Tips for Taking the Test: Part Two

The last post focused on general tips for taking the test. This one will focus on tips for the writing section.

• Use as many details as possible. Test-graders love details. 
• Pre-write for 5 minutes. Outline, brainstorm, organize your ideas, etc. Don't just start writing. If you have an outline, your final piece will be more organized and coherent. 
• Edit once you're done for 5 minutes if you have the time. Check for spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc. 
• Check out this rubric to find out exactly what the test takers are looking for: http://www.syracusecityschools.com/tfiles/folder717/Unit%20One%20Reading%20Rubric%20-%20Q3.pdf
• Your goal is a 3 or a 4. You need to be clear and coherent to achieve this grade. You need to use lots of details and prove that your stance is the correct one. You need to never deviate from the prompt or go off on a tangent. Your grammar and punctation need to be on target. You need to be logical and have great analysis. 
• Here is another rubric. It's from Georgia, but test-takers are looking for the same thing all over the nation: http://jortegablog.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/8th-grade-writing-rubric.pdf
• Make sure you answer the question being asked. You could write the best essay ever written about dogs, but if the question is asking about cats, you're going to get a zero. 
• Don't make anything up. Only use details from the text. 
• Go back to the text and underline details you want to use in your response. 
• In your conclusion, make a big connection if possible. Make a text-to-text or text-to-world connection or say something profound that sums up your entire essay.