1. GAT Preparation - the written component
Parts of the presentation adapted from by Joshua Flood
VSS session, 2017

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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)

5. 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.

6. What does it look like?

7. 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

8. 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

9. Let’s have a look at an example

10. 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?

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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. What does it look like?

16. 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

17. 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?

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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?