How to conquer the Writing SoL

sections

Multiple Choice (40ish questions)

Writing (1 prompt)

 Several

reading passages (2-3)

Questions follow a simple pattern:
Graphic Organizer/ Planning stages of writing
Brainstorming, Sources and Research
Editing/Revising
Sentence Order, Transitions, Out-of-Place Sentences,
Combining Sentences
Grammar
CPGS, key words: correctly written should be
written

 Capitalization
Punctuation
Grammar

Spelling

 SKIP

the passages- reading them first will

waste time!
Read the question first; decide what kind it
is
Does it ask about planning an essay/letter/etc.?
Does it ask about editing/revising an essay?
Does it ask how a word/sentence should be correctly

written? (CPGS)

Look

back at the passage if you need more

information to answer the question.

 Persuasive

writing prompt

NO

FENCE-SITTING; You must pick a

side!

Include
Must

a counter-argument

include SPECIFIC examples

 Dissect the prompt

What is the topic?
What is your opinion? NO FENCE-SITTING
What are two supporting reasons?
What is one counter-argument and why is it

wrong?

Write your Intro Paragraph

Assertion: Thesis
Evidence: Two supporting reasons
Commentary: Counter-argument

 Write your 3 body paragraphs

Assertion: Topic sentence (first supporting reason)
Evidence: Use SPECIFIC examples (your life, history,

etc.)
Commentary: Explain how your examples prove
your assertion

Write your conclusion

Assertion: Restate your thesis (do NOT copy)
Evidence: Summarize your supporting details
Commentary: Leave your reader convinced that your

side of the fence is right!