Introduction to the Writing Test

“There are thousands of thoughts lying within a man that he does not know till he takes up the pen and

writes.”~Thackery~

What is the Writing Test An assessment given to all 10th graders in North Carolina, which requires students to write an informational composition on a given topic.

100 Minutes Tuesday, March 9, 2010 Scored by two readers

DOES IT COUNT????? No AND Yes! :) It does NOT count toward

your final grade in English II, nor does it count toward graduation.

It WILL be on your transcripts.

Students that make a 3 or 4 on the NC Writing Test get to exempt any NON-EOC, or NON-VOCAT exam. English II Latin Spanish Foods And Many Others

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How Is the Test Scored? 12 is considered passing!

17-20=Level 4 12-16=Level 3 7-12=Level 2

The test is scored by two readers Each reader scores the paper on:

Content (X2) Conventions

How is the Test Scored? Cont. In 100 minutes, Josh plans and writes a

response to a definition prompt. When his essay and the others from the school are sent to the out-of state scoring center, two readers see his essay.

Reader 1 gives him a score of 3 on Content (which is doubled to equal 6) and a 2 on Conventions. This equals a score of 8 for Reader 1

Reader 2 gives him a score of 2 on Content (which is doubled to equal 4) and a 2 on Conventions for a total score of 6.

The Reader 1(8) and the Reader 2 (6) scores are added together for a passing score of 14.

Types of Prompts-Cause and Effect

Cause and Effect: You are asked to examine either the causes or the effects of some aspect of the topic.

Your school is holding an assembly on the health crisis facing teenagers today. Using the information presented, your own experiences, observations, and/or readings, write a speech to give at the assembly in which you describe the positive effects of getting regular exercise.

Types of Prompts-Definition Definition: You may be asked to define a topic in your own words.

Your school has spent the past month focusing on health issues. Write a letter to the editor of your school newspaper about the meaning of good health for teenagers in the United States today. You may use the ideas presented above, your own experiences, observations, and/or readings.

A Look at the Prompt 2009 Writing Test Prompt

Information Box:•Definition: Quotes•Cause/Effect: Article Excerpt

Prompt:•What you are being asked to write. This could be found at the top, or bottom of the text box.

Reminders•Focus, Organize, Support, Proof

The Rhetorical Triangle Ethos

Demonstrating Knowledge Establishing Common Ground Demonstrating Fairness

Logos Providing Examples Citing Authority and Testimony Establishing Causes and

Effects Pathos

Using description and concrete language.

Using figurative language (metaphors, similes, analogies)

Shaping your appeal to your audience

Evoking emotion

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The Five Features of Writing Content

Focus: Clear Topic (Thesis)• Your entire paper should support this idea/thesis.

Organization: The order in which your ideas appear. Support and Elaboration: The material in your composition that extends and fully develops your topic.

Style: Control of language in your writing

Conventions: Grammar Your work need not be entirely free of errors in sentence formation, usage, or mechanics. However, if such mistakes make our work hard to understand, you will lose points.

Tips and Whatnot Patience Everyone has SOMETHING to say

Practice Makes Perfect

Read Read Read!!!!

Watch the news! Journey Books!

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