1. English 11 Writing/Communication Mr. Rinka Lesson #24 The Timed Essay

2. What is a Timed Essay? A timed essay is a written response to a prompt (the subject you must address in your essay) within a specific time limit. Timed essays can be as short as 30 minutes or as long as one hour. You may have a specific prompt to respond to or you may be given a choice.

3. More than likely you will have to write your timed essay free-hand using paper and pen/pencil. Rarely will you be able to use a computer. Because you are being timed, you will not be able to use the 6 step writing process.

4. Timed Essay Writing Process What to use. Have an accurate timing device. Have at least 2 sharpened pencils with good erasures. Have a small pencil sharpener. Paper or booklets will probably be be provided.

5. The Process (for a 30 min. essay) #1 Read the prompt carefully. (2 min.) #2 Create a general outline. (5 min.) #3 Write your essay. (18 min.) #4 Edit your essay. (5 min.)

6. #1 Read the Prompt Carefully 2 minutes #1 Clearly understand the prompt. #2 Answer the prompt only. #3 Highlight or underline what the question is. #24 Prompt #1 #24 Prompt #2 #24 2011 North Carolina Testing Program

7. #2 General Outline 5 minutes I. Introduction- Thesis Statement II.Main Point #1 A. Supporting Detail B. Supporting Detail III. Main Point #2 A. Supporting Detail B. Supporting Detail

8. IV. Main Point #3 A. Supporting Detail B. Supporting Detail V.Conclusion – Thesis restated.

9. #2 General Outline 5 minutes I. Technology more harmful II.More work A. Too much information B. Greater expectations III. More stress A. Multi-tasking is stressful B. Open-ended

10. IV. Distracting A. Too easy to waste time B. Too much going on V.Conclusion – Overall – Technology more harmful than helpful.

11. #3 Write Your Essay 18 minutes #1 Follow your general outline. #2 Do not press hard with your pencil. Easier to erase cleanly. #3 Do not spend much time on introduction and conclusion. Body paragraphs are what matter. #4 Be aware of the time.

12. #5 Write legibly. #6 Let your thoughts flow, and do not stop for spelling. #7 If you make corrections, erase cleanly, reread what you have written and get back in the flow. #8 Do not rush. Focus, relax and “keep the pencil moving.”

13. #4 Edit Your Essay 5 minutes Reread your essay and look for obvious mistakes that can be easily corrected. spelling punctuation agreement sentence fragment word usage

14. Tips #1 Makes sure you are well-rested and nourished before you take the writing test. #2 As with public speaking, breathing exercises help you relax and focus.

15. #3 If you go blank, write something. Prime the brain. Ideas will follow. Only blank pages get zeros. #4 Timed writing, much like public speaking, needs practice, practice, and practice. The more practice you get, the easier it is to manage this challenging task.

16. Sample Writing Rubric #24 10th Grade Writing Assessment Rubric

17. Additional Assignment #1 Write a 30 minute timed essay on this prompt. #24 Prompt #3

18. Additional Assignment #2 Write a 30 minute timed essay on this prompt. #24 Prompt #4

19. English 11 Writing/Communication Mr. Rinka Lesson #24 The Timed Essay