FCAT Writing:Scoring and

Writing like a Pro!

Take Notes!!You will be taking 2 column notes during this presentation.

Slide Name / Number 3 Notable Details(copy the slide’s title here) (list 3 important

details from the slide here)

EXAMPLE:

Slide Name / Number 3 Notable Details

1) Take Two Column Notes!!1. I have to take two column notes2. On the left column, I need to

write down the slide’s title3. On the right column, I need to list

at least 3 notable, or important, details pertaining to that slide

How is My Essay Scored?Essay scorers use a HOLISTIC

approach when scoring student essays.

What does HOLISTIC mean?

Holistic ScoringScorers consider the integration

of four writing elements in order to develop a score that results in greater attention to the writer’s

message, staying closer to what is essential in realistic

communication.

What are the four writing elements?

The Four Writing ElementsFocus

OrganizationSupport

Conventions

What do these words mean to you?

1. FOCUSHow clearly the paper presents and maintains a main idea, theme, or

unifying point

LOW Scores HIGH ScoresMay contain

information that is loosely related,

extraneous, or both

Demonstrate a consistent awareness of the topic and avoid

loosely related or extraneous information

HOW to identify FOCUSKey Words to Look For

Original Persuasive Essay Writing Prompt:

In many schools, students raise money for school activities. Think about how you feel about schools asking students to raise money for school activities. Now write to convince the school board whether or not schools should ask students to raise money for school activities.

2. ORGANIZATION

The structure or plan of development (beginning, middle, end) and the

relationship of one point to another. Also refers to the use of transitional devices.

LOW Scores HIGH ScoresMay lack or misuse an organization plan or transitional devices

Demonstrate an effective organizational plan

HOW to identify ORGANIZATION

Key Points

3. SUPPORTThe quality of details used to explain, clarify, or define. Is dependent on word choice, specificity, depth, relevance,

and thoroughness.

LOW Scores HIGH ScoresLittle, if any, development of support, such as a bare list of events or reasons, or support

extended by a detail

Elaborate examples are provided, and the relationship between the supporting ideas

and the topic is clear

FactsIncidentsReasons

Examples/EvidenceStatistics

FactsReasonsIncidentsExamples/EvidenceStatistics

HOW to identify SUPPORT

How to Identify Support

4. CONVENTIONSRefers to punctuation, capitalization,

spelling, usage, and sentence structure

LOW Scores HIGH ScoresFrequent or blatant errors in punctuation, capitalization,

spelling, and usage, and may have little variation in

sentence structure

Follow the basic conventions of punctuation, capitalization,

spelling, and usage, and various sentence structures

are used throughout

HOW to IDENTIFY CONVENTIONS

Correct Use of Conventions

Errors in Conventions

Let’s Score our Essays!

Step 1: Identify and HighlightFOCUS: highlight points throughout

the paper relating to focus in YELLOW

ORGANIZATION: highlight points throughout the paper relating to organization in PINK

SUPPORT: highlight points throughout the paper relating to support in BLUE

CONVENTIONS: highlight points throughout the paper relating to conventions in GREEN

You have 10 Minutes

Step 2: Score Individual ElementsUsing the rubric, assign a score for each of the four writing elements based on the individual descriptions and how they apply to the paper.

(Use what you highlighted to help you identify and pinpoint the specific elements as present throughout the writing)

10 Minutes

Step 3: Find the Final ScoreTo obtain the overall paper’s score,

find the averageof the individual element scores by adding them

together and then dividing by four.

3 Minutes

Step 4: T.A.G. the Papersubstantiate your reasoning behind the scores you gave

provide feedback that the writer can use to improve his/her writing

reinforce what you already know about the writing and scoring process associated with FCAT writing

Tpoint out what is positive or good about the writing

Aask for clarity or point

out something that needs improvement

Ggive suggestions on how to improve the writing

5 Minutes