The Do's and the do not's...
Is
there a formula to the writing test?
Yes, there is. There are certain elements that scorers look at while grading:
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So, how long should your paper be? Although there are no set in stone rules, a general guideline for length would be 4 sentences for your introduction, 7 for your first reason, 7 for your second reason, 7 for your third reason, and 5 for your conclusion. I encourage my students to memorize this number, but to keep in mind that it is merely an estimate. If you have the correct number of sentences you can still score a 2 or below. Always strive for quality in your sentences.
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Many scorers look for your first and third reasons to be the strongest. When planning, you should try to arrange your reasons so that your third is the most powerful.
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Solid introductions and conclusions are a must. Be careful writing your introduction! Scorers look for hook sentences that relate to the topic. If you have a hook and it is unrelated to the prompt, it's no good. Memorize this statement - restating the prompt is not a hook sentence!
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There are several different strategies for starting off your introductory paragraph. Here are a few:
Use a startling statistic - Example: Did you know that kids lose an average of 40-50% of the knowledge they have learned during the school year over summer break? This is why I am in favor of all schools becoming year-round.
Create a definition introduction - Example: Friend. The word friend means many things to many people. To me, a friend is someone who you have many things in common with, someone who will always stick up for you, and someone who is a good listener. My best friend Juliet possess all of these qualities.
Use a quote - Example: "A good friend is hard to find." I think that this quote is very true. That is why I am glad I have a best friend like Juliet. Juliet is my best friend because she always sticks up for me and we have many things in common. Most importantly, she is always there to listen to me no matter what.
Start it off simple - use starters like From my point of view..., It is my belief..., there is no doubt about it... - Example: It is my belief that students should have an hour for lunch break instead of the 20 to 30 minutes we have now.
*Note: These are merely suggestions - do what works for you!
Here
are list of my favorite writing tips for the NC State writing test:
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Build a list of strong vocabulary. What words are strong? Words like zoomed, floated, tumbled.
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When planning, read your prompt carefully. Some find it helpful to underline or circle important words.
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Develop a solid beginning.
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You might want to try using some "sound words." Sound words (or as English teachers like to call them onomatopoeia) are awesome. However, you should only use them if it is appropriate to do so - Knock! Knock! Jackpot! Ring! Ring! Splash! Brrrrr! Exclamation sentences are also great.
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Develop a strong ending. Endings should not merely restate the prompt or the first sentence of paragraph 1.
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Use some figurative language, but be careful not to overuse.
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Avoid listing.
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Plan. Plan. Plan. Planning helps get you in the writing "zone." By planning, especially planning out the details for your reasons, you lessen your chance of having insufficient elaboration. When you plan, you can figure out which reasons will generate the most details.
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Do not use contractions! Spell out do not, cannot, will not in full.
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If you get frustrated, take a deep breath and relax.
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Indent. Indent. Indent. All paragraphs should be indented.
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Do not skip lines between your paragraphs.
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Do not go below the last ruled line on your page.
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Start on the top line of your page.