1. How to Own the FSA Writing Test
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How to Own the FSA Writing Test
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Tuesday, February 28!

2. TEST FORMAT- 6th/7th Grades paper-based
students will receive a booklet with 3 lined pages and a planning sheet.

3. TEST FORMAT-
8th Grade
computer-based

4. TYPES OF FSA WRITING TEST ESSAYS
Argumentative – writing to explain different points of view on a topic
Informative – writing to explain to an audience that doesn’t know anything about the topic

5. GENERAL ESSAY FORMAT
Introduction
2 Body Paragraphs
Conclusion

6. ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY FORMAT
Introduction
Background info
CLAIM
Body Paragraphs
cite evidence in each
elaborate in each
Counter-claim/
Rebuttal (7th & 8th only)
Conclusion
reword claim
add insight

7. INFORMATIVE ESSAY FORMAT (should be 4 paragraphs)
Introduction
Background information
Controlling idea statement
Two Body Paragraphs
cite evidence in each
elaborate in each
Conclusion
reword thesis statement
Summarize key points

8. DETERMINE WHAT ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE IS BEST FOR THE PROMPT/TASK
cause/effect
problem/solution
compare/contrast
chronological order
order of importance
main idea and supporting details

9. While you read… Pay attention to titles of all passages
Pay attention to headings & subheadings
Read all of the text sources and find similar evidence in multiple sources
Locate and use domain-specific vocabulary
Text-code/Interact with the text while reading

10. TO FINISH THE ESSAY ON TIME
PLANNING AND WRITING
Use the planning page to plan your essay – use PEEL-EL for each body paragraph
ONLY USE INFORMATION FROM THE TEXTS
There will not be time for revisions and final copy
PACE YOURSELF
TO FINISH THE ESSAY ON TIME

11. CITING EVIDENCE IS CRITICAL
Citation of sources is expected. If a student does not use a direct quote or paraphrase from a source, they cannot make higher than a 2 out of 4 on Evidence.

12. Cite your Sources!
Whenever y0u write the EXACT words from a text on your essay, you MUST put ALL the words within quotation marks.
TIP: After you read a text, close it. Then summarize, paraphrase, analyze and synthesize using your own words.

13. TIPS: Do not assume your audience has read the texts
Do not assume your audience knows the topic well
Cite evidence from multiple sources.
Include “titles” of the sources

14. NO ANALYSIS = You must move beyond simple summarization of sources.
You must analyze and synthesize the texts.

15. MORE TIPS Use third person voice – don’t use I
Use formal, academically appropriate language
Use technical language and domain- specific vocabulary from the text to make your writing more specific and believable
Use a variety of mature transitions – don’t use 1st, 2nd, or 3rd

16. MORE TIPS Do not use emoticons :( Do not use text talk (lol, rotfl)
Do not use slang
Do not use vague words (stuff, thing)
DO NOT USE ALL CAPS FOR EMPHASIS

17. YOU OWN THIS TEST!
YOU ARE READY