*Tomorrow you will sit down for the

8th grade writing assessment…

January 21, 2014

Final Prep

*You and thousands of 8th graders across the state of Georgia will ponder the exact same prompt.

*How will you distinguish yourself?

*Don’t do this during the writing

test…

*Post-writing test joy!

*This is your chance to shine!

*Persuasive or Expository?

*You’ll get the Writing Situation and The Writing Directions

*You’ll be asked to write an expository or a persuasive essay

*There are MANY similarities between the two and a FEW differences

*Persuasive voice

In a persuasive essay:

*You have some convincing to do

*Choose a side and make your case with powerful language

*Acknowledge the opposing viewpoint (counter-argument) but don’t give it too much attention

*Use logical arguments to make your point

*Be sure to close your writing piece by reflecting back on your thesis with fresh perspective

*End with a call-to-action. Tell the reader to see it your way!

*Expert voice

In an expository essay:

*You are the expert

*Use your professor voice to explain, discuss, describe your topic so that the reader can better understand

*No need to consider a counter-argument. You are already in charge of this one.

*Close your writing piece with a wise, meaningful reflection on your thesis.

*Go through each step!

In addition to the prompt, you’ll be given:

*A space for prewriting– Use it! Map out your plan. Write down words & phrases that come to mind before they evaporate!

*Two pages (front & back) for your rough draft. Make corrections as you go. The rough draft should be messy.

*Two pages (front & back) for your final draft. Give yourself plenty of time to complete.

*Pooh wisdom

*You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

~A.A. Milne

*Quotes from wise guys

Tips for tomorrow:

If you need a quote, make one up. You can always fall back on:

A wise man once said, “True heroes never brag.”

Or, a wise woman once said, “The only way to be sure your parachute will open is jump out of the plane.”

*What do I know?

*Have a few admirable characters in mind as you begin the writing process

*Have some words in mind that you are comfortable using

*Begin working on your “What Do I Know?” sheet

*Don’t stop to think too much; just start writing

*When you have finished, work with a partner on the “What Do We Know?” portion

*Prepare to share

Insert motivational music and look pensive…