All writing should . . .

• address all parts of the prompt
• show a clear understanding of purpose and audience
• use consistent point of view
• be focused and organized
• effectively use transitional words and phrases

All writing should include . . .

• a clearly presented main idea
• relevant facts, details, and/or explanations
• a variety of sentence types
• few errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, or capitalization

Fictional Narrative writing should include. . .

• a thoroughly developed plot line (conflict, rising action, climax, resolution)
• clear, consistent point of view
• major and minor characters
• a definite setting
• appropriate strategies such as suspense, action, and dialogue

Autobiographical Narrative writing should include . . .

• everything that a fictional narrative has PLUS . . .
• a story about an incident, event, or situation that was significant to you
• your feelings and/or insights about the event
• a conclusion that clearly reveals why this event was meaningful to you

Summary writing should include . . .

• the main ideas and significant details of the test in a logical order
• writing in your own words
• brief, relevant quotes from the source material to clarify or emphasize a point
• evidence tha you understand the underlying meaining of the article

Persuasive writing should include . . .

• a clearly stated thesis statement
• logical reasos to support your thesis
• relevant examples and evidence to support you opinion
• addressing of readers' concerns and counterarguments

Response to Literature should include . . .

• evidence of a thoughtful understanding of the text
• accurate and clear interpretations
• specific examples and details from the text to support your thesis
• a balance between retelling important events and analysis

On test day . . .

• BREATHE! - You can do this!!
• Read the prompt carefully.
• Keep an eye on the clock and budget your time
• Think of other writing that you've done that's similar to what you're being asked to do
• PLAN, PLAN, PLAN!
• PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD!
• Ask for more time if you need it.