GAD Online Essay What to Expect Created by A. Tait 2008 Updated 2016

IMPORTANT DATES FEBRUARY 2 & 3 3:30 PM FEBRUARY 6 & 7 3:30 PM Mandatory login practice for online essay competition FEBRUARY 6 & 7 3:30 PM State competition essay event online

Types Of Essays Expository Persuasive Explains, defines, or interprets a given subject Also includes compare/contrast essays Persuasive Tries to convince the reader about an idea Must be a clearly-focused argument for one side of the issue

Essay Competition Online 50 minutes to pre-write, plan, organize, draft, and write a final draft Choice of three prompts might be on any subject area: art, music, literature, science, social science, etc.

Final Essay Score 80% of final essay score 20% of final essay score Focus/Scope Organization Content/Development 20% of final essay score Language/Style Conventions

Step 1: Reading the Prompt ANSWER THE ENTIRE PROMPT! Every prompt contains: Issue: the subject or topic Purpose: what the completed essay should do Persuade Explain Defend Task: how the essay should complete the purpose Analyze the different sides of an issue Compare and contrast two issues or topics Cite examples to support your position No more than 5 minutes

Step 2: Plan/Prewrite Decide on a position Determine evidence to support your position Collect, list, and organize ideas to use in the essay 10 minutes You might use: brainstorming mapping jot list graphic organizer

Evaluate… Does the plan include ALL content required by the prompt? Are the ideas appropriate and fully developed with specific details, examples, etc.? Are the introduction and conclusion approximately the same length and quality without repetition?

Step 3: Writing the Essay Introduction Strong lead Clear, focused thesis statement Body Clear and focused Ideas are supported with evidence Conclusion Leaves the reader with the idea or impression you want to leave 30 minutes

Step 4: Revising, Editing, & Proofreading Reread what you have written Make any necessary changes Reread after making changes one more time Look at: Effectiveness -- support and evidence Clarity and focus Completion of the entire prompt Conventions, language, etc. 5 minutes

Online Essay Specifics Arrive at least 15-25 minutes before competition (you cannot log on early) If you are late, you do NOT receive extra time. Use Internet Explorer or newest version of Chrome ONLY – no other screens or programs may be open during testing Entire team must write at the same time

Created by A. Tait 2014

Do not use CAPS lock. Type both exactly as shown.

Created by A. Tait 2008

Competition Instructions Only one student per computer station Log on first, before planning Touch a key on the keyboard every 5-10 minutes so you will not be logged off (users logged off after 15 minutes of no activity) Press the “Save” button as often as possible during testing

You can use your username here.

Created by A. Tait 2014

Created by A. Tait 2008

More Instructions When the program is saving an essay, portions of the top bar will turn green. No green = no save. Do NOT use Back, Forward, Refresh, or Reload keys during competition (will erase the essay You may not leave area until all essay tests are complete and paper collected.

Time Remaining You have only 50 minutes. Prompt Options

Press “Save” as often as possible during testing. Time remaining You have 50 minutes total. Chosen prompt Skip lines between paragraphs.

Reminders Skip lines between paragraphs Do not put your name, school, or the prompt on your essay Make sure you’ve answered the complete prompt

IMPORTANT! Essays are anonymous to the judges, but not to the coordinators Things that are inappropriate: won't be judged AND will find their way back to coaches and school administrators. 

Improving Your Essay Add vivid details where possible Repeat key words or images occasionally to sharpen the focus Add transition words to help the reader Make your introduction and/or conclusion stronger

Improving Your Essay Delete material that strays from the point or the impression you had in mind Add material if a point needs to be stronger Improve your vocabulary or spelling Correct errors in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and usage