Transcript Session 3: Writing Conventions and Writing Strategies Test-Taking Tips # 3

Session 3: Writing Conventions
and Writing Strategies






Test-Taking Tips # 3
Writing on the CAHSEE
Writing Strategies
Writing Conventions
Writing Applications (CAHSEE
Essay Writing)
Structure of a 5-Paragraph Essay
Test-Taking Tips #3
 Make a plan when you first get your test.
 Some people like to do the easy questions first, some like to get the
hard ones out of the way. You have to stay within the section, but you
can do the questions in the section in any order you wish.
 Come to the test prepared by studying this guide, and be
confident that you can pass!
 On Writing Conventions questions (grammar and usage), trust
your ear.
 Read the sentence choices aloud in your head to decide which one
sounds correct.
 Try not to second-guess yourself. Unless you’re sure you made a
mistake, don’t over think and change a lot of questions.
What is the purpose of writing?
To communicate an idea
To express emotions
To entertain
To explain
To persuade (convince)
To describe
To respond to literature
Any others??
CAHSEE Writing
27 Multiple-Choice writing questions total
1 Essay Questions
There are three strands:
Writing Strategies
Writing Conventions
Writing Applications
CAHSEE Writing
Writing Strategies
•12 test questions that ask you to find and correct errors
and choose better words and phrases. They are based on a
rough draft of an essay or article. .
•In this section, you do not have to write any essays, but
you have to answer multiple choice questions about
editing and revising essays.
•Questions may begin, “which sentence would best begin
this essay” or “which of the following sentences do not fit
well in the paragraph”
Writing Strategies Tips
 Read the questions CAREFULLY. The test will often
have the important word in ALL CAPITALS.
 Exp: “Which of the following word is the BEST substitution for
the word “employees” in sentence 1?”
 Study the rules of grammar provided here, and think
of what a teacher with a red pen may choose. The
test is looking for standard English grammar,
spelling, and sentence structure.
 Study the following information on combining
sentences carefully. There are typically a few
questions about combining sentences.
Combining Sentences
Sentences can be combined by
using three punctuation marks:
the hyphen (-), the colon (:), the semi-colon (;).
(You can also use coordinating conjunctions
(for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so—F.A.N.B.O.Y.S.!!!)
to combine clauses that are
grammatically parallel
(the same order of word types).
Combining Sentences
A colon (:)
is also used to add more information
and especially to list things after the colon.
What follows a colon may be a clause (She is a
great dancer: she practices ballet, salsa and hiphop.) or a group of words that cannot stand by
themselves (She practices many types of dance:
ballet, salsa and hip-hop.)
Combining Sentences
A semi-colon (;)
is used to connect clauses and is the
most important punctuation mark for combining
sentences.
It can be used alone to connect clauses
(She is beautiful; her eyes shine like diamonds.)
It can also be used to connect clauses together with
special linking words such as however, moreover,
therefore.
Combining Sentences
Sample Question: Choose the answer that is the
most effective substitute for each underlined
part of the sentence. If no substitution is
necessary, choose “Leave as is.”
I expect you to finish the work by three,
however, if it takes longer, call me.
(A) three however, if it takes longer, call me.
(B) three: however, if it takes longer, call me.
(C) three; however, if it takes longer, call me.
(D) Leave as is.
Combining Sentences
Solution: What punctuation mark joins the two
thoughts into one sentence?
A semicolon joins them, since they are both
independent clauses that stand on their own but
are related.
The semi-colon prevents run-ons if used correctly.
The correct answer is (C).
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
three however, if it takes longer, call me.
three: however, if it takes longer, call me.
three; however, if it takes longer, call me.
Leave as is.
Main Ideas and
Supporting Details
see p. 173
In the Writing Strategies questions, you may have to identify
main ideas and supporting details.
Topic-Subject of a piece of writing
Main Idea- The most important idea the writer
expresses about this topic
Supporting Details-The facts, examples,
statistics, or concepts that back up the main
idea.
Thesis Statement
see p. 173 (we will also talk about this next time when we
write essays)
 A topic sentence, usually at the end of the first
paragraph, that controls the entire essay. In other
words, the thesis statement is the point you are trying
to prove in your essay.
 Example thesis statement: “Most students dislike
writing essays because they would rather be doing
exciting science experiments, reading poetry, or
playing sports.”
Writing Conventions
15 test questions that test your
understanding of grammar
and your knowledge in the
mechanics of punctuation
(e.g. semicolons, colons, ellipses, hyphens).
You will also have to identify and use clauses and
understand sentence construction (parallel structure,
proper placement of modifiers, etc.).
Grammar Review
The test will not ask you directly about the “parts of speech”, but
they are important in order to understand
 Noun: person, place, or thing (dog, New York, OFL)
 Verb: action word (talk, study, run)
 Adjective: word that describes (happy, bright, fast)
 Adverb: a word that modifies a verb, an adjective, another
adverb; usually ends in ‘-ly’ (happily, very, slowly)
 Subject: the subject is the part of the sentence (usually a
noun) that performs the action. (she gave me the book;
the dog slept)
 Predicate: the part of the sentence that is not the subject
(she gave me the book; the dog slept)
Subject+ Predicate=complete sentence
Grammar Review: Clauses
see p. 194
 A clause is a group of words that has a verb and a subject. Some are
complete sentences, but others need to be linked to another clause to
make sense.
Independent (Main) Clause: a complete thought, and can
stand alone as a sentence or be linked to another clause.
Exp: People had to keep a fire going all the time.
Dependent (Subordinate) Clause: does not express a
complete idea, so it has to be linked to the independent clause.
Exp: Before matches made it easy to start a fire
Complete sentence using both types of clauses:
Before matches made it easy to start a fire, People had to
keep a fire going all the time.
Grammar Review: Punctuation
see p. 194-195

