SOL Professional Writing: SOL Retake Grade 10

WorkKeys Writing Test

Professional and Business Writing

What makes the retake different than the Regular Writing SOL?

• It is timed (you only have 30 minutes)

• The prompts are about business or the workplace environment

• You should know your score shortly after submission

• You have to get a 3 or higher (out of 5) to pass

• There is no multiple choice on the SOL Writing Retake

What is the SOL Retake/Final Exam?

The Business Writing assessment measures the skill used when writing
an original response to a work-related situation.

• You are scored based on the following:

  • Sentence structure, mechanics, grammar, word usage

  • Tone and word choice

  • Organization

  • Focus

  • Development of ideas (Elaboration)

Number of Items: 1 prompt

Test Length: 30 minutes

Multiple Choice

The SOL retake is different from the regular SOL because it is...

• A professional letter or business writing with a 30-minute time limit

• Narrative writing where the writer must create a short story

• On a different day

• There is no difference: we'll still take the multiple choice and write a persuasive essay.

How is it similar to the SOL?

-Still need to respond to the prompt and have a clear purpose and focus

-Must use proper grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, etc.

-Still need to convince or persuade the audience

-Still need to choose a clear side/argument

-Must develop ideas (elaboration) with evidence and details

Multiple Choice

True or false:

I need to plan out my written response so it is focused, purposeful, and organized AND go back and re-read for grammatical errors.

• True

• False

SCORING

Score - 0-5 (must earn a 3 or higher to pass)

Level 0 - Way too short OR off-topic, offensive or strongly inappropriate language (profanity and/or threats), or written in a language other than English.

Level 1 - So many errors that it is difficult to read; the tone may be rude, unprofessional, or informal; disorganized; no development of ideas.

Level 2 - Several grammatical errors; errors may be distracting; over-casual tone or language; somewhat organized but no development of ideas. Unclear focus.

Level 3 - Writing is clear with some errors, but easily understood. Tone is not overly casual (no slang) or rude; ideas are partially developed but might be generalized or repetitive.

Level 4 - Writing is clear with few errors. Ideas are well developed with supporting details. Style, tone, and language are consistent with standard business English; no rude or overly casual language. Organized & focused, but may lack clarity

Level 5 - The writing is clear, precise, and generally free of errors; professional & courteous; focused, organized, and well-developed ideas. Uses varied sentence structure, strong transitions, and powerful word choice.

Multiple Choice

True or false:

I can pass the SOL retake even if I make a BUNCH of errors, use slang or profanity, and only write one paragraph.

• True

• False

30 minutes: How to respond to the prompt

1.

Analyze the prompt & figure out what it is about (1-2 mins)

2.

Brainstorm reasons and examples to support your opinion (4-5mins)

3.

Follow the guide to write a 3 paragraph essay: aim for 3-6
sentences in each paragraph (15-20 mins).

4.

Proofread, edit, & revise the essay to get rid of all of the typos,
spelling mistakes, grammar mistakes, etc. (3-7 minutes)

​Parts of a Business Letter

​Salutation

Introduction

​Paragraph 1:

Paragraph 2:

Closing:

Signature:

Dear __________

​Parts of a Business Letter

​Salutation

Introduction

​Paragraph 1:

Paragraph 2:

Closing:

Signature:

​Your Full Name

Dear __________

I hope this email finds you well./It was a pleasure to meet you at the career fair. I want to thank you again for your advice and ask if you can connect me with someone else in the graphic design industry

​Parts of a Business Letter

​Salutation

Introduction

​Paragraph 1:

Paragraph 2:

Closing:

Signature:

​ I would be very grateful for your help, and thank you for all your advice. OR

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

OR

Best regards,

​Your Full Name

Dear __________

I hope this email finds you well./It was a pleasure to meet you at the career fair. I want to thank you again for your advice and ask if you can connect me with someone else in the graphic design industry

Explain reason #1

OR

Explain how this effects employee(s)

​Parts of a Business Letter

​Salutation

Introduction

​Paragraph 1:

Paragraph 2:

Closing:

Signature:

​ I would be very grateful for your help, and thank you for all your advice.

OR

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

OR

Best regards,

​Your Full Name

Dear __________

I hope this email finds you well./It was a pleasure to meet you at the career fair. I want to thank you again for your advice and ask if you can connect me with someone else in the graphic design industry

Explain reason #1

OR

Explain how this effects employee(s)

​Parts of a Business Letter

​Salutation

Introduction

​Paragraph 1:

Paragraph 2:

Explain reason #2

OR

Explain how this effects the business

Closing:

Signature:

​ I would be very grateful for your help, and thank you for all your advice.

