1. On-Demand Writing Introduction to SPAM

2. The Test You will write independently; no conferencing with peers or the teacher will be allowed. One or more prompts are provided. Purposes, audiences, and forms vary from test to test. You will write under specified time limits. You will have access to a dictionary and/or thesaurus. Writing is evaluated using a scoring guide. Your teacher does not evaluate your test.

3. According to the Kentucky Department of Education, this year’s on-demand test for 10 th graders will include 1.A choice between 2 stand-alone prompts each with an explanatory/informative purpose. 2.A required passage-based prompt that has an argumentative purpose.

4. SPAM Situation, Purpose, Audience, Mode With the on-demand test, you must carefully read and analyze the prompt to ensure that you complete the assigned task appropriately.

5. SPAM Situation –The event that causes you to need to write. Purpose –The reason you are writing. To inform/explain To argue a position Audience –The person or people to whom you are writing Mode –The type of writing you are to do. Possibilities may include »Letter »Speech/Presentation »Editorial/Commentary/Essay

6. Situation The situation is always explained to you. It is always the first part of the prompt. The situation may ask you to –Reflect on and respond to a passage provided for you on the test. –Pretend that you are in a make-believe situation that hasn’t really happened, but could happen. The description of the situation creates a need to write.

7. Purpose – the most important part of your writing! To inform/Explain –Respond to a text/graphic/chart presenting your ideas clearly and logically. To argue a position –Respond to a passage that enables a reader to take a position on the issue described. –Requires that you state a position and defend it clearly, thoroughly, and logically.

8. Audience Look in the writing task for the audience. It could be an individual or group. Consider what the audience needs to know, wants to know, or already knows. Imagine what questions the audience would have and answer them. Consider the feelings of the audience and do not offend them.

9. Mode Look in the prompt for the mode. The mode tells you the form and structure of your writing. Possible modes may include Letters have a date, greeting, body, closing, and signature. Speeches/Presentations have a title, clearly address or acknowledge the audience, and may include rhetorical devices. Editorials/Commentary/Essays have a title, background, thesis, support, and logical reasoning  All modes require multiple paragraphs with a clear opening, several paragraphs developing the central idea of the piece, and a conclusion.

10. Part 2: Practice with SPAM

11. Writing Situation : Some area schools are experimenting with an “open campus” policy in which seniors may leave school during lunch periods. The SBDM Council is discussing the issue and welcomes input from students. Writing Directions: Write a letter to the SBDM council stating your position on the “open campus” issue and explaining why they should or should not approve this policy. S P A M School is considering open campus for seniors. To argue either for or against the “open campus” policy Site Based Decision Making Council Letter 1

12. Writing Situation: Your school principal has issued the following memo: Beginning immediately, a dress code policy will be enforced due to the influx of cliques within our school situation. All students will begin wearing a uniform of khaki pants/skirts and logo-free shirts. Writing Directions: Recall a time in your life when what you wore affected who you were friends with. Write a letter to the principal telling of this time and explaining why this new policy should or should not continue. S P A M The school principal has changed the dress code policy To explain why the principal should or should not continue his new policy The principal Letter 2

13. REMEMBER THAT ONE TASK WILL GIVE YOU A CHOICE BETWEEN TWO PROMPTS. A SECOND TASK WILL GIVE YOU NO CHOICE. Part 3 General writing tips

14. Steps to writing On-Demand 1.For the task that allows you to choose, read both prompts and decide about which one you have the most to say. 2.Whether you are working on this chosen prompt or the other required prompt, the rest of the steps are the same. BEFORE you start to write, SPAM the prompt. 3.Pre-write the prompt by brainstorming & organizing ideas by using webs, lists, outlines, etc. 4.Place important words from the situation in the lead. Make sure you create a context for your reader and make your purpose clear. continued…

15. Steps to writing On-Demand cont. 5.Draft the body in chunks. –Elaborate by giving examples, including facts, explaining your reasons, telling “how?” and “why?” –Be logical! –Use transitions! –Close by tying back to the lead and leaving the reader with a sense of closure 6.Reread the piece, making sure it sounds right. –Use CUPS to remember to check for correctness: capitalization, usage, punctuation, spelling 7.Make a neat final copy. 8.Check for mistakes and make sure this final copy is neat and easy to read.

16. Double Check Is your handwriting legible? Watch margins and indent RE-read and revise as needed Don’t give up. Keep working hard. It won’t last forever!