GRAD Writing test

1. GRAD Writing test

2. Materials allowed during the test • # 2 pencils with erasers (pens are not allowed) • Writing prompt folder with answer documents Notes: Cell phones need to be turned off. You are not allowed to bring scratch paper

3. Test information • North Branch High School • April 14th or 15th at your high school • Princeton High School • April 21st or 22nd Notes: There is no time limit for this test.

4. Scoring the GRAD Writing test • There will be 2 readers who score your test. • Your essay will be scored based on a 0-6 scale. • You need to get a 3 or higher in order to pass this test.

5. Scoring system Holistic Scoring Features • 1. Clarity of central idea means the composition has a clearly stated message in direct response to the prompt. • 2. Coherent focus means the supporting ideas expressed in the composition relate directly to the central idea and there are clear connections among ideas. • 3. Organization means that the ideas are expressed in an order that is logical and clear: the composition has a clear unifying structure. • 4. Detailed support or elaboration of ideas means the composition includes information, verbal illustrations, explanations and/or examples, which clarify and expand the central idea for the reader. • 5. Language conventions are features of language that make written communication acceptable in standard discourse. Their correct use is important to ensure that the meaning of the written composition is not impaired. The writer should apply rules of sentence formation, vocabulary, word order and language mechanics, including punctuation, capitalization and spelling of standard written English.

6. Sample Prompt What would be your dream job? Tell about that job and explain why it would be a good job for you.

7. Sample prompt If you could spend a day with one person, who would you spend your time with? Explain why.

8. Sample prompt If you could live anywhere, where would you like to live? Tell about that place and explain why you chose it. Include details so that the reader will understand your choice. Include details so that the reader will understand your choice.

9. Sample prompt Your principal has asked you to write about one change you would like made in your school. Name that change and give specific reasons why you like it. Give enough details so your teacher will understand your ideas.

10. Writing the 5-paragraph Essay • Introduction • Supporting paragraph 1 • Supporting paragraph 2 • Supporting paragraph 3 • Conclusion/summary

11. Before you begin…. • Remember to outline your essay. • Outlining will make your essay organized. Here is how it works………

12. Outline Reason 1 Reason 2 Topic Reason 3

13. Outline Reason 1 -example -example -example Reason 2 -example -example -example Topic (with thesis statement) Reason 3 -example -example -example

14. Introduction Begin with an attention grabber • Startling information: This information must be true. It doesn’t matter if it is not new to the reader. • Anecdote: Make sure it is short and to the point. • Dialogue: An appropriate dialogue does not need to identify the speaker, but the reader must understand the point you are trying to convey. • Summary information: A few sentences explaining the topic in general terms can lead the reader into the topic. • If the attention grabber is one or two sentences, add one or two more sentences • Finish your introduction with your THESIS STATEMENT

15. First supporting paragraph • Topic sentence • Detail or example 1 • Detail or example 2 • Detail or example 3

16. Second supporting paragraph 2 • Topic sentence • Detail or example 1 • Detail or example 2 • Detail or example 3

17. Supporting Paragraph 3 • Topic sentence • Detail or example 1 • Detail or example 2 • Detail or example 3

18. Conclusion • Summarize major points (reinstate your 3 supporting ideas, use different wordings) • You can refer back to introduction and make a final conclusion

19. Transition words Transitional chains: use in separating sections of a paragraph which is arranged chronologically: first... second... third...generally... furthermore... finallyin the first place... also... lastlyin the first place... pursuing this further... finallyto be sure... additionally... Lastly in the first place... just in the same way... finallybasically... similarly... as well

20. Transition words Transitions showing contrast: however although, though on the one hand, on the other hand on the contrary nevertheless while unlike in spite of despite

21. Transition words Words used to indicate examples for example for instance Words used to signal conclusion therefore hence in final analysis in conclusion indeed in final consideration in brief finally

22. Tips for GRAD Writing Test • Write as neat as possible. • Use pencil only. • Write inside the lines only. • Make sure your composition has the features we talk about (introduction, body I, body II, body II, and conclusion. • Make sure you give examples so that the reader will understand your choice. • Remember you are writing for adult readers. • Check your spelling and grammar before you submit your essay.

23. Sources • http://members.tripod.com/~lklivingston/essay/intro.html • http://larae.net/write/transition.html • http://www.studyguide.org/transitions_in_essays.htm