This summary provides an overview of the key points about the Georgia High School Graduation Writing Test based on the given document: The document discusses the Georgia High School Graduation Writing Test (GHSGT), noting that it is a 100-minute writing test where students must write a persuasive essay in response to a prompt. Students will be graded on four domains, with ideas being the most important domain worth 40% of the total score. The document provides tips for students on how to write specific and well-developed ideas for the test, including using details, examples, rhetorical devices, and showing rather than telling.

1. GHSGWTGHSGWT
LessonLesson
Peachtree Ridge High SchoolPeachtree Ridge High School
Don’t let this
happen to
you! Be
prepared for
the Georgia
High School
Graduation
Writing Test!

2. Overview of the GHSGTOverview of the GHSGT
100 minutes- brainstorming, drafting,100 minutes- brainstorming, drafting,
editing, & revision (final draft in pen)editing, & revision (final draft in pen)
Persuasive Prompt- you need a clearPersuasive Prompt- you need a clear
opinion supported by multiple concreteopinion supported by multiple concrete
detailsdetails
May take various formats depending onMay take various formats depending on
the prompt: letter, speech, essay, etcthe prompt: letter, speech, essay, etc
2 raters will grade you on 4 domains2 raters will grade you on 4 domains

3. POP QUIZ!POP QUIZ!
Which of these domains of the GHSGWhich of these domains of the GHSG
Writing Test will be the most important (i.e.Writing Test will be the most important (i.e.
worth the most amount of points!)?worth the most amount of points!)?
A. IdeasA. Ideas
B. OrganizationB. Organization
C. StyleC. Style
D. ConventionsD. Conventions

4. And the winner is....And the winner is.... IDEASIDEAS
(40%)(40%)
Stay controlled and focusedStay controlled and focused
Support your ideas with DETAILS andSupport your ideas with DETAILS and
make your details relevantmake your details relevant
Create depth in your development of ideasCreate depth in your development of ideas
Be aware of your persuasive purposeBe aware of your persuasive purpose
Show a sense of completionShow a sense of completion
Make the move from general to specificMake the move from general to specific

5. Pop Quiz!Pop Quiz!
Indicate whether the following details are:Indicate whether the following details are:
(a)(a)GeneralGeneral
(b) Specific(b) Specific
1.1. The storm was violent.The storm was violent.
2.2. The death penalty is wrong and unjust.The death penalty is wrong and unjust.
3.3. Homework is horrible and should beHomework is horrible and should be
banned in schoolsbanned in schools

6. How to Make Your WritingHow to Make Your Writing
More Specific...More Specific...
Use personal examples or specificUse personal examples or specific
hypothetical situations that illustrate yourhypothetical situations that illustrate your
pointpoint
Use an abundance of meaningfulUse an abundance of meaningful
adjectives, adverbs, vivid verbs, sensoryadjectives, adverbs, vivid verbs, sensory
language, and imagerylanguage, and imagery
Use evidence to back up your claimsUse evidence to back up your claims
SHOW, don’t tell!SHOW, don’t tell!
Propose specific solutions/alternatives toPropose specific solutions/alternatives to
fix the problemfix the problem

7. Helpful Rhetorical DevicesHelpful Rhetorical Devices
AnecdoteAnecdote- a small story (usually in the- a small story (usually in the
intro) to illustrate (not prove!) a point.intro) to illustrate (not prove!) a point.
ImageryImagery (descriptive language)(descriptive language)
EthosEthos- appeal to ethics- appeal to ethics
PathosPathos- appeal to emotion- appeal to emotion
LogosLogos- appeal to logic- appeal to logic
Figurative LanguageFigurative Language- similes, metaphors- similes, metaphors
and personification (be creative and makeand personification (be creative and make
sure they make sense!)sure they make sense!)
Rhetorical QuestionsRhetorical Questions

8. TheThe
KEY toKEY to
IDEAS!IDEAS!
Controlling Idea (Focus)
Relevant Supporting Ideas
Major Details
Specific Examples
And Elaboration

9. Key for DoD Samples:Key for DoD Samples:
Blue= RelevantBlue= Relevant
Supporting IdeaSupporting Idea
Red= Major DetailsRed= Major Details
Green= Specific DetailsGreen= Specific Details
and Examplesand Examples

10. Ideas: Score Point 2Ideas: Score Point 2
The United States government has spent billions
of dollars on the space program for over 25 years. That
needs to stop. The first reason this needs to stop is there
have been problems with the space program. The
second reason this needs to stop is, there are really
important issues to deal with in the U.S. and across the
world.
The first reason this needs to stop is there have
been problems with the space program. For one, it is
really expensive. Secondly, it is not really safe. There
have been two major accidents and lives lost. So, the
program needs to stop because there are many problems
with it.
The second reason this needs to stop is, there are
really important issues to deal with in the U.S. and across
the world. A fact we can not forget is that America is at
war on two fronts. Plus, there is the constant threat of
another terrorist attack. Also, let’s not forget the people
in America who are hungry and don’t have homes. There
are many important problems we need to deal with
instead of sending people to space.
So, I think we need to stop funding space travel.
Remember, there are many problems with the space
program. Secondly, there are really important issues we
need to address here at home. Thanks for reading my
letter.

