I can determine word meaning through context clues.

1. I can determine word meaning through context clues. The driver maneuvered the bus through cars that were stopped for the accident. a. expertly moved c. sped quickly b. backed d. aimed The football team was in a somber mood after they lost the championship game. a. jolly c. colorful b. special d. sad An earache plagued Tom all night, and he could not sleep for the pain. a. played c. diseased b. bothered d. heard

2. ACT Writing Test

3. I’m a freshman, sophomore, senior, so why do I have to do this? • What is the important of learning/reviewing writing skills tested on the ACT? • How can this help you even if you are not a junior? • SPRING BREAK is in 3 days, let’s FOCUS on Wednesday and Thursday, so we may enjoy our fun Catcher culture activity on Friday! • What level should you be at while Ms. Malone is teaching and others are talking? How do you ask for help?

4. ACT Writing Test • You will have 30 minutes to create an essay in response to a prompt. • The test is scored on a scale from 1 (the lowest)-6 (the highest) • How is it scored? • https://www.act.org/aap/writing/pdf/educator_guide.pdf

5. How is it scored? • Score = 6 Essays within this score range demonstrate effectiveskill in responding to the task. • Score = 5Essays within this score range demonstrate competent skill in responding to the task. • Score = 4Essays within this score range demonstrate adequate skill in responding to the task. • Score = 3Essays within this score range demonstrate ­some developing skill in responding to the task. • Score = 2 Essays within this score range demonstrate inconsistent or weakskill in responding to the task. • Score = 1Essays within this score range show little or no skill in responding to the task. • We will go over the rubric in MORE detail and see specific examples later on in this presentation.

6. I can develop a clear argument and counterargument • Think about an issue you are passionate about. For example, gay marriage, abortion, school uniforms, legalization of marijuana, etc. • Come up with a one-sentence argument that will convince (make) your readers agree with you. • Then, come up with one sentence that acknowledges the other side, but reminds your readers why you are right. • Ex. Gay marriage should be legal in all states because United States is a country that represents freedom for all and no one should be discriminated against and not allowed certain privileges because of his or her sexual orientation. • Even though gay marriage is not accepted by many religious organizations in this country, it should still become legal because it’s a violation of civil rights and the church should be separated from the state.

7. Argument and Counterargument • This is an argumentative essay, so there are two sides, or positions, available to take. Choose the one you are most passionate about, or know the most information about. • The ARGUMENT is your focus or thesis. • The COUNTERARGUMENT is the other side. • You need to include both in order to get higher than a 1.

8. Argument (Thesis) • This is the side you are taking. The purpose of the essay if for you to get the readers to agree with you. • Ex: School uniforms should not be required because they are expensive and discourage students from expressing their individual identities • Let’s try creating a thesis for the other side of the argument. Individually or with the person next to you, create a thesis FOR school uniforms. You have 3 minutes to discuss and record in your notebook.

9. Argument (Thesis) Continued • The introduction will introduce your main points, including your counterargument and thesis. • Body paragraphs 1 and 2 will provide strong support for your argument • Body paragraph 3 will explain the counterargument • The conclusion will sum up the main points

10. Counterargument • This is the other side of the argument • You should show your knowledge of this side, explain why you can understand that argument, but then remind the reader why your argument is better • Example: On the other hand, school uniforms could be beneficial to a school. They could prevent gang violence, which sometimes begins with wearing different colors. School uniforms can also be helpful in preventing bullying or judging people based on what they wear. Even though those are valid reasons, school uniforms should not be worn because they crush individuality and make everyone the same.

11. Important Things to Remember: • Introduction with a CLEAR argument (thesis) • Include one sentence about the counter argument in the introduction • Have clear, logical, and well developed body paragraphs (1 & 2 – in support of your argument, 3 – counter argument) • Include a conclusion, which sums up your main points

12. Important Things to Remember: • Punctuation, Spelling, Sentence Structure count! • Do not use “I” in your essay. It should be written in 3rd person. • Use formal writing – no text speak or slang • Try to include more complex vocabulary “terrified” instead of “scared” – “anxious” instead of “worried”

13. ACT Writing Prompt • Some high schools in the United States have considered creating separate classrooms for male and female students in subjects such as mathematics and science. Some educators think separate classes will be beneficial because students will be less distracted from learning. Other educators think having separate classes for females and males will not be beneficial because it will seem to support stereotypes about differences in ability between males and females. In your opinion, should high schools create separate classes for male and female students?