1. Danielle Reites, LSCC English Dept. Chairperson reitesd@lscc.edu SAT/ACT WRITING SECTION

2. AGENDA 1. WHAT ARE THE JUDGES LOOKING FOR? 2. SAMPLE STRONG ESSAY 3. SAMPLE WEAK ESSAY 4. PLAN YOUR OWN ESSAY IN RESPONSE TO A PROMPT 5. FEEDBACK 6. QUESTIONS?

3. Directions Read the sample paragraphs What weaknesses are apparent in the writing? What strengths are apparent in the writing?

4. A clear, direct answer to the prompt question Clear and relevant support for the answer Organization that includes an introduction, support, and conclusion and indicates the writer took time to formulate a plan before writing Strong transitions Reasoning that shows critical thinking Strong vocabulary A variety of sentence structures Few to no grammar and mechanics errors Partial to no answer to the prompt question Too general and/or not clearly relevant support for the answer Lack of a clear introduction and conclusion Little to no indication that the writer took time to formulate a plan before writing Weak transitions Reasoning that shows little to no critical thinking Basic vocabulary Repetitive sentence structures Frequent grammar and mechanics errors that distract the reader Strong writing has… Weak writing has…

5. Planning Your Essay 1.Read the prompt carefully 2.Brainstorm possible answers and support 3.Arrange details (outline) 4.Draft 5.Edit/revise 6.Proofread

6. Outline Rough draft thesis: This should answer the question the prompt asks and offer 1-3 supporting points. I.Introduction: Explain how you will start (story, description, key images, examples, background/history of topic, question or series of questions) II.Write your first major supporting point a.Explain this point in detailed description b.Offer evidence to support this point (facts, reasons, stories, examples, and/or authorities who share this view) c.Offer closely related points III.Write your second major supporting point a.Explain this point in detailed description b.Offer evidence to support this point (facts, reasons, stories, examples, and/or authorities who share this view) c.Offer closely related points IV.Conclusion: Explain how you will conclude (story, description, key images, examples, background/history of topic, future outlook of topic, or solution to a problem the topic presents)

7. Resources CROP staff The Internet Me: reitesd@lscc.edu My LSCC faculty website I have posted this Power Point Slide and the handouts for your reference