11. Ideas: Score Point 3Ideas: Score Point 3
The United States government has been funding billions of dollars
to the space program for over 25 years, and I believe that that needs to
stop. For one, there have been problems with the space program. Two,
there are really important issues to deal with in the U.S. and across the
world. I am asking you to redirect funding for space exploration into other
programs.
In the past 25 years, the space program’s main vehicle for
transportation to outer space has been the space shuttle. Now though,
there are problems with it. For one, it is really expensive. Secondly, it is
not really safe. Until we can fix these problems, I think it would be getter
to spend this money elsewhere.
If funding isn’t going to the space program, it needs to be going to
fund more pressing issues. A fact we can not forget is that America is at
war on two fronts. Plus, there is the constant threat of another terrorist
attack. Also, let’s not forget the people in America who are hungry and
don’t have homes. There are many problems in our country we need to
solve before sending the next group of astronauts to the moon.
Finally, there is the energy and oil situation. It is getting tough for
people to afford gasoline. The government really needs to fund the
research and development of new and cheaper alternatives to oil. For
example, we should invest money in biodiesel technology and cleaner, wind
and solar power.
I am unhappy about where government funding has been going,
especially when it comes to the space program. In the past years, the
space program has had many problems. The money could be better spent
on keeping America safe and finding new energy sources.

12. Ideas: Score Point 4Ideas: Score Point 4
Would you continue to fund something that was basically
failing? The American space program has been filled with problems,
and we have really important issues to address here on Earth. For this
reason, I believe we should redirect the funds.
In the past 25 years, the space programs main vehicle for
transportation to outer space has been the space shuttle. Now though,
I feel it is becoming obsolete. There have been serious failures with
the space program. For example, there were the explosions of the
Challenger lift off, and more recently with the Columbia re-entry. Both
of these disasters cost the lives of the crews on board. The lost
shuttles also cost the taxpayers millions.
If funding isn’t going to the space program, it needs to be going
to fund more pressing issues. A fact we can not forget is that America
is at war on two fronts. How can we spend money on space when all of
our troops don’t have adequate supplies? Plus, there is the constant
threat of another terrorist attack. We need to bring our troops home
and keep America safe from people who want to harm us. Let’s not
have another September 11, 2001.
Finally, there is the energy and oil situation. It is getting tough
for people to afford gasoline. The government really needs to fund the
research and development of new and cheaper alternatives to oil. For
example, we should invest money in biodiesel technology, in addition to
wind and solar power. Not only are these sources cheaper, but they are
also cleaner.
By now, I hope it is plain to see what needs to be done. Don’t
get me wrong: space is cool, and we benefit from exploring it. It’s just
that our current program is filled with problems, and we have serious
concerns to address here on Earth. Let’s get to work!

13. Ideas: Score Point 5Ideas: Score Point 5
The United States government has been funding billions of dollars to
the space program for over 25 years, and I believe that that needs to stop.
Because of recent failures involving the space program, and more
specifically the space shuttle, and also with more pressing domestic and
foreign relations issues at hand, I am asking you to redirect funding for
space exploration into other programs.
In the past 25 years, the space programs main vehicle for
transportation to outer space has been the space shuttle. Now though, I feel
it is becoming obsolete. There have been two major failures with the
explosions of the Challenger lift off, and more recently with the Columbia re-
entry. Both of these disasters cost a lot of money, and more importantly, the
lives of the crews on board. If there is not an alternative to the shuttle, I
don’t see how we can continue to safely and successfully reap the benefits of
space exploration.
If funding isn’t going to the space program, it needs to be going to
fund more pressing issues. A fact we can not forget is that America is at war
on two fronts, in Iraq and with terrorism. Troops in Iraq should not be going
without adequate body armor so that astronauts can gaze at moon rocks.
Let’s not forget about protecting the homeland from another terrorist attack.
The Department of Homeland security needs adequate funding in order to
catch the terrorists who could be planning future attacks. The last thing our
country needs is another September 11, 2001 while we’re dealing with the
Great Recession.

14. Ideas: Score Point 5 (cont.)Ideas: Score Point 5 (cont.)
My final plea in asking you to redirect your funds
concerns what I believe is the issue in the most dire and
immediate need of attention and that is this countries energy
and oil situation. It has come to the point that your average
American family is having trouble financially with heating
their homes and fueling their cars. The government really
needs to fund the research and development of new and
cheaper alternatives to oil. For example, we should invest
money in biodiesel technology and cleaner, wind and solar
power generation. These energy sources are not only
cheaper; they are renewable and do not impact or pollute
our environment with CO2 emission.
I am unhappy about where government funding has
been going, especially when it comes to the space program.
In the past years, the space program has had notable
failures with only modest successes. Given the many
challenges confronting our world, I believe the time is now
to think seriously about redirecting NASA’s funds. Your next
generation of voters will thank you.

