring with a huge, round, sparkling red stone. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Your enthusiasm should really show and bring your topic to life for the reader. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Guess I’ll have to invent things. Make your writing should sound like you’re writing from experience. Show understanding of the topic even if you have to invent situations and details. Guess I’ll have to invent things. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Try to make your paper sound like YOU wrote it. Give it your own style and personality. Make it sound honest and written from the heart. RPDP Secondary Literacy

No one enjoys reading a paper that was Important tips to remember: Always make your paper sound like there is a reason for you to be telling this. No one enjoys reading a paper that was just “thrown together” for a grade. You don’t “throw yourself together” to come to school each day! RPDP Secondary Literacy

Important tips to remember: I was so happy I was speechless. Always describe your reaction to what happened or your character’s reaction. Example: I was so happy I was speechless. RPDP Secondary Literacy

More Writing Tips RPDP Secondary Literacy

They are used differently. Be careful with the words: this (singular) these (plural) those (plural) They are used differently. RPDP Secondary Literacy

THIS = singular; for this reason THESE = plural; for these reasons For this reason, my favorite singer is Jennifer Lopez. For these reasons, my favorite singer is Jennifer Lopez. The singular pronoun THIS = 4 letters. The plural pronoun THESE = 5 letters. (one) (several, more than one) RPDP Secondary Literacy www.musicofpuertoric...s/jennifer_lopez.jpg

No double negatives! In Spanish, you write - “Ella no tiene nada.” In English, you can’t use none, nothing, no one, nobody, in the same sentence with no, not, or never. You have to write: any, anything, anyone, anybody RPDP Secondary Literacy

He does not have any money. (correct) Examples: He does not have any money. (correct) He does not have no money. (incorrect) He doesn’t have no money. (incorrect) She did not say anything. (correct) She did not say nothing. (incorrect) She didn’t say nothing. (incorrect) RPDP Secondary Literacy

but so Do not start sentences with these words: and because RPDP Secondary Literacy

When you find yourself starting sentences with these words! STOP! When you find yourself starting sentences with these words! Try some of these next words instead. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Remember these transition words and phrases: And Also, In addition, But However, Yet, So Therefore, Consequently, Because For this reason, RPDP Secondary Literacy

Learn your transition words. Instead of writing: But I was the only one who knew the correct answer. Write: However, I was the only one who knew the correct answer. Learn your transition words. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Don't overuse the same transition words! …and then… and then… and then… RPDP Secondary Literacy

This will confuse your reader. Narrative Writing Tells a story about something that happened in the past Keep your verbs in the past tense. Don’t go back and forth between the past and the present. This will confuse your reader. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Anything that confuses your reader Or forces the reader to slow down and reread your paper will lower your writing score. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Persuasive Writing You are trying to make the reader think differently. Your position must be very clear. Use facts, examples, and reasons to support your opinion. Whatever position you take, stay with it. RPDP Secondary Literacy

program is bad and should be canceled, don’t bother Here’s an example: If you write that a TV program is bad and should be canceled, don’t bother to discuss any good points about the show. That would not be related to your topic. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Give one example for each reason. Persuasive Writing Try to stay focused on your position. Give at least 3 reasons to persuade your reader. 1 2 3 Give one example for each reason. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Here's an Example. Topics discussed are too personal. The Cristina Show Topics discussed are too personal. Very embarrassing. Bad taste, offends many people. Here's an Example. RPDP Secondary Literacy

After each reason, give an example: Persuasive Writing After each reason, give an example: The topics people talk about on the Cristina show are too personal. For example, the guests talk about very private things that only the family should know about. Reason Example RPDP Secondary Literacy

Reason and example: Sometimes it’s embarrassing to watch Cristina’s show in front of other people. In fact, my grandfather always takes my little sister to the kitchen for a drink when guests say things that are very personal. RPDP Secondary Literacy

This explains how to do something, Expository Writing This explains how to do something, like a step by step set of instructions. It can describe an idea, a process, or an event. You can also use it to explain a relationship. RPDP Secondary Literacy

your reader understand and follow what you’re saying. Expository Writing When you’re writing to explain, your transition words are important to help your reader understand and follow what you’re saying. When you’re writing to explain, your transition words are important to help your reader understand and follow what you are saying. RPDP Secondary Literacy

