Dictionary Skills
The words at the top of each page are called what?
Guide Words
Proper nouns, proper adjectives, college courses, holidays
Words that need to be capitalized
What is the only way to make sure that you produce a quality final draft?
To write a rough draft- remember your 11 minute essay practice. You DO have time to write a rough draft!
They're, their, or there- this one indicates a place.
There
Using this phrase in your writing will make your teacher’s ears bleed.
"I am going to tell you about..."
"I know this because..."
When can you ask for a dictionary, and how do you ask?
At any time during the test, you may raise your hand and ask for a dictionary.
Furthermore, in other words, however, in conclusion
These are transitions
There are a lot of things on the prompt page of the test like a quote and the directions.
What are the words in the prompt that tell you what to answer?
Write an essay about...
Write an essay explaining…
He is (supposably or supposedly) right all the time.
Supposedly
What is the difference between editing and revising?
Editing is finding mistakes in your writing like spelling, grammar, or mechanics problems.
Revising is changing your writing to improve it like combining sentences and adding transitions.
How long may you use the dictionary?
Only as long as I need it. I will then raise my hand to give it back until I need it again.
This punctuation goes in a list or series, sets off an appositive, or is used to create division in a compound or complex sentence.
A comma
What are the scores you want on your essay?
You need to get a 3 or 4 to ensure a passing score
She should (probably or prolly) check in with her parents.
Probably
The three connections you make in your essay.
text to self
text to text
text to world
What words should you look up if you are confused about their meaning?
Words in the passages, questions, AND answer choices
This sentence answers the prompt and all other information is in support of it.
Controlling idea (or thesis statement)
Why would you take out the weakest of your three connections (text to text, text to self, text to world)?
To shorten your essay- you only get 26 lines, so make sure you give the best 26 lines you can!
Our (principle or principal) is pretty nice if you don’t get in trouble.
Principal
What are the weakest transitions you can use in your essay?
First, second, last
Who decides when you need a dictionary?
Only you can let the teacher know that you need a dictionary.
You must use a variety of these in your writing to create a better flow and to keep your writing from being choppy.
Sentence structures
Name 2 things that will guarantee a 1 on your essay.
Be vague and repetitive
have poor handwriting that can't be read
Don’t answer the prompt
No text connections
The elephant shook (it’s or its) trunk at the crowd.
Its
This is the type of essay you will be writing on your STAAR test.
expository or argumentative