1. Writing Test Study Guide
You are ready for this essay test. I state that because it is true. You
know that if I was worried, I would be speaking to you directly. To
study for your test tonight follow the steps listed below:
1. Reread your notes.
2. Reread your handouts.
3. Reread this packet.
4. Be sure that you know how to:
A. write an introduction that addresses the prompt, sets the purpose,
and introduces background for character for a narrative essay
B. an introduction that has a hook, addresses the prompt, and has a
thesis for an informative essay
C. an introduction that has a hook, addresses the prompt, and states a
strong claim that you will prove in an argument essay
5. Think through different ways to add development
6. Get a good night’s sleep and a good breakfast(Not sugar)
7. Bring #2 pencils and confidence to your test that you are going to
rock!

2. 30%
25%
15%
15%
15%
Writing Test Percentages
Ideas
Organization
Word Choice
Sentences/ Paragraphs
Mechanics

3. How to quote from essay if passages do not have authors
or it is a first person narrative
Students can paraphrase without actual quotes.
Ex. The author states that…..
According to “title of article,” ….
Both articles share the opinion that…..
__________________________________________________
If it’s a narrative piece, students don’t actually have to quote or
refer to the articles themselves. They can just incorporate some
of the information learned from the articles into their story or
description so that it’s obvious to the reader that the information
has been incorporated. This idea is similar to how fiction authors
will research a particular time period or event in order to write a
book. They use the information to form their story and characters,
but they don’t quote references.

4. MLA Quotations
“quote” (Gatlin 1).
1. According to some, dreams express “profound aspects of personality”
(Foulkes 184), though others disagree.
2. According to Foulkes’s study, dreams may express “profound aspects
of personality” (Foulkes 184)?
3. Is it possible that dreams may express “profound aspects of
personality” (Foulkes 184)?
Students can also just reference the article by paraphrasing.
For example – According to (author), blah blah blah about the
article. Or…. In the article, (title), it states blah, blah, blah…

5. Narrative Essay –
Story
Theme
Date
Sensory details - imagery
Could have a climax/conflict – rising actions and falling actions
Characters – name – description - analysis
Plot
Must tie in to passage
Setting
Relativity (must be realistic)– do not go into Sillyville
Could have dialogue
Reference the passages/quotes
Feelings/thoughts
Point of view – third or first
Fiction or non fiction
Address the prompt – hook - background
Usually 5 paragraphs but could be more
800-1000 words
Sequential
Conclusion – summary – tie back in
Could have figurative language

6. Informative Essay –
Inform the reader
Facts
No opinion
No “I” “me” or “You” words
Quotes/Evidence/Paraphrasing
5 Paragraphs
-Intro  Hook  Background InfoThesis-1 main idea & 3 supporting details
-3 Body Paragraphs  Topic Sentence-Main idea of paragraph  Supporting Details 
Back up with evidence from passages
-Conclusion  Restate thesis  Restate every topic sentence  Tie back to prompt

7. Argumentative Essay 1st Hour –
Argue
No contractions
No could, would, should
Address counter claim  state your claim
Make your side sound great
Logos  Logic  Articles
Ethos  Ethic  Articles  Counter Claim
Pathos  Emotion  Relating to audience
Positive analysis
Negative Counter Claim
Advanced Words
Intro  Hook  Background  Claim- concise-direct-no fluff
3 Body Paragraphs  C.E.C.
Counter Claim3rd Paragraph
Conclusion Save the best detail--Bang! Bang! Tie back to your prompt and passages.