The Georgia High School Writing Test. Writing a Quality Introduction Writing Workshop Session 1.

The Georgia High The Georgia High School Writing TestSchool Writing TestThe Georgia High The Georgia High

School Writing TestSchool Writing Test

Writing a Quality Writing a Quality IntroductionIntroduction

Writing a Quality Writing a Quality IntroductionIntroductionWriting Workshop Writing Workshop

Session 1Session 1

What do you know What do you know

about the writing about the writing test?test?

The GHSWT …The GHSWT …

• tests ability to compose a persuasive essay• requires an opinion to be formed and

supported• times the writer’s ability to develop ideas (90

min)

• scores writing ability based on four domains

Time FramesTime Frames

• Planning/Prewriting 15 min.• Drafting 35 min.• Revising/Editing 25 min.• Final Draft 20 min.• Proofreading 5 min.

Count Down…Count Down…Hard work is needed!

The test is

What makes a paper

“good enough” to pass?

A Quality PaperA Quality Paper

• Domain I Ideas 40%• Domain II Organization 20%• Domain III Style 20%• Domain IV Conventions 20%

The Power Domain: The Power Domain: IdeasIdeas

• Controlling Idea/FocusControlling Idea/Focus• Supporting DetailsSupporting Details ( facts, illustrations, details or examples)( facts, illustrations, details or examples)

• Relevance of DetailsRelevance of Details• Depth of developmentDepth of development• Awareness of persuasive purposeAwareness of persuasive purpose• Sense of CompletenessSense of Completeness

Let’s examine an Let’s examine an essay!essay!

Take a look at a sample essay. Read the essay

and discuss what score you would give the essay in the domains:

Ideas, Organization, Style and Conventions

Writing the Writing the IntroductionIntroduction

How do I get started?

Writing the Writing the IntroductionIntroduction

*Engaging Opening(Question, Statistic, Quote or Direct Statement)

*Controlling Idea (clearly stated

position)

*Background Information

(provide additional information on the topic before stating your position)

Looking back…• Let’s take another look at your

introductory paragraph on the mock essay you composed.

Does your essay have all the components of an effective

introductory paragraph?

Now let’s look at a new writing topic. Let’s “dissect” the prompt. Determine audience, format, and purpose for writing.

Writing SituationMany students do not think the subjects they

study in high school prepare them for the real world they will face after graduation. The principal at your school is asking students for their opinions about new courses that could be offered to prepare students for life after high school. What new course do you think should be offered?

Directions for WritingWrite a letter to convince the principal that your new course should be offered. Be sure to explain why your new course is needed, using specific examples and details.

Writing TopicWriting Situation

Many professional athletes earn millions of dollars each year while teachers, nurses, firefighters and law enforcement officers earn much less per year. Is it fair that professional athletes earn such high salaries compared to these public servants? Why? Why not?

Directions for WritingWrite your opinion to the editor of the local newspaper. Include

reasons and evidence that will convince the newspaper subscribers to support your position.

Now you try…Now you try…

Write a introduction!Write a introduction!

Writing the Body Writing the Body ParagraphParagraph

Writing the Body Writing the Body ParagraphParagraph

Writing WorkshopWriting WorkshopSession 2Session 2

Writing the Body Writing the Body ParagraphParagraph

*Topic Sentence(Complete sentence introducing the fact/reason)

*Closing Sentence

(final thought about the fact/reason)

*Supporting Sentences

(explain how or why)

The Writing Glue:Transition Words

Transition words serve as a sort of writing glue.

• Use a variety of good transition words within your paragraphs to create coherent paragraphs.

• Use good paragraph transition words in essays to help your ideas flow throughout the essay.

• Don't use the same transition repeatedly, unless you are doing so for a specific effect.

Developing the Body ParagraphsDeveloping the Body Paragraphs

Build support by developing fires!

Facts

Illustrations

Reasons

Examples

Statistics

Developing the Body Developing the Body ParagraphsParagraphs

Now you try…Now you try…

write a body paragraph write a body paragraph with developed with developed supporting ideas !supporting ideas !

Writing the Writing the Concluding Paragraph Concluding Paragraph

Proofreading Your Proofreading Your EssayEssay

Writing the Writing the Concluding Paragraph Concluding Paragraph

Proofreading Your Proofreading Your EssayEssay

Writing WorkshopWriting WorkshopSession 3Session 3

Writing the ConclusionRemember…• Summarize main points stated

throughout body paragraphs• Do not RESTATE main reasons in the

same way; you may summarize them using other descriptions/details

• Provide a call for action, make alternate suggestions, provide advice, end with a quote or intriguing question.

Refine and ProofreadWhen you are done with the rough draft, ask yourself:•Is my writing clear?•Do my ideas make sense?•Are my points and conclusions supported by evidence?•Do I avoid repetition?•Do I use proper grammar and spelling?•Have I re-read my entire essay silently?