Keys to success on the Gateway: A checklist  Demonstrate that you understand the writing task  Address and develop all parts of the writing task  Organize ideas and info appropriately  Use correct spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, and usage  Include prior knowledge  Include appropriate science vocabulary  Make use of documents by interpreting the info given and avoiding plagiarism

How to Take a Document-based Essay Test  Use five steps: 1. Choose 2. Plan 3. Write First Draft 4. Revise 5. Copy Final draft

Choose  Read the Science Scenario given  Read Writing Task Choice #1 *What do I remember about this topic? *Can I write an essay with meaningful support about this topic showing what I remember?  Read Writing Task Choice #2 *How much do I remember about this topic? *Do I remember more or less than task #1? *Can I write a better essay about this topic?  Make your best choice *Scan the documents and see which task they support more, and decide on the writing task

Plan  Re-read the writing task that you have chosen *Underline, highlight, circle key directional words so you KNOW what is being asked  Review documents related to the chosen task  Make a list, outline, or graphic organizer to plan your essay – stay on the given task  Re-read the writing task and make sure have addressed ALL parts given  Check time remaining

Draft  Write an introduction to my essay *should interest the reader *should introduce the points to be made *DO NOT PLAGIARIZE either the question or the documents  Write the body of my first draft *re-read the task I have selected *have a clear focus and cover each point *Include pertinent info from science courses taken *Explain how all info is related to the task *DO NOT just list info – explain! *If are using document info, reference it  Write a conclusion *Tie ideas together and remind reader of points made  Check time remaining

Revise  Re-read essay for clarity – does it make sense?  Re-read the Writing Task selected *Did I address all bulleted info in order?  Use the checklist to revise first draft *Info should be accurate and complete *Add more info where support is missing and explain any ideas that are not clear *REMEMBER – you must give examples and evidence to prove what you am saying  Check time remaining  Check for revisions in language arts  Check time remaining

Copy final draft into response folder  Handwriting will not influence the final grade, but essay should be legible

Scoring  Three areas/features used to evaluate your essay… 1.Communication of scientific ideas 2.Knowledge of content 3.Process skills…putting it all together.

Communication of Scientific Ideas  Three questions to ask about your response... –Did you answer all parts of the task? –Is the content organized? –Did you deal with the content correctly?

Communication of Scientific Ideas UNDERSTAND  Convince the reader you UNDERSTAND the task. –The introductory paragraph should address the topic directly with key points indicated. –Take the time to develop a well thought out topic sentence to start your intro paragraph. –The body must address each of the key points in detail and in an orderly manner. –Make sure you do not misinterpret the question…read and re-read the task!!!

Knowledge of Content  Three questions to ask about your response... –Did you use appropriate scientific terms/vocab? –Did you use your prior knowledge and task documents to support your response? –Were you complete enough to avoid leaving the reader with any questions about your response?

Knowledge of Content KNOW  Convince the reader you KNOW the answer. –Use details and precise scientific vocabulary (this is key!!!) to explain a concept shows a high degree of knowledge. Make sure you use the terms correctly. –Provide support…DEFEND your answer proving you know the content. –Include your prior knowledge of the subject AND utilize the documents provided in the task. –Assume the reader knows nothing…it is your job to “teach” them. Don’t give them the opportunity to think how, why, when, where, but --?, and --?

Process Skill Putting It All Together  Three questions to ask about your response... –Did you interpret the task documents correctly? –Did you make connections between documents and your key points, and were they concrete, clear and concise (solid, easy to understand, and to the point)? –Did you analyze the concepts and draw conclusions that directly relate to the assigned task?

Process Skill Putting It All Together  Convince the reader you can interpret materials effectively and make connections with appropriate conclusions to fully develop your essay. –Make sure your response makes sense as you re-read it. Is it in a logical sequence? –Make sure that one point of your essay flows easily into the next by making connections. –Draw conclusions from the task documents and the assigned task. –Think of your essay like a puzzle…each piece is important and has its place. Ask yourself if you have all of the pieces of the puzzle and in the right place?