A Parent’s Look at

the 8TH Grade Gateway that awaits your child

2

What is the Gateway Writing Test What is the difference between Expository

and Persuasive writing? How have the students been prepared? What can parents do over the next two

months to help prepare for the test?

Two types of writing Expository Persuasive

For 8th grade students ONLY NO CHOICE in the style of writing 100 minutes – start to finish Follows the writing process Must pass the test for promotion

Spring opportunity for retake if neededRemediation classes will be offered in the

spring if needed

What are the two types of writing?

A. Expository & Persuasive

B. Expository & Descriptive

C. Persuasive & Narrative

D. Narrative & Expository

Exposit

ory & Persu

asive

Exposit

ory & D

escriptive

Persuasiv

e & N

arrative

Narrative &

Expository

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How many minutes are students given during the writing test to complete their writing?

A. 60B. 80C. 90D. 100

60 80 90100

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8th Grade students must pass the Gateway Writing Test is a promotion criteria.

TrueFalse

True

False

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Expository – INFORM – Writing

I deas developed with explanationsN eeds specific details and examplesF ully develops the topicO rganizational strategyR eader’s interest through strong voiceM ulti-paragraph writing

Persuasive – PERSUADE – Writing

P ositionE motional and/or logical appealR eader engagementS pecific facts or personal experienceU se precise languageA nticipate audience concernsD efend your positionE ffective arguments

TrueFalse

True

False

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False

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•Controlling idea•Supporting idea•Major details•Specific examples and elaboration

•Supporting ideas (relevant)•Relevance of detail•Depth of development•Awareness of Genre

•Overall Plan•Introduction/Body/Conclusion•Sequence of Ideas•Grouping of Ideas •Expository or Persuasive Strategies•Transitions

•Word Choice•Audience Awareness•Voice•Sentence Variety•Strategies Appropriate to Expository or Persuasive Writing

•SENTENCE FORMATION: correctness, clarity, simple, compound, complex, end punctuation•USAGE: sub-verb agreement, pronoun agreement, standard words•MECHANICS: internal punctuation, spelling, paragraphs, capitalization

DOs to REMEMBER:DOs – that we DO stress that students DO …

•DO write 2 PAGES – front and back – NO SKIPPING LINES – especially between paragraphs•DO know the style of writing and be sure to do it – Expository or Persuasive•DO remember the format for writing a letter•DO read the prompt more than once to understand the writing topic.•DO brainstorm•DO indent all paragraphs •DO make sure all paragraphs are at least 5 sentences•DO make sure writing is 5 or MORE paragraphs•DO write the final copy in BLUE or BLACK ink•DO proofread the final copy – use INSERT or SINGLE STRIKE THROUGH•DO write legibly.- print or cursive – your choice•DO include lots of detail•DO use transition words. •DO check the CRITERIA –

-IDEAS* - DETAILS-ORGANIZATION – PARAGRAPHS – minimum of 5 paragraphs – intro., 3+ body, conclusion-STYLE – VOICE – aka CREATIVITY (adjectives / description)-CONVENTIONS – MECHANICS – spelling, punctuation, paragraphs

•DO have a GOOD, STRONG Introduction •DO MAKE YOUR THESIS statement (main idea) – is your opinion of the topic – without saying “I….”•DO have a GOOD Conclusion •DO make sure the conclusion is DIFFERENT than the intro with a restatement of your opinion /thesis

A. write 1 PAGE B. know the style of writing and be sure to do it –

Expository or PersuasiveC. remember the format for writing a letterD. read the prompt more than once to

understand the writing topic.

E. brainstorm

F. indent all paragraphs

G. include lots of detail

H. MAKE YOUR THESIS statement (main idea) – is your opinion of the topic – without saying “I….”

write 1 PAGE

know the st

yle of writi

ng...

remember t

he form

at fo...

read th

e prompt m

ore th

..

brainstorm

indent all p

aragraphs

include lo

ts of d

etail

MAKE YOUR THESIS

stat..

.

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DON’Ts to REMEMBER: DON’Ts – that we DO stress that students NOT DO …

•DON’T start a sentence with AND or BUT•DON’T repeat the same word over and over•DON’T use “I think…” “I hope you enjoyed…” “I am going to tell you…”•DON’T abbreviate •DON’T use etc.•DON’T use contractions•DON’T write numbers – INSTEAD spell out all numbers 1-100 •DON’T forget to indent all paragraphs – USE a paragraph sign at the

beginning of paragraphs if you forget to indent•DON’T skip lines between paragraphs•DON’T write less than 5 paragraphs•DON’T write off topic•DON’T forget to READ the prompt more than once to understand the topic•DON’T use slang•DON’T introduce yourself … DON’T say “My name is…”•DON’T use the transitions – FIRST, SECOND, THIRD, LAST•DON’T say good bye in the conclusion•DON’T use “THE END”•DON’T use symbols (like 2 for the word “to”)•DON’T draw flowers, circles, or hearts to dot your “i.”

A. start a sentence with AND or BUT

B. repeat the same word over and over

C. use “I think…” “I hope you enjoyed…” “I am going to tell you…”

D. introduce yourself at the beginning of your essay.

E. abbreviate F. use etc.G. use contractionsH. write numbers – INSTEAD

spell out all numbers 1-100

start

a sente

nce w

ith AN...

repeat t

he same w

ord ov..

use “I

think…” “

I hope yo...

introduce

yourse

lf at t

he...

abbrevia

te

use etc.

use co

ntracti

ons

write numbers

– INST

EAD...

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Prepare Yourself to Write•Read the Writing Situation and Directions for Writing carefully.•Brainstorm for ideas.•Decide what ideas to include and how to organize them.•Write only in English.Make Your Paper Meaningful•Use your knowledge and/or personal experiences that are related to the topic.•Explain, clarify, and define your ideas.•Establish a clear controlling idea.•Fully develop your controlling idea with specific, supporting details.•Organize your ideas in a clear and logical order.•Write an expository essay and stay on topic.Make Your Paper Interesting to Read•Think about what would be interesting to the reader.•Use a lively writing voice that shows your interest in the topic. •Use precise, descriptive, vivid words. •Vary the type, structure, and length of your sentences.Make Your Paper Easy to Read•Indent to start a new paragraph.•Use effective transitions.•Write in complete and correct sentences.•Capitalize, spell, and punctuate correctly. •Make sure your subjects and verbs agree.

Student Writing Checklist for Gateway Writing

Writing SituationEighth grade is a transition between middle school and getting ready for high school. Students have many concerns about the expectations and goals the school has for them.

Directions for WritingChoose one concern that you have about eighth grade. Write an essay using specific details and reasons why this is a concern for you and how you might deal with it.

Review the writing process using the strategies and ideas

Review the handouts in this packet with your child.

Choose a prompt to discuss, analyze, brainstorm, and even write with your child

Help your child to prepare for the testing day–

#2 pencils and blue/black pen Good night sleep Eat breakfast (at least on this day) Be present AND on time