PSSA BOOTCAMP

PSSA WRITING March 11th Section 1: Multiple Choice Section 2: Essay (Persuasive or Informational) March 12th Section 3: Essay (Persuasive or Informational) March 13th Section 4: Essay (Persuasive or Informational)

WHERE AND WHEN? Computer labs - 252, 131, 235, 237 Monday 8:10-11:10 Tuesday 8:10-9:50 (approx) Wednesday 8:10-9:50 (approx) Test Administrators: Arena, Handrick, Noldy, Polinski, Felt, Muench, Ludwig, and Richmond Extra time available if needed. Backpacks/cell phones left at door.

3/4 Research 3/5 Research 3/6 PSSA info 3/7 PSSA practice 3/8 PSSA Practice/ Workshop/ Outline Notefacts due 3/11 PSSAs 5, 7 - Outline 3/12 PSSAs 4, 5, 7 Outline 3/13 PSSAs 4, 5, 7 CL - Outline/ Works Cited/ Rough draft 3/14 ALL Computer lab Outline/ Works Cited/ Rough draft 3/15 No School 3/18 No School 3/19 Outline Due Computer lab - Rough Draft 3/20 Computer lab - Rough Draft 3/21 Computer lab - Rough Draft 3/22 Computer lab - Rough Draft/Edit 3/25 Computer Lab - Edit/Final Draft 3/26 Edit/Final Draft/Power Point Rough Draft Due 3/27 Career Day (1-3) 4, 5, 7 Edit/Final Draft/Power Point 3/28 No School 3/29 No School Final Draft Due Friday 4/5

SAMPLE MULTIPLE CHOICE 1 Of all Egyptian pharaohs, King Tut is probably the best known. 2 His widespread popularity came after the discovery of his tomb in British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the burial chamber after years of searching in Egypt. 4 Inside the tomb, Carter found a fabulous collection of Egyptian treasures that had remained untouched for nearly 2,000 years. 5 The treasures of King Tut have been exhibited many times around the world since Carter 痴 discovery. 6 Similar Egyptian artifacts are on display in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.7 King Tut became pharaoh around the age of nine, he died suddenly at about age eighteen. 8 His successor, Pharaoh Horemheb, vowed to erase the memory of the boy king from history. 9 Horemheb was so succesful that very little was known of King Tut until the discovery of his tomb. 10 Although x- rays once indicated that he might have died from a head injury, this is no longer thought to be true. 11 There are no historical records to explain what caused his death.

MC 1.Where should the word only be placed in sentence 2 to emphasize when Tut’s popularity increased? A Only his widespread popularity came after the discovery of his tomb in 1922 B His only widespread popularity came after the discovery of his tomb in C His widespread popularity came only after the discovery of his tomb in D. His widespread popularity came after the discovery of his tomb in 1922 only.

SECRETS TO ESSAYS 8th Graders write Informational or Persuasive Essays Each paper receives two scores, one for composition and one for conventions.

SAMPLE WRITING PROMPT - PERSUASIVE An unknown contributor has donated $100,000 to your community and has requested that students suggest ways to spend the money. Write a letter to your community leaders to persuade them to accept your ideas.

SAMPLE WRITING PROMPT - INFORMATIONAL Write an essay that explains the qualities a hero should possess. Write an essay about an unusual food you have eaten. Explain what makes it so unusual.

WRITING TIPS Brainstorm before you begin. You ARE allowed scratch paper and pencils. Include an Introduction, Body, and Conclusion Write in the format they ask (letter, essay) Be friends with FRED (Facts, Reasons, Examples and Details) Little White Lies…

GENERAL TESTING TIPS Good Night’s sleep Good breakfast Take little ‘mental’ breaks Re-read when finished Bring something extra to do (like a book) for when you finish

ACTIVITY # 1 - IN COMPUTER LAB Go into PA Online Assessments Click on Middle “Practice” Go through the system. How is the same as the CDTs? How is it different?

ACTIVITY # 2 Practice Multiple Choice Section

ACTIVITY # 3 PSSA Persuasive Writing Prompt Type into Word When done, print it off Move on to Activity 4

ACTIVITY # 4 - QUIZLET.COM When finished with essay go to wikispace Do “Flashcards” When ready, try out the games - Scatter & Space Race When finished ‘workshop time’ or begin making outline - due March 19th