Dotti Shelton

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TASP WRITING REVIEW

• Presented by
• Dotti Shelton
• Developmental English Instructor

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2 Portions in Writing Section

• Multiple Choice
• 5 Items of Concern
• Purpose and Audience
• Unity, Focus and
• Development
• Effective Organization
• Effective Sentences
• Edited American English

• Writing Sample
• Scorers look at 6 Items
• Unity and Focus
• Development
• Organization
• Sentence Structure
• Usage
• Mechanical
• Conventions

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The Writing Sample

• Unity and Focus
• Essay has a central idea
• Idea clearly stated
• Maintained throughout essay

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Development

• Central idea must be supported in each body
  paragraph
• Need to provide specific examples, explanations,
  and details
• All information must be relevant and relate to
  the central idea (comes from introduction)

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Organization

• Five paragraph essay
• Thesis in introduction followed by essay map
  (parallelism)
• Topic sentences in each body paragraph
• Relevant details follow
• Conclusion summarizes information in body
  paragraphs
• Transitions between sentences and between
  paragraphs

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Sentence Structures

• Complete sentences
• Write in simple, straightforward English
• Subjects and verbs agree
• Pronouns agree
• Transitions

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Standard English Usage

• Parts of Speech Standard
• Word Choice
• Watch for shifts in person and in time
• Consistency
• Avoid repetition of ideas

• Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives, Adverbs
• Vocabulary
• First, Third, Present, Past, Future
• All of the above, pronouns
• Reread, edit

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Mechanical Conventions

• Spelling
• Punctuation
• Capitalization
• This is the editing part of the writing process

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Purpose and Audience

• Established in the introduction
• Most often, it is an academic audience
• Form of writing
• Usually a persuasive essay
• Choose a side
• Use the strategy provided by your instructor

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Multiple Choice SectionYou will be asked
to read many passages that relate to various
subject matter. Following each passage will be a
series of questions. Be sure to read thoroughly
and carefully. You may highlight or underline as
you read.
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Use the process of elimination to respond
to the questions. Guessing is appropriate when
you do not know the correct answer. Points are
added only for the correct responses.
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Multiple Choice Sample1In the last 10
years, technology has become a standard tool in
the classroom. 2Teachers know that technology can
enhance as well as liven up the classroom
experience for many students. 3I remember when we
didnt have technology in the classroom. 4It was
terribly boring.5One of the main technological
advances is the use of PowerPoint. 6Using this
software along with a projector can make a
lecture much more interesting then lectures used
to be. 7For example, a PowerPoint presentation
can be animated. 8It can also be quite colorful
and eye-catching. 9This makes the presentation
less boring.1. The writers main purpose in
this passage is toA. prove that technology is
dangerous if used in the classroomB. demonstrate
how technology can be used in the classroomC.
examine the trend in the use of technology in the
classroomD. describe a specific kind of software
that can be used in the classroom2. Which of
the following numbered parts is repetitious?A.
Part 2B. Part 5C. Part 6D. Part 9
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Correct Response 1

• If you said D, pat yourself on the
  back. ?
• A-there is no mention of danger in the
  selection
• B-There is no demonstration presented
• C-This was a possibility, but not the best
  response
• D-Names a specific kind of software that can be
  used in the classroom and follows through with
  the thesis that technology can liven up the
  classroom experience for students

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Correct Response 2

• Part 9 is the Correct Response?
• You can do this by process of elimination
• Simply double check to see which of the parts has
  been repeated somewhere else in the selection.
  Part 9 repeats Part 4.

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General Tips

• Take only one portion of the test at one time.
• In this case, complete only the writing sample
  and the writing multiple choice.
• The multiple choice is only scored if a person
  scores a 5 on the writing sample. Then the 70
  rule takes effect.

• If a person is given a 3 and a 2, for a total of
  5 on the writing portion, a person must get 70
  of the 40 multiple choice questions correct. That
  means that it is best to try your hardest on the
  writing sample.

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Additional Tips

• After you have completed the writing sample, take
  a five to ten minute break. Stretching your legs
  and moving about will help you to refocus.
• Be sure to get plenty of rest the night before.
• Come prepared with the right kind of clothing for
  environmental comfort.

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Final Tips

• Remember what your instructor has told you.
• Remember to use simple sentences and give plenty
  of relevant details.
• Try to remain calm.

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Good Luck!!!