OR

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

OR

Best regards,

​Your Full Name

There are 2 options you can use to respond to the professional prompt

Option 2:

Salutation

Introduction

P1: Reason #1

P2: Reason #2

Closing

Signature

Option 1:

Salutation

Introduction

P1: How it affects the employee(s)

P2: How it affects the company

Closing

Signature

In the next slides, let's look at what you should include in your letter

Option 2:

Salutation

Introduction

P1: Reason #1

P2: Reason #2

Closing

Signature

Option 1:

Salutation

Introduction

P1: How it affects the employee(s)

P2: How it affects the company

Closing

Signature

You need an Introduction

regardless of which method you choose.

Your introduction will...

• Give some background: why are you writing?

• You can begin with a personal inquiry

  • I hope this email finds you well

  • It was so nice to meet you last week

• Restate the situation (from the prompt)

  • It has been brought to my attention that...

  • In response to your previous email...

● Choose a specific company if needed
● State what your opinion or side is (last sentence)

2 Body Paragraphs (5-7 sentences each):

Option 1: Effect on employee & business

• Begin this paragraph directly:

  • “This change will positively impact employees.” OR

  • "This change will bring down employee morale."

  • Be as specific as possible

  • Develop your ideas using PROFESSIONAL examples

​Paragraph 2: How it affects the business or company

​Paragraph 1:How it affects employee(s)

• ​Begin this paragraph directly

  • “This change will positively/negatively impact the company.”

  • Give specific examples and situations of how this issue

    could affect the company or business

  • Use logical examples that could convince an employer on your position

2 Body Paragraphs (5-7 sentences each):

Option 2: Two reasons to support your position

• Begin this paragraph with your topic sentence

  • “One reason why...” and state your reason

    • Give specific examples that support your reason

    • Use details to develop your ideas

​Paragraph 2: Reason #2

​Paragraph 1: Reason #1

• ​Begin this paragraph by presenting a second reason

  • "Another reason why..."

  • Give specific examples that support your 2nd reason

  • Use details to develop your ideas

Include a closing statement to wrap up your letter:

• “I appreciate the opportunity to voice my opinion on this matter.”

• “Thank you for your time."

• "Thank you for your attention to this matter."

You need a Closing and Signature

in any business letter.

Signature (polite ending followed by your name)

• If more than one word, capitalize only the first word

  • Kind regards,

• Always put a comma at the end

  • Sincerely,

  • Respectfully,

• Write your full (First Last) name

Option 1 Example

• Salutation

• Introduction Paragraph

• Paragraph: How it affects employee(s)

• Paragraph: How it affects company/business

• Closing

• Signature

Dear Mr. Smith:

I want to address the recently updated dress code at Cluck Norris that goes into effect next month. I disagree with the new uniform policy and encourage you to reconsider some of the recent changes.

While I really enjoy working at Cluck Norris, I feel that these changes will decrease employee morale. For example, as we enter summertime, wearing long sleeve black shirts and long black pants may cause employees to overheat, especially when we are used to the option of wearing short sleeves and shorts or skirts. Furthermore, asking staff to purchase additional uniforms at a high cost is too much for many of our employees.

​Salutation

Personal Inquiry

& Point

​Paragraph 1:

How it impacts employee

Paragraph 2:

How it effects business

The business will ultimately take a loss for this change, too. With unhappy employees, we may not provide the same level of customer service to them. This means you run the risk of losing loyal clientele. You also risk losing current employees, which will cost more money for you to hire, train, and keep new staff to work at Cluck Norris. Not to mention, you will have to give them each an expensive new shirt.

Closing:

Signature:

I encourage you to reconsider these changes, and I appreciate your time and attention to this matter.

Respectfully,

​Sally Mander

Option 2 Example

• Salutation

• Introduction Paragraph

• Paragraph: Reason #1

• Paragraph: Reason #2

• Closing

• Signature

Dear Mr. Smith:

I want to address the recently updated dress code at Cluck Norris that goes into effect next month. I disagree with the new uniform policy and encourage you to reconsider some of the recent changes.

One reason Cluck Norris should keep the current dress code is that these changes will decrease employee morale. For example, as we enter summertime, wearing long sleeve black shirts and long black pants may cause employees to overheat, especially when we are used to the option of wearing short sleeves and shorts or skirts. This discomfort may impact our customers, who will notice that we are not at our peak performance because we are sweaty and uncomfortable.