Semicolon: used between independent clauses without
conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so—
F.A.N.B.O.Y.S.!!!)
Exp: Fire is our good friend; fire is our deadly enemy.

Colon: used between independent clauses when the second
clause explains the first or provides a list.
Exp: Fire is important: it heats our home and our food.

Ellipses: three spaced dots, show that something has been
omitted (left out)
Exp: The firefighter said, “It’s really dangerous…but we have the blaze under
control.”

Hyphen: Used in some compound adjectives, numbers, and
prefixes.
Exp: The well-organized squad of twenty-four firefighters are pro-American.
Grammar Review: Sentence
construction and usage
see p. 198
Parallel structure
Subordination
Proper placement of modifiers
Consistency of tenses
Talk to the Text in your Measure Up book and
discuss with the class
Grammar Review: Proofreading
see p. 202
 Usage
 Structure
 Diction
 Grammar
 Mechanics
Talk to the Text in your Measure Up book and
discuss with the class
CAHSEE Writing
Writing Application
On the writing portion of the
CAHSEE exam, you will be given a
“Writing Task” which is one essay question.
You may be asked to do one of the following:
Biographical Narrative
Response to Literature
Expository Essay
Persuasive Essay
Business Letter
Biographical Narrative
see p. 210
Tells the story from the life of a real
person.
Often, this type of CAHSEE essay
question will ask you to write about
someone who is important in your life.
Response to Literature
see p. 214
You read a (literature) text and are asked
to respond (write an essay) based on a
question regarding that passage.
This type of question asks that you first
comprehend the text, then write about it (use TtT
and chunking!).
Expository Essay
see p. 219
Expository essays (also called
compositions) are most often nonfiction,
meaning that it deals with real people,
things, events and places.
The question may ask you to write about an
important moment in history or technology,
or a question about school.
Persuasive Essay
see p. 223
A persuasive essay (or composition) asks you to
defend a position or argue for your side of an
issue about which people disagree.
A sample question may ask you to write an essay for your school
paper in which you convince the readers of the importance of
volunteer hours as a graduation requirement or a convincing essay
about whether or not there should be art and music in school.
The readers want you to think about the other side of the argument and
keep that in mind as you defend your ideas
see p. 227
Business Letter
A Business Letter is a formal
correspondence about a business related
matter.
When you’re writing a business letter,
your purpose may be
•to apply for a job
• to complain
•to request information
•Etc.
Business Letter (continued)
See p. 228 for an example of format
Besides the way it looks, treat the business
letter pretty much the same way you would
treat an essay. It should include:
Salutation
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
Signature
CAHSEE Essay Writing
#1. Remember
Make sure to answer all parts
of the writing task.
If the question is asking you to describe
the main characters decisions and
emotions,
make sure to address both.
CAHSEE Essay Writing
# 2. Remember
Make sure you have the correct five-paragraph essay
structure with a strong introduction, three body
paragraphs, and conclusion.
Use specific details and examples from the passage to
demonstrate your understanding of the main idea’s
and the author’s purpose.
Vary your sentences to make your writing more
interesting.
CAHSEE Essay Writing
# 3. Remember
Real people (usually teachers) are hired by the
testing company to grade essays.
They read a lot of essays, give it a score (1
through 4) quickly, and two grader’s scores are
combined for your final score.
Make your essay easy to read both in terms of
the structure, and in terms of handwriting. If
the grader has to struggle to read your essay,
they can’t pay attention to your great ideas!
Your CAHSE Essay Should Include
Five strong paragraphs (at least four sentences)
A thesis statement at the end of the
introduction paragraph
Clear main ideas
Supporting evidence
Understandable writing
Clearly written (check your handwriting!)
Good (enough) spelling
Clear grammar
How should my essay look?
Introduction
Body paragraph 1
Body paragraph 2
Body paragraph 3
Conclusion
Kind of like a hamburger….
Introduction
Body Paragraph 1
Body Paragraph 2
Body Paragraph 3
Conclusion
Stay Tuned….
We will go over more information about
writing essays next time, and you will practice
with the help of your classmates and your
teacher.
For now, follow the structure described as well
as you can when you respond to the essay
assigned for tonight’s homework! (page 212)
Homework Due Next Session


