1. The Writing Test Preparation = Success!

2. How the Test is Graded Analyze your mock writing test from last year. Ideas: Are you focused on the topic? Aware of the genre? Do you explain or convince clearly? Organization: Pre-write, Plan, and check for focus. What is your organizing structure? (Cause/effect, Comp/contrast, Prob./solution, step by step) Style: Use figurative language, analogy, metaphor, simile,etc. Use descriptive language and sensory details. Conventions: double check spelling, caps, and punctuation, write in complete sentences.

3. 2013 Writing Prompts Persuasive Prompt – Argue/Justify your reasoning. Writing Situation With the development of space travel, living beyond the planet Earth has become a possibility. You are one of the people who have been chosen to colonize another planet. The planet is already supplied with the basics of food, clothing, and shelter. Each colonist can take one item. Decide what one item you want to take with you. Directions for Writing Write a letter to your fellow colonists that justifies your choice. By presenting a well-developed argument, convince them that your item should be taken to the new planet.

4. 2013 Writing Prompt Expository Prompt (EXPOSE = EXPLAIN!!) Writing Situation With the development of space travel, living beyond the planet Earth has become a possibility. You are one of the people who have been chosen to colonize another planet. The planet is already supplied with the basics of food, clothing, and shelter. Each colonist can take one item. Decide what one item you want to take with you. Directions for Writing Write a letter to NASA describing your choice.

5. Reading the Prompt Using your prompts, complete the following: Read and UNDERLINE key words/terms. Circle words that are confusing or unclear. Re-read the prompt several times to make sure you understand what it is asking. Use wording from the actual prompt to create your thesis statement. Your THESIS is your FOCUS statement. It tells the reader what you are going to discuss.

6. How do you tell persuasive prompts from expository prompts? Read the writing prompt and look for the key words—verbs and nouns … Persuasive prompt verbs: convince, express, defend Persuasive nouns: position, argument, best Expository verbs: explain, describe

7. Persuasive practice prompt Writing Situation Your principal would like to add a new class that is not currently offered in your school. The principal has asked students to make recommendations about new classes. Decide what class you would recommend for your school. Directions for Writing Write a letter to convince the principal that you new class is the best one fo9r the school. Be sure to include detailed reasons.

8. Expository practice prompt Writing Situation Your principal would like to add a new class that is not currently offered in your school. The principal has asked students to make recommendations about new classes. Decide what class you would recommend for your school. Directions for Writing Write a letter to your principal describing the class you would like to have added. Be sure to provide specific details about the class so that the principal will understand your proposal.

9. Organization PERSUASIVE *Convince! (include appeals! Take this action/think this way because…) *You must have a clear position / claim ! *Pro/Con *This/That better and why? Use details!!! *Facts and opinions

10. Organization EXPOSITORY Inform (List the 5 W’s who, what, where, when, why?) You must have a clear focus statement! Based on facts (it is okay to make up statistics Cause and Effect Compare/Contrast Chronological (Step by Step) Problem/Solution

11. Time Management Planning/Prewriting: 15 minutes Drafting: 35 minutes Revising/Editing:20 minutes Final Draft:20 minutes Proofreading:10 minutes

12. What you should bring to homeroom on test day !!!! Black pen—not a sharpie or gel - regular ink pen –or- Dark blue ink is acceptable. Red pen for editing Pencil for drafting if you like to start in pencil

13. What you can not use during the test No white out (mistakes on final should be crossed out with a single line) No dictionaries or other electronic devices No erasable pens (they smear)