GAT Preparation - the written component Parts of the presentation adapted from https://prezi.com/b7gwoo210act/gat-information-session/ by Joshua Flood VSS session, 2017

Learning goals: Students will: Identify the criteria for each writing task Identify strategies for approaching each component of the writing task Apply skills and strategies to tasks

General tips While students may complete the tasks in any order it is suggested they complete the writing tasks first, then the multiple-choice questions. This would make the most effective use of the reading time. Bear in mind that any part of the test may be revisited at any time because the answers won’t be collected until the end.

What are the tasks? Writing Task 1, in which you will be asked to present the main information in some material that is given to you in written and graphical form. You should not present an argument (suggested time 30 minutes) · Writing Task 2, in which you will be asked to express a point of view on an issue, and to present reasons and arguments in support of your view and to rebut opposing ideas (suggested time 30 minutes)

Writing task 1 – Informative/ Expository task Writing task 1 will present written and graphical information in colour. The task will be to write a piece that presents the main information in this material. Students should not present an argument. Remember the writing is being assessed, not the extra knowledge students may have about the material. Students’ writing will be judged on: how well they organise and present their understanding of the material how effectively they communicate the information how clearly they express themselves.

What does it look like?

What to do? Synthesise information (bring it together – group/categorise it into sections) Decide upon an approach Use essay format Logically plan and build your points DO NOT write your opinion

So, how do you compose a response? Examine the information Can I group any of the information together? (you can do this visually using a graphic organiser) What heading could I give the information (what is it mainly about)? (topic for your paragraph) Dot point the evidence you are going to use

Let’s have a look at an example

How could you group the information? Topic: Human experience and the ocean Body paragraph 1: Preoccupation Mythology and literature Body paragraph 2: Exploration Charts, major discoveries and equipment Body paragraph 3: Ocean life Depths/Zones and types of biology How else could you group the information?

Your turn Looking at the example texts come up with a way of grouping the information to form a response

Tips for this section Spend 5 minutes planning and bringing your information together Spend 25 minutes writing Your opening might offer an overview before you go into appropriate detail and make appropriate connections from the material Use formal language (no slang) Explain terms (use brackets) Use clear sections for your information (different paragraphs) Aim to use all the information presented in some way DO NOT start at the top left corner and go around the page to try and get all the information into the piece Remember to edit your work as you go

A high scoring response would demonstrate Content organised effectively Material has been effectively synthesised and used Draws inferences Consistent tone Coherent development of piece (intro, body paragraphs, conclusion) Accurate and comprehensive account of material Precise and skillful use of language including vocabulary and punctuation

Writing task 2 – Point of view task Writing task 2 will present some statements on an issue. The task will be to develop a piece of writing presenting a point of view on the issue based on one or more of the statements. Students are free to include other knowledge or information they may have to support their view. In doing this task students should aim to present reasons and arguments to support their view and to rebut opposing ideas. Students must also aim to communicate clearly and effectively to the reader. Students’ writing will be judged on: the extent to which they develop their point of view in a reasonable and convincing way how effectively they express themselves

What does it look like?

What to do? Develop a clear contention Decide upon form Build your arguments logically Support your POV Rebut counter-arguments Use evidence and techniques Plan your paragraphs

So, how do you compose a response? Determine your contention Identify at least 2 strong arguments and a rebuttal Dot point your evidence, examples and the devices you want to use to support the arguments (eg language, persona, rhetoric Think about form (eg speech, essay, letter) Who would read this speech? What language devices could you use to persuade your audience and show a consistent, clear voice?

Tips for this section Responses are not required to cover all the issues You can draw on outside knowledge Spend 5 minutes planning and bringing your information together (you could use a graphic organiser to do this) Spend 25 minutes writing Complete the piece (remember a conclusion) Use language appropriate to the style and form Structure your paragraphs Edit your work as you go along

A high scoring response would demonstrate: Writer’s position and voice is clear throughout Demonstrates understanding of the fundamental concepts involved in the issue Convincing arguments presented to support position Lively, engaging and interesting to read Coherent development of piece (intro, body, conclusion) Precise and skillful use of language including vocabulary and punctuation

Review So, what tips and strategies will you use to approach the written component of the GAT? How can you prepare for this section of the GAT?