Page, 167-170, 174-176, 196-197, 204206, Measuring Up
Do your best to respond to the essay
topic on page 212. We will go over it in
class.




Use p. 211 as a model
Use everything we have learned so far about
essay structure
Write at least 5 paragraphs
Vocabulary Flashcards for all bolded
words p. 167-202
Session 3: Writing Conventions
and Writing Strategies






Test-Taking Tips # 3
Writing on the CAHSEE
Writing Strategies
Writing Conventions
Writing Applications (CAHSEE
Essay Writing)
Structure of a 5-Paragraph Essay
Test-Taking Tips #3

Make a plan when you first get your test.



Some people like to do the easy questions first,
some like to get the hard ones out of the way. You
have to stay within the section, but you can do the
questions in the section in any order you wish.
Come to the test prepared by studying this
guide, and be confident that you can pass!
On Writing Conventions questions (grammar
and usage), trust your ear.


Read the sentence choices aloud in your head to
decide which one sounds correct.
Try not to second-guess yourself. Unless you’re
sure you made a mistake, don’t over think and
change a lot of questions.
What is the purpose of
writing?








To communicate an idea
To express emotions
To entertain
To explain
To persuade (convince)
To describe
To respond to literature
Any others??
CAHSEE Writing


27 Multiple-Choice writing
questions total
1 Essay Questions
There are three strands:
Writing Strategies
Writing Conventions
Writing Applications
CAHSEE Writing
Writing Strategies
•12 test questions that ask you to find and correct errors
and choose better words and phrases. They are based on a
rough draft of an essay or article. .
•In this section, you do not have to write any essays, but
you have to answer multiple choice questions about
editing and revising essays.
•Questions may begin, “which sentence would best begin
this essay” or “which of the following sentences do not fit
well in the paragraph”
Writing Strategies Tips

Read the questions CAREFULLY. The test will often
have the important word in ALL CAPITALS.



