Literacy Test Preparation

1. Literacy Test Preparation Writing a Series of Paragraphs (Opinion Writing)

2. Series of Paragraphs (5 paragraph format)

3. Series of Paragraphs Clarification: • Although the test says “minimum of three paragraphs” infer this to mean three BODY paragraphs • Therefore, include an introduction AND a conclusion with your three body paragraphs • That makes FIVE paragraphs total

4. Example: • Topic: “Are cell phones necessary in teenagers’ lives?” • Length: Approximately 2 pages- write on every line (do not skip a line) and do your best to fill all the space given

5. What to do BEFORE you write: • Read all instructions carefully • Read the topic carefully • Identify all terms • Focus on qualifying words like “most”, “best”, “necessary”, “required”; these words should determine your opinion and be used in your paragraphs • Form an opinion about the topic

6. Brainstorm ideas about your topic in the Rough Notes section of your booklet (Nothing you write in this space will be scored) • Select the side you will have the most to say about • List reasons (supports) for your opinion as well as details, examples or facts to back them up • Identify which of these supports is the weakest, second strongest to strongest • Formulate your THESIS statement- the sentence that goes at the end of the introduction that states whether (or not) you AGREE with the question, and outlines possible reasons why

7. Example thesis: • Cell phones are necessary (opinion) in teenagers’ lives because they help keep them safe (paragraph1), they are a useful tool for organization, (paragraph 2) and they allow them to stay connected to their friends and family. (paragraph 3)

8. Writing a series of paragraphs • Decide on the format of your answer • Which of your reasons will you list first, second and third- each general reason will become an entire paragraph • Write your paragraphs in the third person- avoid “I think” or “I believe” as it is stronger to avoid using your own voice • Decide on how to write your introduction- an interesting way to hook your readers

9. Introduction Paragraph • Write a topic sentence- explain the topic or provide a definition if needed • Include an opinion statement (thesis)- state your opinion about the topic and list your 3 supports • Transition Word • Move your reader from your introduction to your first support by using words like: “first”, or “to begin” • Body Paragraph #1 • Explain the weakest of your three supports • Include examples and specific details to emphasize your explanation • Explain how your support backs up your opinion

10. Transition Word • Move your reader from the first body paragraph to the next support by using words like: “secondly”, “also”, or “next” • Body Paragraph #2 • Explain the second strongest of your three supports • Include examples and specific details to emphasize your opinion • Explain how your support backs up your opinion • Transition Word • Move your reader from the second body paragraph to the third support by using words like: “thirdly”, “also”, or “finally”

11. Body Paragraph #3 • Explain the strongest of your three supports • Include examples and specific details to emphasize your opinion • Explain how your support backs up your opinion • Transition Word • Move your reader from your last body paragraph to the conclusion by using words like: “in conclusion”, “to summarize” or “overall” • Conclusion Paragraph • Re-state or re-word your opinion statement (thesis) • Summarize your supports

12. Edit your work • Review and edit all parts of your work • Check to make sure you kept to your original opinion • Check to see that you have responded to the topic fully and accurately • Make sure your response is properly organized • Correct any grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors