I've Got "The Itis"...Brain Food!
Let's Get MCAS-Specific Real Quick!
Reading & Writing Strategies
His-to-ry So Far In T3...
"Started Since September, Now We're Here!"
100
Man...what a mess! The several fragments and grammatical mistakes in Alicia's essay made it extremely tough to this its overall message.
What is decipher?
100
A high scoring long composition usually follows this specific format, in this specific order (it's nothing different from what we use in class...except for one thing...)
Introduction Paragraph (1) - what is the HOOK, BACKGROUND INFORMATION/introduction of the 3 MAIN IDEA STATEMENTS, and THESIS STATEMENT? Body Paragraphs (3) - what is the MAIN IDEA STATEMENT, *3 SUPPORTING DETAILS, and ANALYSIS/TRANSITION STATEMENT? Conclusion Paragraph (1) - what is the RE-STATED THESIS, summary of the 3 MAIN IDEA STATEMENTS, and TAKE-HOME MESSAGE
100
To avoid what are known as "naked quotations" in your writing, you'll need to "cover up" quotations by first this and then this. (2 words)
What are introducing and explaining?
100
This president kind of...sort of freed slaves in 1863 with the Emancipation Proclamation.
Who is Abraham Lincoln?
100
This daily class routine has changed a bit since September, especially with students now leading it.
What is the Do Now?
200
It is impossible to earn an Accomplished or Exemplary on an LTA or essay if your response is not this to your topic. As Chuks would say, "stay on point!"
What is pertinent?
200
MCAS prompts for the long composition can look intimidating at first. However, if you break them down, you will realize that you're being asked to take these three basic steps in your response.
What are a.) identify, b.) describe, and c.) explain?
200
If you're underlining or highlighting 3-5 mental images, asking 3 content-specific questions, and summarizing what is going on in the beginning, middle, and end, then you're text-coding this genre of literature.
What is poetry?
200
After the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, poor whites were furious! This is mainly because elites were allowed to buy their way out of the army draft for this amount of money.
What is $300?
200
This is the first work of literature that we read together as a class.
What is King Hedley II?
300
As a class, we will need to form a strong this if we wish to put on an excellent Spring Showcase in May.
What is ensemble?
300
On the long composition, it would be wise for you to mention these two elements in your introduction paragraph. More specifically, in your thesis statement. Just like on LTAs, it'll get you style points!
What are the author and title of the book?
300
Part of writing with rhythm means doing this to some of your dull, simple sentences.
What is expanding?
300
This act of terrorism was used not only to scare members of the black community, but to create a social hierarchy among whites and blacks as well; made especially popular by the Ku Klux Klan (KKK).
What is lynching?
300
We didn't break out laptops until we were ready to start typing up this essay, remember?
What is memoir?
400
To be short and to the point is this. That is all.
What is concise?
400
A high scoring long composition often contains healthy-looking, detailed paragraphs all the way through. About this number of sentences in each one should do.
What is 10?
400
Along with summarizing what's happening during the beginning, middle, and end of your reading, look out for these 3 elements when text-coding fictional writing...
What are setting, characters, and conflicts?
400
These 2 sides fought against each other during the United States Civil War (1860-1865).
What are the Union and the Confederacy?
400
On day one of Humanities 10, we explored these 2 types of mindsets and approaches to learning.
What are fixed mindset and growth mindset?
500
We almost never read an article in class without having to generate a this about it. Critical reading is key!
What is synopsis?
500
This part of every long composition prompt has to be answered in depth to give you the best chance at a high score. This is where MCAS scorers want to see how well you connect the prompt's topic to the overall theme/message of the book.
What is "...important to the work as a whole?" OR What is the last part?
500
Along with asking 3 content-specific questions and crafting an overall take home message at the end of your reading, look out for these 2 elements when text-coding non-fictional writing...
What are the main idea(s) of each paragraph/section and striking passages?
500
This is the exact date (day and year) and location that Frederick Douglass delivered his speech on what the 4th of July means to black people.
What is July 5th, 1852; Rochester, New York?
500
This was our very first Beat of the Week to kick off Humanities 10.
What is "Sideline Story" by J. Cole?
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