Literacy Test Writing Selections

1. Literacy TestWriting Selections Series of Paragraphs Expressing an Opinion Short Writing Tasks News Report

2. Series of Paragraphs Expressing an Opinion

3. Success Criteria for Opinion Essay • single main point is made and a position on the topic is taken (main idea) in the opening paragraph • there are three supporting details that explain and prove your main point and are included in the introductory paragraph • each supporting detail is developed into a separate paragraph with obvious and concrete examples with explanation • ideas are logically organized in a way that makes sense (most important to least, or least important to most) • concluding paragraph summarizes my position and my supporting details / points • sentences flow from one to the next (transition words are used) • tone is appropriate for purpose and audience (adult interested in opinion) • sentences are complete and clear • punctuation helps the reader understand what you mean • spelling is accurate so the reader can understand what you have written • paragraphs are clearly indicated (indented, skipped lines)

4. Sample Introduction 1 • Hook: (capture the reader’s attention) The internet has grown a lot in the last few years. • Introduce the topic: In my opinion, the internet is a very useful tool for high school students. • Thesis: (state your opinion with three sub-topics) The internet is useful as a research tool, for school presentations, and for communication.

5. Sample continued The internet has grown a lot in the last few years. In my opinion, the internet is a very useful tool for high school students. The internet is useful as a research tool, for school presentations, and for communication.

6. Sample Introduction 2 • Hook: (capture the reader’s attention) Pollution is a growing problem in our country today. • Introduce the topic: Although they may not realize it, in my opinion, young people can help to stop the destruction of our environment in a number ways. • Thesis: (state your opinion with three sub-topics) Young peoplecan help by joining an environmental group, volunteering for highway or riverbed clean-up, and by writing letters to politicians and business leader.

7. Sample continued Pollution is a growing problem in our country today. Although they may not realize it, in my opinion, young people can help to stop the destruction of our environment in a number ways. Young peoplecan help by joining an environmental group, volunteering for highway or riverbed clean-up, and by writing letters to politicians and business leader.

8. Short Writing Tasks Short Writing Topic Development: Response is developed with clear, specific and relevant ideas and information The response identifies or gives an example of an explicitly asked question and uses specific and relevant details to clearly explain answer

9. Success Criteria for Short Writing Task • opening sentence of paragraph states your response and includes details from the test question (copied from the question or reworded) • four sentences support your response and include reasons, explanations and examples • transition words and phrases link ideas in the paragraph • concluding sentence connects to the main idea (your response) and includes words or phrases like “that is why,” “therefore,” or “to sum it up,” etc. • Correct grammar, spelling and punctuation

10. News Report I can make up facts and information to answer the questions who, what, where, when, why, how in a news report based on a headline and picture

11. Success Criteria for News Report • a single event is identified that directly relates to the picture and headline • details answer the questions who, what, when, where, why and how • details are sufficient so the reader understands what happened • my news report is divided logically into paragraphs that are clearly marked (indented, lines skipped) • transition words and phrases link the sequence of events • there are direct and indirect quotes from participants in the story • sequence of events is logical • complete sentences • correct spelling, grammar and punctuation • unbiased tone in the news report