1. 10 th Grade Writing Test Review Test date: Tuesday, March 9 2010

2. Definition Essay Defining an abstract word or phrase, possibly within a specific context. Defining an abstract word or phrase, possibly within a specific context. Possible topics: Possible topics: Freedom, independence, respect, ingenuity, character, democracy, patriotism. Freedom, independence, respect, ingenuity, character, democracy, patriotism.

3. Introduction Greeting: want to show your voice and understanding of who your audience is. Attention Grabber: you speak to your audience in an exciting way to get their attention. Can be a question, an onomatopoeia (the representation of a sound by an imitation thereof; e.g., the cat mews), something exciting, or a fun fact or thought. Definition Sentence: define the topic in your own words. Begin with a general idea and end with a specific. Not just the definition on the prompt. Ex: To me freedom can best be explained as….. Elaboration: is an extension of the definition sentence. You can tell what it is ‘not’, use a quote, you can use figurative language but Do not give examples here. Ex: similes, metaphors, onomatopoeia, personification Thesis Statement: (include personal experience, observation and related readings) is one sentence. This is where you give the three examples of you body paragraphs. Ex: I understand this definition to be true… I can prove the definition because… I can prove the definition because…

4. Body Paragraph S = Topic Sentence Create a topic sentence from your elaboration in the introduction paragraph to tell your audience what you are going to say. Create a topic sentence from your elaboration in the introduction paragraph to tell your audience what you are going to say. “To begin with….” “To begin with….” E = Example Give one example for the topic sentence. Give one example for the topic sentence. These will be your thesis points. These will be your thesis points. “For example…” “For example…” E = Elaboration Describe the example in more detail. Describe the example in more detail. What, when, where and why. What, when, where and why. This can affect a person mentally, physically and emotionally. This can affect a person mentally, physically and emotionally. Connect back to your topic sentence. Connect back to your topic sentence. Write at least two sentences. Write at least two sentences. C = Closing Connect back to your definition sentence. Connect back to your definition sentence.

5. Cause / Effect essay Prompt will ask you to identify causes or effects (maybe both) and could include an abstract word to define. Prompt will ask you to identify causes or effects (maybe both) and could include an abstract word to define. Possible topics: global warming, technology, justice, discrimination, injustice Possible topics: global warming, technology, justice, discrimination, injustice

6. Read the Prompt Write a speech to present to the graduating class of 2008 in which you discuss the effects of independence on a high school student. You may use the quotations above as well as your own observations, experiences and/or readings. Write a speech to present to the graduating class of 2008 in which you discuss the effects of independence on a high school student. You may use the quotations above as well as your own observations, experiences and/or readings. Be sure to identify the Purpose, Audience and Context. Be sure to identify the Purpose, Audience and Context.

7. Then, read the bulleted points! As you write your speech on the effects of independence on high school students, remember to: Focus on the effects of independence on high school students. Focus on the effects of independence on high school students. Consider the purpose, audience and context of your speech. Consider the purpose, audience and context of your speech. Organize your speech so that your ideas progress logically. Organize your speech so that your ideas progress logically. Include relevant details that clearly develop your speech. Include relevant details that clearly develop your speech. Edit your speech for standard grammar and language usage. Edit your speech for standard grammar and language usage. Don’t forget to read the Quotes!

8. Now it’s Time to Write! Introduction (AG, D, elaboration, thesis) Body paragraph (Topic, Example, Elaboration,Connection/closer) Body paragraph (Topic, Example, Elaboration,Connection/closer) Conclusion (summarize examples, leave a lasting thought) Body paragraph (Topic, Example, Elaboration, Connection/closer)

9. Helpful Hints The PURPOSE is always written in the 1 st bullet at the bottom. The PURPOSE is always written in the 1 st bullet at the bottom. Use transition words to help your paper have COHERENCE. Use transition words to help your paper have COHERENCE. Make sure that you have a THESIS statement. Make sure that you have a THESIS statement. Try to use good vocabulary words (but use them correctly!) Watch your conventions!

10. Great Transitions can help! For a conclusion: For a conclusion: In summation In summation In retrospect In retrospect In reflection In reflection In conclusion In conclusion Within a paragraph: Within a paragraph: Although Although On occasion On occasion As a result of As a result of However However In addition In addition Despite the fact Despite the fact PLEASE avoid using First Second Third Next Don’t use the same phrases or words in each paragraph, mix it up

11. Watch your Conventions! Proper grammar, spelling and punctuation can be the difference in passing and failure! Proper grammar, spelling and punctuation can be the difference in passing and failure! Use great subject-verb agreement! Use great subject-verb agreement! Make sure your pronouns and antecedents match! Make sure your pronouns and antecedents match! No run-ons or fragments please! Capitalize and punctuate! Don’t use IM/texting symbols or slang! (k? lol)

12. How much time will it take? You will have 100 minutes to take the NC Writing Test You will have 100 minutes to take the NC Writing Test You should be spending: You should be spending: 40 Minutes for planning 55 Minutes on writing the actual essay (if you plan, the writing won’t take long) 5 minutes editing and revising.