Test Tools
What should you use the highlighting tool for?
I will use the highlight tool to highlight important information, the type of essay, and the topic.
How long are we asking you to take to read directions 2-3x, read the question for the essay, and to highlight the essay prompt?
10 minutes
What is the first thing you do when it comes to writing your essay?
Read the question, prompt, and sources.
What is the difference between an informative and an argumentative essay?
Informative - to inform
Argumentative - to argue/persuade
What will happen if one of us, (Mrs. Smith, Ms. Albertson, Ms. Natali) sees you begin to type your essay immediately?
Mrs. Smith will have a not so happy conversation with you. This may include the following..
- Lose her mind
- hyperventilate
- pace back and forth
- stare at you, for a very long, uncomfortable time
- talking with her hands
- complete shock
- speechless, won't get words out
- cardiac arrest
- she'll never ever forget it
- bend backwards inhumanly and laugh
What should you use the review and bookmark for?
Review - ability to keep track of where you're at.
how many questions you've done, etc.
Bookmark - if you get to a question you don't know and need to skip, and come back to it.
How long are we expecting you to take to read sources 2x, take notes on your notepad, highlight important information AND plan your outline?
To read sources, take notes, and highlight (45 mins)
Plan outline (30-40mins)
45 + 30/40 = 75 - 85 mins / 1 hr 15 - 1 hr 25
What is your last check before submitting your final copy?
Before submitting your final copy, you should read it back to yourself and fix any mistakes.
If you are given 3 sources, how many do you cite from?
All three!
*If you are given 10 sources, you cite from all 10!
What will get you into the Quest pizza and ice cream party?
Taking my time and using my scratch paper to make an outline and write my rough draft.
What can you use the thesaurus for?
I can use the thesaurus to look up synonyms and/or antonyms.
How long should you take to write your rough draft and to type your final copy?
Writing rough draft (30 mins)
Typing final copy (30-45 mins)
Total = 30 + 30 - 45 = 60 - 75 mins / 1 hr - 1 hr 15
When should you begin typing your essay?
I can only begin to type my essay final copy when my outline and rough draft are done on the scratch paper.
What do you need to do in both an informative and argumentative essay?
You need cite from the articles , use direct quotes and you need to make an outline.
Who are the test scores affecting?
My test scores affect my ELA teacher (Mrs. Van Rooy, Mrs. Hartung, Mrs. Smith, Ms. Smith), the school's grade, my school principals (Mrs. Hansen, Mrs.Moss), my Quest teachers (Mrs. Smith, Ms. Albertson, Ms. Natali), me, my parents, my family, grandparents, all my teachers!
What can you use the notepad for?
Also, what's important to know about the notepad?
I can use the notepad to take notes.
The notepad will clear itself when I move on to the next page.
What happens when Mrs. Moss comes in to give the 10 minute warning?
Take a deep breath and get ready to move testing locations.
**** Bonus points if someone says do NOT rush to finish (100)
When citing evidence in your essay, how should you phrase it?
"In the text it states/said/says/talks about..." etc.
What're the talking points?
6 W's
- Who
- What
- Where
- When
- Why
- How ( we know this is not a W, we don't make the rules here)
What is Mrs. Smith, Ms. Albertson, and Ms. Natali asking you to do?
Mrs. Smith, Ms. Albertson, and Ms. Natali are asking me to care about my testing!!
Explain how to use the dictionary for spelling.
You can use the dictionary for spelling by trying your best to spell a word and if its spelled wrong, the dictionary tool will give you suggested words.
What is the total time we're asking you to take on your AASA Writing test?
3 hrs. - 3 hrs & 15 mins.
What is the purpose of the pictures in the articles?
If AASA puts pictures, it's because they want you to use them. They wouldn't put them in there for no reason.
* To be able to picture the scene, also.
What is very important to add into your argumentative essay?
HINT : if you do not have this, you will get docked a HUGE amount of points.
Counterclaim!!
*** It is SUPER important that you bring up the counterclaim and then answer it!
You will be given a piece of paper...
You have 3 minutes to list the 9 steps to writing your essay.
1.) Read directions and question for essay.
2.) Highlight important information
3.) Read sources, use the tools given.
4.) Plan your outline on the scratch paper.
5.) Write your rough draft on the back of your scratch paper.
6.) Type final copy
7.) Read essay back to yourself.
8.) Fix mistakes
9.) Submit