Name the six paragraphs that should go into a strong long composition.
Prologue, introduction, Body Paragraph #1, Body Paragraph #2, Body Paragraph #3, Conclusion
100
What is the purpose of a the "prologue" paragraph?
To grab the reader's attention and make them want to keep reading.
100
What should a body paragraph begin with?
A reason that supports your thesis statement.
100
You sit down on the day of the test. Mr. Lateiner passes you the long comp booklet and reads the directions. You open the test booklet. What should you do before beginning your first draft?
Multiple correct answers possible!
1. Read the question 2. Re-read the question 3. Paraphrase the question 4. Brainstorm 7-10 possible answers 5. Choose the BEST answer. 6. Create a graphic organizer (web or outline)
100
Name three specific things you can do the night and the morning before the long comp to make sure you are refreshed and able to perform at your best.
open to discussion
200
A strong long composition should always begin with…
a paragraph with an "exploded moment" that brings your topic to life.
200
What is the purpose of a THESIS STATEMENT?
To summarize what your entire essay is about.
200
True or false: including personal details from your life and experiences in your long composition will lower your score.
FALSE! Unlike the Reading Comprehension MCAS, the Long Comp REQUIRES you to use personal experience and examples from your life.
200
Name two types of graphic organizer that help you to organize your paragraphs.
1. web, 2. outline
200
If you are worried about forgetting the structure of a long comp essay, what should you do as soon as you begin the test?
Create a model for your essay.
300
Before you begin writing your first draft, you must create one of THESE to plan how each paragraph fits together.
A graphic organizer (web, outline, etc.)
300
What is the difference between the prologue and the intro paragraphs?
The prologue paragraph tells a story to engage the reader, and the intro paragraph gives a preview of the body paragraphs.
300
Why is it important to include AT LEAST three full body paragraphs in a strong long composition?
Because anything less will not fully explain your response to the prompt. The judges want to see MULTIPLE reasons to back up your response to the prompt.
300
True or false: your goal is to write a perfect first draft so that you don't have to write a final draft.
Completely FALSE. Expert writers write first drafts that are OK, but still need work. During the morning, you'll plan and write a first draft. After lunch, you'll revise and edit so that your final draft is your best work.
300
What strategies can you use to help yourself if you feel start to feel tired, distracted or “burnt out” during the long comp?
open to discussion
400
To be effective, each body paragraph must include lots of THESE...
detailed examples!
400
Create an idea for a prologue to begin the following Long Comp prompt: "If you could spend a day with any celebrity, who would you choose and why?"
more than one answer possible
400
Why is it important to transition words like "for one thing...also...in addition...however"?
To help the reader follow your ideas easily!
400
Why is it important to take a break between writing your first draft and your final draft?
Stepping away from our work and doing something else helps us to see more clearly when we come back to revise.
400
True or false: you have unlimited space to write your long comp.
FALSE. Your final draft must fit on 4 sides of a page in the test booklet.
500
A strong conclusion paragraph includes...
A reminder of the prologue paragraph and a new way of thinking about the thesis statement. The ending leaves the reader thinking...the best gift a writer can give!
500
Create a clear thesis statement for the following Long Comp prompt: "If you could spend a day with any celebrity, who would you choose and why?"
multiple answers possible
500
What are two purposes of a concluding paragraph?
1. To summarize your ideas, which helps the reader.
2. To leave the reader thinking.
500
You have written the first draft of your long composition. You think you have included all of your ideas and your strongest details. Name five things you should revise and edit your essay for before you write your final draft.
answers vary
500
It's OK to lie about your life and experiences on the Long Comp.
TRUE! Remember, the judges aren't evaluating you on whether or not your essay is true. They are evaluating your ability to write well! So if the truth doesn't fit the long comp topic, then you can lie (as long as it's believable).