Exp: “Which of the following word is the BEST substitution
for the word “employees” in sentence 1?”
Study the rules of grammar provided here, and think
of what a teacher with a red pen may choose. The
test is looking for standard English grammar,
spelling, and sentence structure.
Study the following information on combining
sentences carefully. There are typically a few
questions about combining sentences.
Combining Sentences
Sentences can be combined by
using three punctuation marks:
the hyphen (-), the colon (:), the semi-colon (;).
(You can also use coordinating conjunctions
(for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so—F.A.N.B.O.Y.S.!!!)
to combine clauses that are
grammatically parallel
(the same order of word types).
Combining Sentences
A colon (:)
is also used to add more information
and especially to list things after the colon.
What follows a colon may be a clause (She is a
great dancer: she practices ballet, salsa and hiphop.) or a group of words that cannot stand by
themselves (She practices many types of dance:
ballet, salsa and hip-hop.)
Combining Sentences
A semi-colon (;)
is used to connect clauses and is the
most important punctuation mark for combining
sentences.
It can be used alone to connect clauses
(She is beautiful; her eyes shine like diamonds.)
It can also be used to connect clauses together with
special linking words such as however, moreover,
therefore.
Combining Sentences
Sample Question: Choose the answer that is the
most effective substitute for each underlined
part of the sentence. If no substitution is
necessary, choose “Leave as is.”
I expect you to finish the work by three,
however, if it takes longer, call me.
(A) three however, if it takes longer, call me.
(B) three: however, if it takes longer, call me.
(C) three; however, if it takes longer, call me.
(D) Leave as is.
Combining Sentences
Solution: What punctuation mark joins the two
thoughts into one sentence?
A semicolon joins them, since they are both
independent clauses that stand on their own but
are related.
The semi-colon prevents run-ons if used correctly.
The correct answer is (C).
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
three however, if it takes longer, call me.
three: however, if it takes longer, call me.
three; however, if it takes longer, call me.
Leave as is.
Main Ideas and
Supporting Details
see p. 173
In the Writing Strategies questions, you may have to identify
main ideas and supporting details.



Topic-Subject of a piece of writing
Main Idea- The most important idea the writer
expresses about this topic
Supporting Details-The facts, examples,
statistics, or concepts that back up the main
idea.
Thesis Statement
see p. 173 (we will also talk about this next
time when we write essays)


A topic sentence, usually at the end of
the first paragraph, that controls the
entire essay. In other words, the thesis
statement is the point you are trying to
prove in your essay.
Example thesis statement: “Most
students dislike writing essays because
they would rather be doing exciting
science experiments, reading poetry, or
playing sports.”
Writing Conventions
15 test questions that test your
understanding of grammar
and your knowledge in the
mechanics of punctuation
(e.g. semicolons, colons, ellipses,
hyphens).
You will also have to identify and use
clauses and understand sentence
construction (parallel structure, proper
placement of modifiers, etc.).
Grammar Review
The test will not ask you directly about the “parts of speech”, but
they are important in order to understand






Noun: person, place, or thing (dog, New York, OFL)
Verb: action word (talk, study, run)
Adjective: word that describes (happy, bright, fast)
Adverb: a word that modifies a verb, an adjective, another
adverb; usually ends in ‘-ly’ (happily, very, slowly)
Subject: the subject is the part of the sentence (usually a
noun) that performs the action. (she gave me the book;
the dog slept)
Predicate: the part of the sentence that is not the subject
(she gave me the book; the dog slept)
Subject+ Predicate=complete sentence
Grammar Review:
Clauses
see p. 194
 A clause is a group of words that has a verb and a subject. Some are
complete sentences, but others need to be linked to another clause to
make sense.


Independent (Main) Clause: a complete thought, and
can stand alone as a sentence or be linked to another
clause.

Exp: People had to keep a fire going all the time.

Exp: Before matches made it easy to start a fire
Dependent (Subordinate) Clause: does not express
a complete idea, so it has to be linked to the independent
clause.
Complete sentence using both types of clauses:
Before matches made it easy to start a fire, People had
to keep a fire going all the time.
Grammar Review:
Punctuation
see p. 194-195

Semicolon: used between independent clauses without
conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so—
F.A.N.B.O.Y.S.!!!)
Exp: Fire is our good friend; fire is our deadly enemy.

Colon: used between independent clauses when the second
clause explains the first or provides a list.
Exp: Fire is important: it heats our home and our food.

Ellipses: three spaced dots, show that something has been
omitted (left out)
Exp: The firefighter said, “It’s really dangerous…but we have the blaze under
control.”