When baking a cake, first preheat the Example: When baking a cake, first preheat the oven. Next, mix the dry ingredients such as flour and sugar. After this, add the wet ingredients such as eggs and milk. Before you pour the cake batter into the baking pan, grease the pan so the cake doesn’t stick to the sides. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Use a semi-colon for two sentences that are related in meaning. Important Tip Use a semi-colon for two sentences that are related in meaning. Example: The sky is clear; you can see across the city for miles. RPDP Secondary Literacy

You would not use a semi-colon for: The sky is clear; I ate ham and eggs for breakfast. These two thoughts are not related in meaning. X RPDP Secondary Literacy

Spelling If you’re not sure how to spell a word, don’t use it. Choose another word that means the same thing – or almost the same thing. For words you use more than once, make sure you spell them the same way each time. RPDP Secondary Literacy

No contractions on the test! It’s too easy to make mistakes after contractions, especially with not. Instead of writing: I didn’t know anyone at the party. Write: I did not know anyone at the party. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Para los alumnos latinos - In Spanish, the single word es is used to mean it is / he is / she is. After a noun or pronoun, you don’t need to repeat the it, he, or she. Example: The singer has a good voice. (correct) The singer he has a good voice. (incorrect) In English RPDP Secondary Literacy

Don’t forget to indent the Remember to indent. Don’t forget to indent the first line of each paragraph: about the width of two fingers or the size of your thumb. RPDP Secondary Literacy

What about the conclusion? No matter what – Never leave your reader “hanging” and wondering how your paper ends. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Don’t forget your closing sentence. How should you end your paper? You can finish by writing: “In conclusion,…” “It is clear that … Then, recopy or reword your topic sentence. Only capitalize the In or It. RPDP Secondary Literacy

In conclusion, ninth grade was my best year in school. Examples: In conclusion, ninth grade was my best year in school. It is clear that ninth grade was my best year in school. These are not the best endings, but they are safe if you’re not an experienced writer. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Ending your paragraph - You have to add words with this. In the future,… is also a good way to begin a closing sentence, but can’t be used for all paragraphs. In the future, I will think of my ninth grade year and smile. You have to add words with this. RPDP Secondary Literacy

If they can't read it, they can't pass it. Remember - A sharp pencil point and neat handwriting are very important. If they can't read it, they can't pass it. RPDP Secondary Literacy

They won’t be considered for a grade. Don’t attach any extra sheets of paper to your answer sheet. Don’t attach any additional sheets of paper to your answer sheet. They won’t be considered for a grade. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Proofread your writing before you turn it in. Check your work. Proofread your writing before you turn it in. Be careful copying your sentences from your scratch paper to your answer sheet. RPDP Secondary Literacy

It’s very easy to miss a word. Why Proofread? It’s very easy to miss a word. Double-check your final copy line by line. Use another piece of paper as a marker. Go down the page line by line. Make sure you’ve included everything and spelled words that are repeated the same way way throughout your paper. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Proofreading Checklist Clear topic sentence Supporting sentences with transition words Check your capitals, punctuation, and spelling. Turn any fragments into complete sentences. Eliminate any unrelated sentences. Verb tenses should agree. Details should fit where placed with logical sequence. Conclusion or summary sentence RPDP Secondary Literacy

You will automatically fail if - The paper is off the topic. The paper contains obscene or objectionable material. The paper is blank. The paper contains insufficient writing for evaluation. The paper is written in a foreign language. The paper is unreadable. RPDP Secondary Literacy

Get a good night’s sleep before the test. Checklist Get a good night’s sleep before the test. Eat a healthy breakfast. Take your time and don’t rush or worry if other students finish before you. Good luck!!! RPDP Secondary Literacy

Copyright © 2006 by Jill M. Leone Copyright Notice Permission is granted to copy (unmodified) all or part of this PowerPoint for educational, personal, non-commercial use off-line as long as the copyright message (Copyright © 2006 by Jill Leone) is maintained on the title page. This material may not be sold, duplicated on other websites, incorporated in commercial documents or products, or used for promotional purposes. Copyright © 2006 by Jill M. Leone RPDP Secondary Literacy