15. Common Ways to Achieve DoDCommon Ways to Achieve DoD
Appeal to Facts/InformationAppeal to Facts/Information
Appeal to EmotionAppeal to Emotion
Personal ExperiencePersonal Experience
Humor (get ‘em laughing)Humor (get ‘em laughing)

16. Let’s Analyze the Rubrics!Let’s Analyze the Rubrics!
Aim for Exceeds!!!Aim for Exceeds!!!
The highest scoreThe highest score
in any category is ain any category is a
5.5.

17. 3= Average3= Average
Persuasive and on topicPersuasive and on topic
Provides some examples to support ideasProvides some examples to support ideas
and persuadeand persuade
Information is very GENERAL (fewInformation is very GENERAL (few
specifics)specifics)
Does not use a variety of specifics, facts,Does not use a variety of specifics, facts,
emotions, figurative languageemotions, figurative language

18. 5= EXCEEDS5= EXCEEDS
Is PASSIONATELY persuasive, exploresIs PASSIONATELY persuasive, explores
the topic fullythe topic fully
Provides multiple specific examples withProvides multiple specific examples with
facts, relevant personal experiencesfacts, relevant personal experiences
Information shows depth of knowledgeInformation shows depth of knowledge
Shows logical, effective organization ofShows logical, effective organization of
thoughtsthoughts

19. Domain 2: Organization (20%)Domain 2: Organization (20%)
Brainstorm first so your ideas are focusedBrainstorm first so your ideas are focused
Group Ideas within paragraphs andGroup Ideas within paragraphs and
include topic sentencesinclude topic sentences
Transition between ideas, sentences andTransition between ideas, sentences and
paragraphs (study lists of transitionalparagraphs (study lists of transitional
words)words)
Introduction HOOKS the readerIntroduction HOOKS the reader
Conclusion provides a sense of closureConclusion provides a sense of closure
without repetitionwithout repetition

20. Thought-provoking QuestionsThought-provoking Questions
Setting the stage for the body of the paperSetting the stage for the body of the paper
Anecdote (Imagine if....)Anecdote (Imagine if....)
Directly address the readerDirectly address the reader
Address the counterpointAddress the counterpoint
Compelling Statement or QuotationCompelling Statement or Quotation
More Effective IntrosMore Effective Intros

21. Questions for the reader to onsiderQuestions for the reader to onsider
Summary of key points withoutSummary of key points without
repetitionrepetition
Reminder of personal connections theReminder of personal connections the
reader has to the topicreader has to the topic
Compelling Statement or QuotationCompelling Statement or Quotation
More Effective ConclusionsMore Effective Conclusions

22. Domain 3: Style (20%)Domain 3: Style (20%)
Use precise language and vary yourUse precise language and vary your
sentence types. Avoid similar sentencesentence types. Avoid similar sentence
beginningsbeginnings
Show awareness of your audience andShow awareness of your audience and
control in your tonecontrol in your tone
Focus on diction (word choice)Focus on diction (word choice)
Carefully craft your phrases and makeCarefully craft your phrases and make
your language engagingyour language engaging
Use figurative language (and even humorUse figurative language (and even humor
when appropriate!)when appropriate!)

23. Descriptive Word ChoiceDescriptive Word Choice
 Gives the reader a clearer sense of
your ideas…works well with appeals
to facts/information
Simple
The first reason this needs
to stop is there have been
problems with the space
program. For one, it is
really expensive.
Secondly, it is not really
safe.
Descriptive
The shuttle program not only
costs taxpayers billions, but
it is also dangerous There
have been serious failures in
recent years. For example,
there were the explosions of
the Challenger lift off, and
more recently with the
Columbia re-entry.

24. Figurative Word ChoiceFigurative Word Choice
 Allows you to emphasize a point in a
humorous or dramatic way
Simple
UGA’s team line
is pretty big
Figurative
Florida’s defense
will find it tricky
breaking through
the five concrete
barriers protecting
Matthew Stafford.

25. Domain 4: Conventions (20%)Domain 4: Conventions (20%)
SpellingSpelling
PunctuationPunctuation
Verb tensesVerb tenses
Subject/Verb agreementSubject/Verb agreement
– Ex: A pencil and an eraserEx: A pencil and an eraser makesmakes writingwriting
easier.easier. Correct?Correct?
CapitalizationCapitalization
Paragraph indentationParagraph indentation

26. Conventions
Sentence Correctness
Sentence Clarity
Sentence Complexity
End Punctuation
Subject-Verb Agreement
Word Forms
Verb Tenses
Internal Punctuation
Spelling
Paragraph Breaks
Capitalization

27. Grading ActivityGrading Activity
In your group you will examine five essaysIn your group you will examine five essays
to determine the awarded score in each ofto determine the awarded score in each of
the four areas. Look for specific rhetoricalthe four areas. Look for specific rhetorical
devices and DoD.devices and DoD.
–IdeasIdeas
–OrganizationOrganization
–StyleStyle
–ConventionsConventions

28. Wrap Up: Advice for NextWrap Up: Advice for Next
Week’s GroupWeek’s Group