Writing Test
30 minute essay that measures writing skills-specifically those writing skills emphasized in high school English classes and in entry-level college courses
the test consists of one writing prompt that will define an issue and describe two points of view on that issue. You are asked to respond to a question about your position on the issue described in the prompt. In doing so, you may adopt one or the other perspectives described in the prompt, or you may present a different point of view on the issue.
Your score will not be affected by the point of view you take on the issue
the test consists of one writing prompt that will define an issue and describe two points of view on that issue. You are asked to respond to a question about your position on the issue described in the prompt. In doing so, you may adopt one or the other perspectives described in the prompt, or you may present a different point of view on the issue.
Your score will not be affected by the point of view you take on the issue
Writing test-tips
- Carefully read the instructions on the cover of the test booklet.
- Do some planning before writing the essay; you will be instructed to do your pre-writing in your Writing Test booklet. You can refer to these notes as you write the essay on the lined pages in your answer folder.
- Do not skip lines and do not write in the margins. Write your essay legibly, in English, with a No. 2 pencil. Do not use ink, a mechanical pencil, or correction fluid.
- Carefully consider the prompt and make sure you understand the issue—reread it if you aren't sure.
- Decide what perspective you want to take on the issue.
- Then jot down your ideas: this might simply be a list of reasons and examples that you will use to explain your point of view on the issue.
- Write down what you think others might say in opposition to your point of view and think about how you would refute their arguments.
- Think of how best to organize your essay.
- At the beginning of your essay, make sure readers will see that you understand the issue. Explain your point of view in a clear and logical way.
- Stay focused on the topic.
- Discuss the issue in a broader context or evaluate the implications or complications of the issue.
- Address what others might say to refute your point of view and present a counterargument.
- Use specific examples.
- Vary the structure of your sentences, and use varied and precise word choices.
- Make logical relationships clear by using transitional words and phrases.
- End with a strong conclusion that summarizes or reinforces your position.
- If possible, before time is called, recheck your work:
- Correct any mistakes in grammar, usage, punctuation, and spelling.
- If you find any words that are hard to read, recopy them so your readers can read them easily.
- Make any corrections and revisions neatly, between the lines (but not in the margins).
Sample Prompt
Educators debate extending high school to five years because of increasing demands on students from employers and colleges to participate in extracurricular activities and community service in addition to having high grades. Some educators support extending high school to five years because they think students need more time to achieve all that is expected of them. Other educators do not support extending high school to five years because they think students would lose interest in school and attendance would drop in the fifth year. In your opinion, should high school be extended to five years?
In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
Building Writing Skills
- Read and write frequently. Read as much as you can from a variety of sources, including plays, essays, fiction, poetry, news stories, business writing and magazine features.
- Become familiar with current issues in society and develop your own opinions on the issues. Think of arguments you would use to convince someone of your opinion. Taking speech and debate classes can help you think through issues and communicate them to others.
- Practice writing in different formats and in as many real situations as possible. Write letters to the editor, or letters to a company requesting information.
- Try some writing in extracurricular activities. School newspapers, yearbooks, and creative writing clubs offer opportunities to express ideas in writing.
- Share your writing with others and get feedback. Feedback helps you anticipate how readers might interpret your writing and what types of questions they might have. This can help you anticipate what a reader might want to know.
- Learn to see writing as a process—brainstorming, planning, writing and then editing. This applies to all writing activities.
- Listen to the advice your English teacher gives you about your writing.
- Strive for your writing to be well developed and well organized, using precise, clear and concise language.
- Remember that everyone can improve writing skills. Confidence and skill will grow with the more writing you do. Practice and work lead to achievement.