Some Words of Encouragement

Success on the North Carolina Writing Test

Show Your Expertise

When you are writing to inform your readers it is important for you to write about something you know and understand.

Show Your Expertise

This can be difficult when you are assigned a topic; however, you should always try to make a personal connection with the topic. Once you make a personal connection, you turn the topic into something you know about.

Show Your Expertise

If the topic is an issue, find a personal connection from your own experience.

If the topic is an idea, think about what it means to you personally.

Show Your Expertise

You may use the information in the introductory text to support your writing. You should also use information from other sources such as the internet, reading, family discussions, class discussions, etc.

Show Your Expertise

Whatever information you choose to use must be relevant to the topic.

Write a Strong Opening

Some examples of strong openings are:Use an example State a fact or opinion Use a definition Ask a question Challenge your readers

Write a Clear, Unified BodyOne way to make sure your writing is

organized is to use topic sentences in each paragraph. All of your details should support and clarify your topic sentence. You can write your topic sentence anywhere in the paragraph, it doesn’t have to be the first sentence.

Write a Clear, Unified Body

Use good transitions to help your reader connect your ideas, support and

elaboration

Write a Clear, Unified Body

Some examples of transitions are: However Next Though Soon Consequently Therefore As a result In addition to

Write a Strong Conclusion

You need to return to what you have already written in your closing, but avoid simply rephrasing your opening. Be creative here. Give your reader something to think about. You can employ some of the same types of strategies as listed in writing a strong opening. Most importantly, write something that will make your paper memorable.