Language Arts - Writing
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Part 2 of the test measures proficiency in the generation and organization of ideas through a direct assessment of writing. Students are evaluated on development, organization, language facility, and writing conventions. |
About This Test
The Language Arts - Writing test provides information about a candidate's skill in recognizing and producing effective standard American written English. Part 1 of the test measures a candidate's ability to edit and revise written text. Part 2 of the test measures a candidate's ability to generate and organize ideas in writing.
Part 1 requires candidates to make revision choices concerning organization, diction and clarity, sentence structure, usage, and mechanics. The test questions are embedded in complete texts in the form of letters, essays, newspaper articles, personal accounts, and reports. The texts are presented as drafts in which parts have been underlined to indicate a possible need for revision. Questions present alternatives that may correct or improve the underlined portions. Aspects of written language that are tested may include appropriate styles, logical transitions, discourse structure and organization, conciseness and clarity, or usage and mechanics. |
Essay Practice
5 paragraph essays may seem challenging and "impossible!" - that they are assignments that teachers give in English class, but this type of writing was designed for a purpose! When artists learn to paint or sculpt, they start out by planning (outlining) their creative ideas and, in doing so, find their style of expression. The 5 paragraph essay is an outline to aid you in finding your style of writing in a clean organized form. Essays may seem challenging at first, but the the more you practice your essay the better you develop your logical thinking skills in written form.
Introduction Paragraph (the Bun):
Get your reader's attention (hook) and outline what will be discussed in the essay. First Body Paragraph (toppings): The first sentence should be your strongest argument or evidence in your essay. Be sure to support this topic with 2-3 more sentences that provide the reader with details. The last sentence should tie this topic into the second topic. Second Body Paragraph (Cheese): The first sentence should be your second strongest argument or evidence in your essay. Be sure to support this topic with 2-3 more sentences that provide the reader with details. The last sentence should tie this topic into the third topic. |
Third Body Paragraph (Meat):
The first sentence should be your weakest argument or evidence in your essay. Be sure to support this topic with 2-3 more sentences that provide the reader with details. The last sentence should lead into the last, or concluding paragraph.
Concluding Paragraph (Bun):
This paragraph should include the following:
The first sentence should be your weakest argument or evidence in your essay. Be sure to support this topic with 2-3 more sentences that provide the reader with details. The last sentence should lead into the last, or concluding paragraph.
Concluding Paragraph (Bun):
This paragraph should include the following:
- A similar pattern used in the introductory paragraph,
- A restatement of the thesis statement, using some of the original language or language that "echoes" the original language. (The restatement, however, must not be a duplicate thesis statement.)
- A summary of the three main points from the body of the paper.
- A final statement that gives the reader signals that the discussion has come to an end. (This final statement may be a "call to action" in an persuasive paper.)
Hiset Essay Simulation
You will have 45 minutes after choosing a topic below.
You must write on the assigned topic ONLY. You will have 45 minutes to write on your assigned essay topic. There will be a timer in the upper right hand corner of your screen that will help you keep track of time. Two evaluators will score your essay according to its overall effectiveness. Their evaluation will be based on the following features:
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*REMEMBER, YOU MUST COMPLETE BOTH THE MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (PART I) AND THE ESSAY (PART II) TO RECEIVE A SCORE ON THE LANGUAGE ARTS, WRITING TEST. To avoid having to repeat both parts of the test, be sure to do the following:
- Write on the assigned topic. If you write on a topic other than the one assigned, you will not receive a score for the Language Arts, Writing Test.
- Practice on NotePad instead of Word, you will not have spell check or grammar check during the test.
- Reread your essay if you have time: Does it flow? Does it make sense?
Choose 1 Topic:
This rubric will be used to grade your essay, your goal is to get a 3 or 4 on this practice scale.
(Remember the HiSET is scored 1-6)
(Remember the HiSET is scored 1-6)