Today we looked at the SAT scoring rubric on which I will assess the timed writing tomorrow. We then examined sample essays from the SAT and tried to grade them according to the rubric. In essence, the College Board and most English teachers are looking for mastery of these skills: crafting an articulate (and hopefully original) argument, using evidence to support that argument, and then explaining how that evidence supports the argument. A student's grade is based on the extent to which he/she can execute these skills.
The following is a review of what students know should go into an essay:
INTRODUCTION
An introduction may contain:
• an attention-getting narrative, quote, question or other piece of info (the hook)
• adequate background about the essay topic
• important definitions
• a clear thesis statement (be sure this is an argument, or something that can be proved)
BODY PARAGRAPHS
Each body paragraph should contain:
• an argumentative or interpretive topic sentence
• one main idea that is a part of your thesis
• explain the reasons for your opinion or argument
• a concluding or transitional sentence
CONCLUSION:
A conclusion may contain:
• a summary of the main points of your essay
• a return to the hook in the introduction to frame the essay
• the placement of your argument in a larger context of greater significance
• a question or quote to provoke the reader
GRAMMAR AND MECHANICS
• titles indicated correctly
• each sentence should have a least a subject and a verb
• periods at the ends of sentences
• discussion of literature in the present tense
• transitional phrases between points (for example, specifically, however, furthermore, similarly, finally, etc.)
Last bit of advice: Keep to the four P's of timed writing. Read and understand the PROMPT. PLAN and collect your ideas (on paper). PRODUCE your essay. PROOFREAD your essay for consistency and errors.
HOMEWORK: Read and mark up Kindred. See yesterday's post for specifics.
