FCAT Writing: Scoring and Writing like a Pro!

Take Notes!! You will be taking 2 column notes during this presentation. Slide Name / Number3 Notable Details (copy the slide’s title here)(list 3 important details from the slide here) EXAMPLE: Slide Name / Number3 Notable Details 1) Take Two Column Notes!! 1. I have to take two column notes 2. On the left column, I need to write down the slide’s title 3. On the right column, I need to list at least 3 notable, or important, details pertaining to that slide

How is My Essay Scored? Essay scorers use a HOLISTIC approach when scoring student essays. What does HOLISTIC mean?

Holistic Scoring Scorers consider the integration of four writing elements in order to develop a score that results in greater attention to the writer’s message, staying closer to what is essential in realistic communication. What are the four writing elements?

The Four Writing Elements Focus Organization Support Conventions What do these words mean to you?

1. FOCUS How clearly the paper presents and maintains a main idea, theme, or unifying point LOW ScoresHIGH Scores May contain information that is loosely related, extraneous, or both Demonstrate a consistent awareness of the topic and avoid loosely related or extraneous information

HOW to identify FOCUS Key Words to Look For Original Persuasive Essay Writing Prompt: In many schools, students raise money for school activities. Think about how you feel about schools asking students to raise money for school activities. Now write to convince the school board whether or not schools should ask students to raise money for school activities.

2. ORGANIZATION The structure or plan of development (beginning, middle, end) and the relationship of one point to another. Also refers to the use of transitional devices. LOW ScoresHIGH Scores May lack or misuse an organization plan or transitional devices Demonstrate an effective organizational plan

HOW to identify ORGANIZATION Key Points

3. SUPPORT The quality of details used to explain, clarify, or define. Is dependent on word choice, specificity, depth, relevance, and thoroughness. LOW ScoresHIGH Scores Little, if any, development of support, such as a bare list of events or reasons, or support extended by a detail Elaborate examples are provided, and the relationship between the supporting ideas and the topic is clear Facts Incidents Reasons Examples/Evidence Statistics Facts Reasons Incidents Examples/Evidence Statistics

HOW to identify SUPPORT How to Identify Support

4. CONVENTIONS Refers to punctuation, capitalization, spelling, usage, and sentence structure LOW ScoresHIGH Scores Frequent or blatant errors in punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and usage, and may have little variation in sentence structure Follow the basic conventions of punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and usage, and various sentence structures are used throughout

HOW to IDENTIFY CONVENTIONS Correct Use of Conventions Errors in Conventions

Let’s Score our Essays!

Step 1: Identify and Highlight FOCUS: highlight points throughout the paper relating to focus in YELLOW ORGANIZATION: highlight points throughout the paper relating to organization in PINK SUPPORT: highlight points throughout the paper relating to support in BLUE CONVENTIONS: highlight points throughout the paper relating to conventions in GREEN You have 10 Minutes

Step 2: Score Individual Elements Using the rubric, assign a score for each of the four writing elements based on the individual descriptions and how they apply to the paper. (Use what you highlighted to help you identify and pinpoint the specific elements as present throughout the writing) 10 Minutes

Step 3: Find the Final Score To obtain the overall paper’s score, find the average of the individual element scores by adding them together and then dividing by four. 3 Minutes

Step 4: T.A.G. the Paper substantiate your reasoning behind the scores you gave provide feedback that the writer can use to improve his/her writing reinforce what you already know about the writing and scoring process associated with FCAT writing T point out what is positive or good about the writing A ask for clarity or point out something that needs improvement G give suggestions on how to improve the writing 5 Minutes