HSPE Writing Tips Path to success!
Two Types of HSPE Writing Expository Persuasive
Expository Writing Purpose – to inform or explain How well does it explain? Details!
Expository – Layered Elaboration Key concept for this type of writing See example in sample essay packet
Persuasive Writing Purpose – to convince or persuade Examples, scenarios, support
How is this graded? Conventions (0, 1, 2) C-O-S – Content, Organization, Style (4, 3, 2, 1)
Conventions Spelling Grammar & Capitalization Mechanics (sentence fragments, run-on sentences, etc.)
Conventions Scoring Density Severity Variety
Conventions Scoring 0 – mostly does not 1 – does 2 – mostly does
Convention Scoring Review WASL Convention Rubric Annotate key words & phrases as we review Ask questions
C-O-S Focus, organizational pattern, transitions, uses language effectively, varied sentence length, sense of person (or voice)
C-O-S Scoring 4 – consistent, effective 3 – adequate 2 – inconsistent, attempts 1 – limited, little, no
C-O-S Scoring Review HSPE C-O-S Rubric Annotate key words & phrases as we review Ask questions
Is it possible to get no score? Yes! “I don’t know” Question mark (?) Response is one word
Is it possible to get no score? Response is only the title of the prompt Prompt is simply recopied Page is left blank DON’T DO THIS!
Tips for Test Day Arrive early – be calm Review these notes before testing begins Write only inside the lines – don’t go outside the lines!
Tips for Test Day Leave enough time to edit Use some sort of pre-write At the end, darken in your punctuation marks (periods, question marks, etc.)
Tips for Test Day Include plenty of commentary Make connections for your audience Include plenty of commentary Try to avoid being redundant Avoid bad words (a lot, really)
PRACTICE TIME! We are going to practice grading some sample essays so you understand how the writing portions are graded – woo hoo!