Writing Basics
What is an essay?
Another way of saying writing response
What are the sentence starters called AWBS words?
They are used to demonstrate sentence variety, specifically complex sentences.
When writing an essay in FSA-style, is it acceptable to use a thesis sentence or a topic sentence as your first sentence of your first paragraph?
No
What is the helpful acronym to remember what to include in an intro paragraph?
Hook
Transition to the
Summary of the topic (or claims)
Thesis sentence
How many domains or categories are in the FSA Writing Rubric?
3
How many paragraphs are you expected to write for a complete essay or response?
4- 5 paragraphs
Where does the comma go in a complex sentence?
after the dependent clause and before the independent clause in a sentence
What do you call the first few sentences of your essay?
Hook
Where does the thesis sentence belong?
The last sentence of the intro paragraph
What is the highest score that you earn on Bruner Writes and FSA Writes?
10 points
What will you read and or analyze to answer in a written response? (4 possible answers)
Source, text, resource, article
What kind of conjunctions are fanboys?
Coordinating conjunctions
What is at least one other name for a hook?
Grabber, attention- grabber, lead
What are 2 parts of the intro paragraph that can't be a question?
Hook and thesis sentences
Who grades the FSA Writes essays?
Employees are trained by state trainers and grade student writings.
How many minutes will you have to write?
120 minutes
As soon as the materials are passed out and as soon as it is time to begin, what is your first step before you read the prompt or look at the sources/ texts?
Review and add any notes or ideas to your boxes.
What are 3 absolute taboo (bad) ways to write the very beginning of your essay or writing?
A question of any type, a topic sentence, or thesis sentence
How many sentences should be written in any paragraph for an essay?
5-8 sentences
Who are the 3 groups of individuals who use the same FSA Writing Rubric?
students, state graders, and teachers
What is the name of the school-wide test that is similar to FSA Writes?
Bruner Writes
These are examples of ___________:
1) Good vocabulary; 2) textual specific examples; 3) quotes; 4) connections to the text (connection to another text, character, movie, story, idea, self)
Elaboration
Conclusion paragraph- In addition to restating the claims and thesis sentence (but not in the same words), what else should you include to earn elaboration points?
A release should be interesting and create an ending to the hook.
A. What is the reason you should avoid using these words: got, get, getting, people, someone, you, overuse of they, things, stuff, and others?
B. What category or domain requires to not use these words?
A. These words are vague and imprecise. The rubric states that a higher score is earned when using specific and precise words and ideas.
B. Evidence and Elaboration
A. Which category has the highest score of a 4 and requires an essay to be in logical order/ progression?
B. What type of words should be used to create logical order in an essay?
A. Purpose, Focus, and Organization
B. transitional words or phrases