On-Demand Testing Prep Guide

On-Demand Your last CATS test!!! Test of your ability to write for a purpose. Each prompt will require you to write a specific type of piece (form) for a specific type of purpose (task)

Test Days Two days of testing Each day, you receive 2 prompts. Choose one. One day will be a text-based prompt: read a piece of text, then use the text to write your response

Passage-Based Prompt Explain the question Give background Define who is interested in the question Use information from the passage Passage provides details & depth Incorporate key facts into your response Don’t assume the reader has read the same passage Don’t say, “In the article it said…,” etc.

60-Minute Test You have 60 minutes to respond to the prompt Good plan: 10 minutes plan & prewrite 35 minutes write 15 minutes proofread & revise

3 Tasks Narrate an event for a purpose Persuade Inform

Four Forms Letter Article Editorial Speech

The Tasks

Tasks Narrate Persuade Inform

Narrate Essential concept: “narrate an event for a purpose” Narration supports an idea, opinion, conclusion, interpretation, request, etc. Narration is a way of convincing readers to accept your idea, opinion, etc. Your story (narrative) should “prove” what you want readers to think. (EX: You believe everyone should take a financial literacy class. Your story about being in big-time credit card debt shows the need for such classes.)

Narrate Appropriate forms: Prompt phrases that suggest a narrative: Speech Letter Article Prompt phrases that suggest a narrative: “Tell about a time…” “Refer to your own experience…” “From your own experience, relate an incident that…”

Persuade Your goal is to convince readers to take some action or accept the writer’s idea, request, conclusion, recommendation, etc. You want to persuade readers Be aware of the audience Write in language that audience can relate to Use examples audience will relate to

Persuade Appropriate forms: Editorial Speech Letter (such as Letter to the Editor) Prompt phrases that indicate a persuasive piece: “Convince readers to…” “Write to help others accept your opinion about…” “Urge readers to…”

Inform Write to… Present information and provide explanation that can help readers understand something relevant to students’ lives and experiences (e.g., issue, problem, need, event) Accomplish a task/procedure, achieve a goal, solve a problem, etc. Information is not enough; explanation (idea development) is needed Reveal your thinking & your ability to communicate effectively with readers. Provide explanation, information, and other support Show your ability to communicate effectively with readers, not merely repeat information you’ve have learned

Inform Appropriate forms: Article Speech Prompt phrases that suggest informative piece: “Help readers understand that…” “Share your knowledge…” “Provide information that will…” •

The Forms

Types of Forms Letter Editorial Speech Article

Choose the Right Form Letter Editorial Speech Article Addresses a specific individual for a specific purpose Editorial Statement of opinion to be read by a group Speech Address to a group of people, usually connected by a common interest Article Conveys info to large number of people Informs & entertains

The Article Lead Body Conclusion Goal: capture the reader’s attention Introduce article’s “hook”—its specific focus on the topic (audience’s interests/needs) Body Logical organization Group info under subheads Conclusion Satisfying end Often reconnects to the beginning Wraps up the discussion

The Article - 2 General points: Nonfiction & factual Clarifies/Interprets complex issues by giving depth & meaning Includes specific detail Appropriate tone/voice Doesn’t state writer’s opinion, but viewpoint is often evident in the hook

Editorial Beginning Body Conclusion Capture reader’s attention Preview editorial’s intent (persuade) Body Address issue & offers rationale Point-by-point organization Suggest solutions Answer questions; acknowledge opposition Conclusion Restate opinion & rationales

Editorial - 2 General points: Concise, coherent writing Expresses opinion clearly Specific details support writer’s opinioin, answer readers’ questions Anticipates audience point-of-view Avoids “I” statements (I believe, I think, in my opinion, it seems to me) Maintains polite, courteous tone

Letter Structure Beginning Body Ending Date, return address, recipient’s address, salutation to start Closing & signature to end Beginning Summarize purpose of letter Body Describe issue & propose solutions in orderly manner Use specific detail to support purpose Ending Restate purpose Request action (as necessary)

Letter – 2 General points: Writing is concise, coherent Express purpose (opinion, request) clearly Use specific details to support purpose Anticipate recipient’s POV & concerns Be courteous, polite

Speech Beginning Body Conclusion Break ice Introduce topic Introduce you & your expertise Body Organize carefully to meet purpose Build on logic & reason Appeal to emotions & psychology to gain support Conclusion Restate purpose/viewpoint to gain support

Speech - 2 General points: Build commonality with audience Personal experiences Anticipate audience reaction Acknowledge & respond to opposing arguments Rhetorical devices add interest, enhance message (alliteration, repetition, parallelism, etc.)

What You’re Judged On Text & language features of the form Well-organized idea development Purpose, purpose, purpose Information that clarifies/justifies purpose Ideas the communicate purpose Explanation & support that help readers’ understand purpose Support Facts, examples, reasons, anecdotes, chart, etc. Effective conclusions

Testing Points Answers must be written on the lines printed in the test booklet Do Not write outside the black box that outlines the test book pages Write legibly. Writing too lightly, too small or too large makes writing hard to decipher. Dictionaries & thesauri will be available Review writing process cards provided with test

Sample Prompts

Practice Time Read the prompt & plan how you would write your response. Do some form of prewrite to get ready to write.