Direct Writing Assessment Preparation

So, you've been assigned a practice essay to prepare you for the writing exam you're going to have to take next week? By this time, you have probably covered the six traits of good writing, so you already know in your head what a good essay should do. The question is this: Can you take what you know in your head and apply it to the essay question you will have to write about? Don't panic! Take a deep breath! Here are some simple things to keep in mind as you write:

Content and Ideas: Be clear in what you are saying, and say it in an engaging or entertaining way.

• Have a clear thesis.
• Give specific details, examples, and stories from your experience to support your thesis.
• Present new ideas. (If you must present old ideas, do it from a new, fresh perspective.

• Introduction: Capture attention! Clearly state your thesis. Briefly mention your main points.
• Body: Develop the main points using specific examples. Have clear topic sentences in each paragraph.
• Conclusion: Restate thesis and main points. Finish with a powerful or provocative final sentence.
• Don't forget transitions throughout the paper!

• Be aware (and respectful) of your audience.
• Be sincere. Say what you really think.
• Take the risk of showing the reader who you really are.

• Use strong verbs and descriptors that allow the reader experience exactly what you are thinking.
• Avoid "dead" words, cliches, overused expressions, and common phrases.
• Don't try to sound grandiloquent or sesquipedalian. (Don't use fancy words just to impress.)

• Begin sentences in a variety of ways, not just Subject+Verb.
• Include some long complex sentences with the short simple ones.

• Indent paragraphs properly.
• Capitalize properly.
• Punctuate properly.
• Spell correctly.
• Be grammatically precise.