Hyphen: Used in some compound adjectives, numbers, and
prefixes.
Exp: The well-organized squad of twenty-four firefighters are pro-American.
Grammar Review: Sentence
construction and usage
see p. 198
 Parallel structure
 Subordination
 Proper placement of modifiers
 Consistency of tenses
Talk to the Text in your Measure
Up book and discuss with the
class
Grammar Review:
Proofreading
see p. 202





Usage
Structure
Diction
Grammar
Mechanics
Talk to the Text in your Measure Up
book and discuss with the class
CAHSEE Writing
Writing Application
On the writing portion of the
CAHSEE exam, you will be given a
“Writing Task” which is one essay question.
You may be asked to do one of the following:
Biographical Narrative
Response to Literature
Expository Essay
Persuasive Essay
Business Letter
Biographical Narrative
see p. 210
Tells the story from the life of a real
person.
Often, this type of CAHSEE essay
question will ask you to write about
someone who is important in your life.
Response to Literature
see p. 214
You read a (literature) text and are asked
to respond (write an essay) based on a
question regarding that passage.
This type of question asks that you first
comprehend the text, then write about it (use TtT
and chunking!).
Expository Essay
see p. 219
Expository essays (also called
compositions) are most often nonfiction,
meaning that it deals with real people,
things, events and places.
The question may ask you to write about an
important moment in history or technology,
or a question about school.
Persuasive Essay
see p. 223
A persuasive essay (or composition) asks you to
defend a position or argue for your side of an
issue about which people disagree.
A sample question may ask you to write an essay for your school
paper in which you convince the readers of the importance of
volunteer hours as a graduation requirement or a convincing essay
about whether or not there should be art and music in school.
The readers want you to think about the other side of the argument and
keep that in mind as you defend your ideas
see p. 227
Business Letter
A Business Letter is a formal
correspondence about a business related
matter.
When you’re writing a business letter,
your purpose may be
•to apply for a job
• to complain
•to request information
•Etc.
Business Letter
(continued)


See p. 228 for an example of format
Besides the way it looks, treat the
business letter pretty much the
same way you would treat an essay.
It should include:
Salutation
 Introduction
 Body
 Conclusion
 Signature

CAHSEE Essay Writing
#1. Remember
Make sure to answer all parts
of the writing task.
If the question is asking you to describe
the main characters decisions and
emotions,
make sure to address both.
CAHSEE Essay Writing
# 2. Remember
Make sure you have the correct five-paragraph essay
structure with a strong introduction, three body
paragraphs, and conclusion.
Use specific details and examples from the passage to
demonstrate your understanding of the main idea’s
and the author’s purpose.
Vary your sentences to make your writing more
interesting.
CAHSEE Essay
Writing
# 3. Remember
Real people (usually teachers) are hired by the
testing company to grade essays.
They read a lot of essays, give it a score (1
through 4) quickly, and two grader’s scores are
combined for your final score.
Make your essay easy to read both in terms of
the structure, and in terms of handwriting. If
the grader has to struggle to read your essay,
they can’t pay attention to your great ideas!
Your CAHSE Essay Should
Include





Five strong paragraphs (at least
four sentences)
A thesis statement at the end of the
introduction paragraph
Clear main ideas
Supporting evidence
Understandable writing
Clearly written (check your
handwriting!)
 Good (enough) spelling
 Clear grammar

How should my essay look?
Introduction
Body paragraph 1
Body paragraph 2
Body paragraph 3
Conclusion
Kind of like a hamburger….
Introduction
Body Paragraph 1
Body Paragraph 2
Body Paragraph 3
Conclusion
Stay Tuned….


We will go over more information
about writing essays next time, and
you will practice with the help of
your classmates and your teacher.
For now, follow the structure
described as well as you can when
you respond to the essay assigned
for tonight’s homework! (page
212)
Homework Due Next Session


Page, 167-170, 174-176, 196-197, 204206, Measuring Up
Do your best to respond to the essay
topic on page 212. We will go over it in
class.




Use p. 211 as a model
Use everything we have learned so far about
essay structure
Write at least 5 paragraphs
Vocabulary Flashcards for all bolded
words p. 167-202