Lesson #4: Series of Paragraphs (Long writing Task)

Writing Tasks on the Literacy Test On the literacy test, you will have two long writing tasks 1) A News Report and 2) A Series of Paragraphs (Opinion Essay) Today’s lesson will focus on: A Series of Paragraphs

The instructions are always the same for the Series of Paragraphs question. The only change is the topic you are given to write about. Here is a sample question.

Breaking down the requirements so there are no surprises later: Written instruction on the Test Expectation of the instruction “Task: Write a minimum of three paragraphs expressing an opinion…” Notice the word “minimum”. Three paragraphs will NOT be enough for full marks. Prepare a FIVE paragraph essay. This allows you to fill in the space more easily and systematically. You need an intro, 3 body paragraphs and closing paragraph. “Purpose and Audience: an adult who is interested in your opinion.” Use language that would make your teacher proud (no slang, no short forms, no text messaging language). Use full sentence. Be careful of your spelling and grammar. “Length:…” EQAO always gives you two pages with a total of 48 lines across the page to answer the question. This space should be filled but not exceeded. Do not OVERWRITE. “Topic:…” You are given a single question that you need to provide a “for” or “against” response to. It doesn’t matter which point of view you take as long as you have three supporting reasons. Pick one side and stick with it.

How your work is marked Each answer is assigned two marks : Topic Development (main idea, supporting details and organization) Use of Conventions (spelling, grammar, punctuation) Teachers, please hand out one rubric per student.

The Rubric for marking Topic Development (main idea, supporting details and organization) looks like this:

The Rubric for marking Use of Conventions (Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation) looks like this

Helpful Tips The “Topic” is always a single question that you need to give a clear “for” or “against” answer to. Pick one side of the argument only and stick with it. AVOID the approach “I agree in some cases but disagree in other cases”. There is no reading attached to this question. All information comes from your own experience and imagination. There is a “Rough Notes” area which is not marked. Use the SEES method (next slide) in this area to organize your thoughts. This will make your organization and task of filling two pages (48 lines) much easier. You can use “I think”, “I agree” in your response. This is your opinion essay but you need to give at least three examples/reasons to support your position and explain them.

Introduction Paragraph The final Series of Paragraphs should look like this. Introduction Paragraph Body Paragraph #1 Body Paragraph #2 Body Paragraph #3 Conclusion Paragraph Transition Word

Topic: Is it a good idea for high school students to have a part-time job? Rough Notes/Planning STEP 1: Take a position Having a part time job is a good idea for high school students because it: provides them with income, increases their independence and provides work experience. STEP 2: Give three reasons to support your position. Supporting argument # 1 (S1)= Income Supporting argument # 2 (S2)= Independence Supporting argument # 1 (S3)= Experience STEP 3: Use S.E.E.S to organize paragraphs to explain each of the three reasons stated in STEP 2 S - Sentence 1 – Supporting Argument (directly supports the point of view- for or against) E - Sentence 2 – Explanation / Example (expands/explains the supporting argument) E - Sentence 3 – Explanation / Example (expands/explains the supporting argument) S - Sentence 4 – Summary statement STEP 4: Provide a closing paragraph where you restate your position and the main ideas. From the arguments I have provided it is clear that having a part time job is a good idea for high school students because of the benefits it provides, such as: income, independence and work experience. Body Paragraph 1 S1 – Provides and income E1 – Able to go out with friend E1 – Able to buy clothing S1 – Avoid running to parents for money Body Paragraph 2 S2 – Increases independence E2 – Self-sufficient, maturity E2 – Learn about commitment, don’t let employers down S2 – Responsibility, accomplishment Body Paragraph 3 S3 – Provides Work Experience E3 – Resume, 2 people fighting over a job person with experience will get the job E3 – Learn about like, dislikes about jobs S3 – People skills

Sample Answers Let’s look at some samples of student responses based on the Topic Development Rubric /60 marks. Remember an additional /40 marks is based on the Conventions Rubric (spelling grammar etc.) … we are just looking at topic development.

CODE 50

Before we look at a perfect Code 60, let’s revisit the Rough Notes made earlier Topic: Is it a good idea for high school students to have a part-time job? Rough Notes AGREE S1 – Income E1 – Out with friend E1 – Clothing S1 – Avoid running to parents S2 – Independence E2 – Self-sufficient, maturity E2 – Commitment, don’t let employers down S2 – Responsibility, accomplishment S3 – Work Experience E3 – Resume, 2 people fighting over a job E3 – Like, dislikes about jobs S3 – People skills

CODE 60

Student Activity #1: Write a series of paragraphs Teacher Reference (Please use electronic version with students) Student Activity #1: Write a series of paragraphs Choose one of the questions below and write a response. Are today’s famous people good role models for young people? Should the sale of “junk foods” be banned from Ontario secondary schools? Should school uniforms be mandatory at the secondary level? Should joining a club or team be mandatory at the secondary level? Should Physical Education classes be mandatory for all four years of high school? When you are finished self and/or peer edit your work using the rubric provided.

Teacher Reference (Please use electronic version with students) Additional Practice This is the last OSSLT prep lesson. If you require more practice, please come out to the afterschool literacy program Wed. Nights from 2:30 – 4:00. Additional resources are also available on our school website www.enss.ca “literacy”