1. 1 Passing the TASP Writing Test, a step by step approach "The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time." (Abraham Lincoln, 1809-65)Abraham Lincoln

2. José J. González, Jr. Spring 2002 2 Step one: Analyzing the prompt Read the prompt several times Then break the prompt down into four sections –Question section –For section –Against section –Directions section

3. José J. González, Jr. Spring 2002 3 Step two: Making a decision Decide for or against and do not look back. You cannot argue for both sides or switch sides in the middle of your essay. Note: There is no “right” or “wrong”side

4. José J. González, Jr. Spring 2002 4 Step three:Outlining Outline your essay from beginning to end. If you do a good job outlining, you should have less trouble writing your essay. Outlining, brainstorming or clustering all mean the same thing. Do whatever works better for you. Note: Remember, if you go off topic or do not develop your essay sufficiently, more than likely you will fail.

5. José J. González, Jr. Spring 2002 5 Step four: Writing rough draft –Do not worry about spelling, punctuation or sentence structure at this point. –Worry more about getting your ideas down on paper; you can come back and revise later.

6. José J. González, Jr. Spring 2002 6 Step five: Checklist After completing rough draft, go through a checklist –Did you? Introduce topic State position Provide 3 reasons Topic sentence with transition word Provide examples Closing sentence Restate position Summarize reasons Make one last plea

7. José J. González, Jr. Spring 2002 7 Step six: Grammar check Check.... Spelling Capitalization Punctuation Sentence structure run-ons fragments Note: You might want to read your essay in a low voice listening for grammatical errors. Remember: You will not fail if you have a couple of misplaced commas or misspelled words, but all this errors detract from your essay. However, if you have too many errors, you will not pass.

8. José J. González, Jr. Spring 2002 8 Assignment: Go to Essay Assignments on main Blackboard page for this week’s writing assignment. Mr g