Hints for Language Arts, Writing

Hints for Language Arts, Writing, Part I

• Make sure to read the whole document before you start to answer the questions. Some questions test your ability to create a unified paragraph or document and assume that you have already read the entire text.
• Read the document carefully. When you come across errors, think about how you would correct them. Also, consider whether all the sentences in a paragraph support the main idea. Finally, think about whether the sentences appear in logical order. Then, once you start working on the questions, you may already have an idea about the correct answers.

Hints for Language Arts, Writing, Part II

• Use the scratch paper provided to plan out your response to the essay topic. Jot down notes, ideas, outline, or any other tools that might help you plan the organization and content of your paper.
• Organize your essay as a direct response to the topic assigned. Your essay should state your response and then explain why you answered the way you did. Make sure you address the assigned topic.
• Use details and examples that show the reader what your response is and how and why you believe it is. The more convincing your essay is, the more effective it is. Whatever the specific essay topic may be, think of your essay as an attempt to convince the reader of the correctness of your response.
• Be sure that all the details and examples you provide in your essay are directly relevant to your response to the essay topic. Stay on topic! If you are off-topic, your essay will not receive a score.
• Once you get your essay topic, plan to use some of your test time for planning and final revising in addition to writing.