Testing Strategies
What should you do first when you read the writing prompt?
What is "identify the topic of the essay using the key words in the prompt"?
Remembering the rubric, what do you have to do to be an apprentice what writing?
What is "attempt/try to include every necessary category"?
In an evaluative-type essay, if a student chooses a clear side in the argument, what might they receive in the clarity category?
What is "novice - remember you should be evaluating the strength of the options"?
What is necessary to properly cite a source?
What is "the author's last name and/or the title of the article"?
Which word has a more academic tone?
A. good
B. beneficial
What is "Answer choice 'B'"?
Why is it important to plan or outline before writing an essay?
What is "it helps to organize evidence/ideas" and/or "it helps to focus claims in the essay"?
Which is the better evaluative-type thesis statement?
A. There are strong reasons for implementing the practice of mandatory community service for secondary-aged sttudents.
B. Reducing environmental pollution is the main reason for banning the use of plastic bags.
What is "'B'"?
A writer who uses little to no transitions and has a lackluster conclusion would likely score low in what category?
What is "organization"?
Which is a correct parenthetical citation?
A. According to (Crystal)
B. (Mike Crystal)
C. (Kindness Matters)
D. (Crystal)
What is "'D'"?
Which sentence avoids the use of personal pronouns?
A. I think kindness helps people.
B. You should always be kind.
C. Kindness improves relationships between people.
D. We should practice kindness.
What is "Answer choice 'C'"?
A student spends 25 minutes writing the introduction and runs out of time before finishing the conclusion.
What testing mistake did they make?
What is "poor time management"?
What is "spending too much time on one section"?
Prompt: Evaluate the cases for lowering the voting age to 16 and determine which claims are the strongest.
Which thesis is stronger?
A. Adolescents are also impacted by laws and policies, making their participation essential for a fair democracy.
B. Lowering the voting age might help students feel more involved in politics.
What is "'A'"?
- "might"
What must a writer include to score Proficient in Sourcing?
What is "consistent and effective citations from at least 2 sources"?
Which sentence correctly uses a sentence-starter citation?
A. According to Crystal, ". . . kindness improves relationships".
B. ". . . [K]indness improves relationships," (Crystal).
C. Kindness improves relationships according to Crystal.
D. Crystal, kindness improves relationships.
What is "'A'"?
Which is the best transitional phrase to introduce evidence?
A. Another thing is . . .
B. According to the article . . .
C. Stuff like this happens . . .
D. I also think . . .
What is "Answer choice 'B'"?
If you get stuck while writing a paragraph during the test, what is the best strategy?
What is "skip it temporarily and continue writing other parts of the essay"?
Prompt: Evaluate the strongest arguments for mandatory community service for secondary-aged students.
Which thesis is NOT written correctly for an evaluative-type academic essay?
A. Mandatory community service is important because it helps students learn responsibility and gives back to their community.
B. Students should do community service because it’s important to learn responsibility.
C. Some people say community service is a waste of time, but schools should still require it because it teaches important life skills.
D. Requiring community service encourages students to develop empathy and teamwork while contributing to their communities.
What is "'B'"?
- "should"
If a student writes a clear claim and provides relevant evidence but fails to explain how the evidence supports the claim, which category is weakest?
What is "support/reasoning"?
- remember to think about answering HOW or WHY the evidence is relevant
What is wrong with this citation? Fix it.
"Kindness improves relationships," (Mike Crystal).
What is "use the author’s last name only - should be: 'Kindness improves relationships,' (Crystal).'"?
Which sentence uses the strongest academic tone?
A. Kindness is really beneficial for people.
B. Kindness helps people feel better.
C. Acts of kindness can improve emotional well-being.
D. Kindness is awesome.
What is "Answer choice 'C'"?
If time allows, what should ALWAYS be done when you finish writing your essay?
What is "proofread for clarity and easily fixable mistakes"?
Write a strong thesis statement:
Evaluate the strongest arguments for placing limits on student cellphone use during the school day. Support your claim with at least one realistic reason.
ONE OF THE FOLLOWING REASONS WOULD WORK
What is:
The strongest argument for/most convincing reason to limit cellphone use for students during the school day is
1. phones distract students from learning
2. notifications interrupt lessons
3. helps students focus
What are two characteristics of a proficient essay on the rubric?
Possible Answers:
What is -
1. "Clear and coherent thesis/claim"?
2. "Strong evidence from min 2 sources"?
3. "Logical/thourough reasoning explaining evidence"?
4. "Clear organization with varied transitions"?
Cite the second sentence using correct punctuation (clarify "they" using brackets if possible):
Morris, Abraham. "The Fundamentals of Government". pub. 1787.
"Governments are established to create laws, maintain order, and provide services for their citizens. They help communities run smoothly by protecting rights and ensuring safety. Without these rules and leadership, society would struggle to function peacefully."
What is "
1. '[Governments] help communities run smoothly by protecting rights and ensuring safety' (Morris)'
2. According to Morris/In The Fundamentals of Government, '[Governments] help communities run smoothly by protecting rights and ensuring safety'."?
Why should writers vary sentence types in an essay?
MUST GET AT LEAST ONE FOR POINTS:
What is "to:
1. improve clarity when explaining,
2. maintain reader interest, and
3. create a more sophisticated/distinguished writing style"?