Essay and SCR Writing
What is ACE?
Answer, Cite, Explain
*50pt bonus: Where do we see it used?
What are two ways you make sure that you will finish the entire test without stressing too much?
Possible answers: Pace yourself, monitor the time, take short mental breaks (don't start daydreaming!), stay positive
*50pt bonus: describe how you stay clam during STAAR.
What are some active reading strategies to improve comprehension?
Annotate, summarize, identify the main idea, etc.
*50pt bonus: what tool can you use if you do not understand a word in the text or a question?
What is the difference between "revising" and "editing"?
Revising: Make major changes to the content/structure of a text to make it more effective
Editing: "Fine Tuning" a text (fixing grammar, making it more clear)
*50pt bonus: can you give an example of revising?
What are the three main purposes authors write for?
To persuade, inform, or entertain.
50pt bonus: can you name another type of author's purpose?
How do you cite evidence in an essay or SCR?
"Quote" (Author's name).
If you do not have the author's name, follow this format: "Quote" (article title).
50pt bonus: how many quotes do you need to have in an SCR? Essay?
True or False: If you are really not looking forward to the essay portion of the STAAR test, you should start with the essay portion.
True!
*50pt bonus: why?
How can you ensure that you answered a question correctly for the "reading" portion of STAAR?
You found it in the text (found text-evidence)!
*50pt bonus: what is another way you feel confident in your answer choices?
How can you avoid losing points on revising and editing questions over spelling?
Use. The. Dictionary. Online or physical.
*50pt bonus: what word is usually tricky for you to spell and how do you spell it?
In a scientific research paper, what is typically the author's purpose?
To inform.
*50pt bonus: what other type of text has the purpose of informing?
What is the typical outline of an essay?
*50pt bonus: draw it for the class
Intro: TAS and Thesis
2 Body Paragraphs: ACE or TEXAS
Conclusion: Restate the Thesis
What are 3 reasons why reading instructions and questions carefully before answering anything is important?
Possible answers: It helps you understand the task, avoid mistakes, save time, clarify expectations, and minimize anxiety
*50pt bonus: show off your best or silliest dance move!
What is the definition of theme?
The lesson or big/main idea that is being discussed in a text
*50pt bonus: what are examples of themes in a text?
Correct the punctuation error in the sentence: "The concert was amazing however I forgot my tickets."
Edited: "The concert was amazing; however, I forgot my tickets."
50pt bonus: what purpose does the semicolon serve?
How does identifying the main audience impact understanding the author's purpose in writing?
Helps with understanding why the author wrote the text, why it is written the way it is (tons of statistics, comedy, etc.), and what they wanted to achieve.
*50pt bonus: If I wrote a text about superheroes to a bunch of kids, what would the author's purpose be?
What is the difference between an informational and argumentative essay?
Informational: to inform
Argumentative: to persuade/argue for ONE side
*50pt bonus: What key words would you find in a prompt to tell you its informational? Argumentative?
What are some effective strategies for tackling essay prompts?
Prompt break down! Read through twice, reframe the prompt, and respond to each part thoroughly
*50pt bonus: Give us a joke!
What word means "the author's attitude shown in their writing" (described in words like gloomy, suspenseful, enthusiastic)?
Tone
*50pt bonus: What is the difference between author's tone and author's purpose?
The mixing of moisture, bacteria, and air makes food deteriorate quickly.
Which word best replaces "mixing" in the sentence?
A. combination
B. mingling
C. connection
A. Combination
50pt bonus: why not any of the other answer choices?
What role does understanding the author's purpose play in comprehending a text?
Understanding why the author wrote the text helps us figure out what they wanted to say and how they wanted to say it. It gives us a better idea of what the text means and why it matters.
*50pt bonus: How does author's purpose affect you when you read?
Write a thesis for the following prompt: Many schools across the country have adopted a policy of banning cell phones during school hours. There are several benefits, as well as concerns about these policies. Write an essay arguing whether schools should or should not implement a cell phone ban policy during school hours.
Possible answer: Schools should implement a cell phone ban policy during school hours because...
Schools should not implement a cell phone ban policy during school hours because...
*50pt bonus: explain how to write a thesis.
What should you do if you are unsure of the answer on a multiple-choice question? Give multiple solutions.
Use the process of elimination (get rid of the obviously wrong answer choices), use context clues, guess strategically, trust your gut, go back and review later
*50pt bonus: mimic your favorite (AND APPROPRIATE) TikTok sound/trend right now.
What is the tone of this passage: "The sun beat down relentlessly, scorching the parched earth below. Not a cloud marred the brilliant blue sky, and the air shimmered with heat. Despite the sweltering conditions, the travelers trudged onward, their faces set in determined grimaces. Each step seemed to weigh heavy on their weary bodies, but they pressed forward, driven by a sense of urgency and purpose."
A. Joyful
B. Melancholy
C. Determined
D. Indifferent
*50pt bonus: is there another tone we could find?
What is the correct way to write this sentence?: "In preserving coffee and making it “instant,” freeze drying is frequently used."
A. Frequently used in preserving coffee is freeze drying and it makes it “instant.”
B. Freeze drying is frequently used in preserving coffee and making it “instant.”
B. Freeze drying is frequently used in preserving coffee and making it “instant.”
*50pt bonus: why was the other answer choice wrong?
What is the author's purpose in the following passage: "In the heart of the forest, nestled among towering trees and babbling brooks, lay a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. For years, rumors had circulated among the townsfolk about the existence of the treasure, but none had dared to venture into the dense wilderness to seek it out. Until now."
To entertain.
50pt bonus: What type of language is the author using here?