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Writing Tips for the PSSA

• Create a rough draft for ALL writing prompts!

–E.g. some type of graphic organizer!

• Carefully read over your graphic organizer BEFORE you begin writing to ensure that all content is accurate and makes sense.

• Go through and proofread each paragraph as you complete it. Don’t wait until the end!

REMEMBER:

• EVERY essay needs an introductionand a concluding paragraph.

• What is in the middle (the body paragraphs) depends on what you’re asked to do!

– If citing a text: Include a quote (C) and an explanation (E).

– If not citing a text: Include your reason or claim (C) and an explanation (E).

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What type of writing is this?

• Expository writing

• Goal: to provide information about a given topic using evidence to support the information that is being provided

• What structure will I use to answer this type of question?

• ICER essay - Break your ICER paragraph into separate paragraphs!!

– I – Introductory paragraph

– C/E – Body paragraph

– C/E – Body paragraph

– C/E – Body paragraph

– R – Conclusion paragraph

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• Turn your answer into at least two sentences!

– Write a broad statement about the topic. (1-2 sentences)

• Broad statement = a general statement about your topic

– Write your thesis statement (1 sentence) that includes points to support your answer…these will be the topics of your body paragraphs (C/E’s)

Example prompt:

Identify the central theme in “The Treasure of Lemon Brown” and use two examples from the text to support your answer.

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Authors write stories not only to entertain the reader but also to deliver a message. Theme is the message the author intends the reader to take away from a story. After reading “The Treasure of Lemon Brown” by Walter Dean Myers, it is evident that the central theme in the story, sentimental treasures are more valuable than materialistic treasures, is developed through Lemon Brown’s actions and symbolism.

Broad statement

Thesis statement

• Take each C and E and make it a paragraph!

• Begin each paragraph with an appropriate transition!

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First, the author writes, “…. Quote…” The central theme in the story is sentimental treasures are more valuable than materialistic treasures because Lemon Brown put his life in danger to protect his treasure…..

Additionally, the author writes, “ ….. Quote….” The central theme in the story is sentimental treasures are more valuable than materialistic treasures because Lemon Brown’s treasure was not just a harmonica and newspaper clippings, it represented his love for his son…..Lemon’s treasure as a symbol can be supported because of the author’s description of…

Transition Joining element Quote from text

2-4+ sentence explanation

Transition Joining elementQuote from text

2-4+ sentence explanation

• Begin with an appropriate transition and re-state your question/answer.

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Therefore, the central theme in the story “The Treasure of Lemon Brown” by Walter Dean Myers is sentimental treasures are more valuable than materialistic treasures. The author effectively develops this theme through Lemon Brown’s actions and the symbolic meaning of his treasure.

Re-state entire question and answer

Don’t forget title and author!!!

Transition!!

What type of writing is this?

• Expository writing

• Goal: to provide information about a given topic using evidence to support the information that is being provided

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• What structure will I use to answer this type of question?

• ICER essay • Repeat C/E for every example/point you

need to provide. If you’re not given a number, give at least two!– I – Introductory paragraph

• Includes (in this order): Attention grabber + broad statement + thesis

– C/E – Body paragraph– C/E – Body paragraph– R – Conclusion paragraph

• TDA question vs. informative / explanatory question:

– What is the difference?

• TDA question will have a passage/reading to go along with it, which means you need to back up your answer with an example/quote from the text!

• Informative/explanatory prompt will NOT have a passage/reading to go along with it…NO EXAMPLE/QUOTE! You have to give information from your own brain!!! Also, you will begin with an attention grabber!

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Example Prompt:

What are three skills that a successful student needs to possess?

• Turn your answer into at least three sentences!

• Order in your introductory paragraph:

– Write an attention grabber. (1-2 sentences)

– Write a broad statement about the topic. (1 sentence)

– Write your thesis statement that includes your examples/points (1 sentence

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Frankie can’t wait to share the great news with his mom. He has just aced his math test and is looking forward to dinner at his favorite restaurant as a reward. Many students have the desire to do well in school but lack the necessary skills. Three skills a successful student should possess are organizational skills, time management skills, and communication skills.

• Take each C and E and make it a paragraph!

• Begin each paragraph with an appropriate transition!

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First, a successful student should possess organizational skills because…

Additionally, a successful student should possess time management skills because…

Finally, a successful student should possess communication skills because…

• Begin with an appropriate transition and re-state your question/answer.

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In summary, in order to be a successful student, one should possess organizational, time management, and communication skills. These skills will not only help you to become a successful student but also help you throughout the rest of your life.

Transition!!

Re-state entire question and answer

You already have a page on this in the WRITING section of your binder!

… And we’ve been talking about it for the past WEEK!!!

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• This is where you tell a story! • Develop a central conflict

that drives the plot of your story!

• Make sure the parts of your plot are clear

• Make sure it is a clear beginning, middle and end!

PSSA RUBRICS

• Let’s look at each of the four different writing rubrics!

• These are VERY important!!!

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Answer a question using clear and specific examples to support your response!

Answer a question using evidence from the text to support your response!

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Support your views on a topic with detailed and clearly explained claims.

Use plot mountain to TELL A STORY!