at

beat defe
t
whip i na
m wallop
ma do
ste e
qu e l l r
blow trash

ou nce away
b ber
tr cl o
triumph
over
vanqui
ilate
annih cru sh
s h

H O W TO O W N TH E FS A W R ITIsN
maG
sh TES T

TU ES D AY, FEB R U A R Y 28!

 TEST 6 th/7 th G rades
FO RM AT-
paper-based
students will receive a
booklet with 3 lined pages
and a planning sheet.
 TEST 8 th G rade
FO RM AT-
computer-based
TYPES O F FSA W RITIN G TEST
ESSAYS
Argumentative writing to explain
different points of view on a topic
Informative writing to explain to
an audience that doesnt know
anything about the topic
G EN ERAL ESSAY FO RM AT

Introduction

2 Body Paragraphs

Conclusion
ARG U M EN TATIVE ESSAY
FO RM AT Introduction
Background info
CLAIM

Body Paragraphs
cite evidence in
each
elaborate in each

COUNTER-CLAIM/
REBUTTAL (7TH & 8TH
ONLY
)
Conclusion
reword claim
add insight
IN FO RM ATIVE ESSAY FO RM AT
(should be 4 paragraphs)
Introduction
Background
information
Controlling idea
statement

Two Body
Paragraphs
cite evidence in
each
elaborate in
Conclusion
each
reword thesis
statement
Summarize key
points
D ETERM IN E W H AT O RG AN IZATIO N AL
STRUCTURE IS BEST FO R TH E PRO M PT/TASK

cause/effect
problem/solution
compare/contrast
chronological order
order of importance
problem/solution
main idea and supporting details
W hile you read

Pay attention to titles of all passages

Pay attention to headings &
subheadings
Read all of the text sources and find
similar evidence in multiple sources
Locate and use domain-specific
vocabulary
Text-code/Interact with the text while
reading
PLAN N IN G AN D W RITIN G
Use the planning page to plan your essay
use PEEL-EL for each body paragraph

ONLY USE INFORMATION FROM THE TEXTS

There will not be time for revisions and

final copy

PACE YOURSELF
TO FINISH THE ESSAY ON
TIME
CITIN G EVID EN CE IS CRITICAL
Citation of sources is expected. If a student does not use
a D IR EC T Q U O TE O R PA R A P H R A S E from a source, they
cannot m ake higher than a 2 out of 4 on Evidence.
Cite your Sources!

Whenever y0u write the EXACT

words from a text on your essay,
you MUST put ALL the words within
quotation marks.
TIP: After you read a text, close it.
Then summarize, paraphrase,
analyze and synthesize using your
own words.
TIPS:

Do not assume your audience has

read the texts
Do not assume your audience knows
the topic well
Cite evidence from multiple sources.
Include titles of the sources
N O AN ALYSIS =

You must move

beyond simple
summarization of
sources.

You must analyze and

synthesize the texts.
M O RE TIPS

Use third person voice dont use I

Use formal, academically appropriate
language
Use technical language and domain-
specific vocabulary from the text to
make your writing more specific and
believable
Use a variety of mature transitions
dont use 1st, 2nd, or 3rd
M O RE TIPS

Do not use emoticons :(

Do not use text talk (lol, rotfl)
Do not use slang
Do not use vague words (stuff, thing)
DO NOT USE ALL CAPS FOR
EMPHASIS
YOU OWN THIS TEST!
YO U A R E R EA D Y