​Salutation

Introduction

​Paragraph 1:

Reason #1

Paragraph 2:

Reason #2

Another reason to reconsider is because we are required to wear clean uniforms everyday, and employees will need more than the one shirt that you will provide. I understand why we should wear clean clothes, but asking staff, especially part-time workers, to purchase additional uniforms at the cost of nearly $70 is unreasonable, and will further bring down the overall attitude of otherwise happy workers.

While I support the changes of streamlined informs, I ask that you reconsider our options. Providing employees with two shirts and a more comfortable uniform will allow you, Cluck Norris, to keep your employees, and to keep them happy.

Closing:

Signature:

I appreciate your time and attention to this matter.

Respectfully,

​Sally Mander

Consider the common goals while you're writing your response

• Employees want to be successful: They are there to make money

• Businesses want to be successful: They are here to make money

  • If you can't think of how to respond to a prompt, consider the financial impact(s). Follow the money!

    • It can cost a lot of money for businesses to hire, train, and retain (keep) employees. Keeping employees means more money for the business.

Multiple Choice

One of the most important things for a business is....

• New Uniforms

• Public Opinion

• Employee happiness

• Money

Helpful Vocabulary

Administrator - A person who manages or has a talent for
management (a boss)

Colleague - An associate or co-worker

Commute - To travel regularly over some distance to/from work

Commuter - A person who commutes specially between home and
work

Consultation - A meeting for discussion or decision making

Cross-Trained - To be able to handle multiple duties more than just
within your position or department

Cubicle - A small area that is a part of a large room that sometimes
serves as a worker’s “office”

Detailed Oriented - Ability to see the big picture but also pays close
attention to minor details of every task

Diversity - Having many different forms and types

Entry-level jobs/positions - This is a job for new workers

Ethnicity - Ethnic traits, background, allegiance, or association

Evaluation - To determine the significance, worth, or condition of
usually by careful study

Habitual - Doing, practicing, or acting in some manner by force of habit

Human resources - Department that handles all benefits and
work-related aspects of employment

Incentives - Something that is offered as a reward for increased
productivity

Inflated - Expanded to an abnormal or unjustifiable volume or level

Inter-Personal Communications - The ability to get along with others
and a measure of how effectively you communicate with others.

Inventory - The amount of product on hand

Marketing - Advertising aspects for a company

Memorandum - a “memo” or an email/short work correspondence

Migrant worker - Workers who are working outside their home country

Nationality - A body of people sharing common descent, history,
language, etc. a nation

Nepotism - Unearned Favoritism; generally seen when someone gets a
job or promotion because “he/she knows someone”

Network - A system of computers, peripherals, terminals, and
databases connected by communications lines

Networking - The concept of social interactions for Business
Advancement.

Objective - goal

Outsource(ing) - obtain (goods or a service) from an outside or
foreign supplier; for example, Startek handles all customer service
calls for various companies like Autozone, Verizon, etc.

Policy - A plan of action adopted or pursued by an individual,
government, party, business, etc.

Progressive - Moving forward or onward

Promotion - Advancement in rank or position

Proposal - An act of putting forward or stating something for
consideration

Protocol - The rules and regulations for dealing with formality,
precedence, or etiquette

Quota - A fixed number that must be met to reach a goal

Resolution - Something resolved or determined; a decision

Self-Starter - Someone who properly interprets what needs to be
done and starts tasks without guidance from others; taking the
initiative to do things without being asked

Stakeholder - Anyone who has a vested interest in a company:
workers, stockholders, suppliers, investors

Territory - The area that salesperson is responsible for covering for
his or her company

Multiple Choice

Match the term to this definition:

an associate; someone you work with

• Colleague

• Alliance

• Friend

• Cooperative

Multiple Choice

Match the term to this definition:

to travel regularly over some distance

• Habitual

• Emigrate

• Commence

• Commute

Multiple Choice

a small sectioned-off space that contains a desk/office

• Colleague

• Commute

• Cubicle

• Collaboration

Multiple Choice

the ability to see the big picture but also pay close attention to minor details of every task

• Take-charge attitude

• easy-going

• detail oriented

• evaluation

Multiple Choice

having many different forms and types

• ethnicity

• diversity

• nationality

• variation

Multiple Choice

a job for new workers

• entry-level position

• consultation

• evaluation

• promotion

Multiple Choice

something that encourages an action or greater effort or a reward offered for increased productivity

• incentives

• discipline

• consequences

• consulations

Multiple Choice

advancement in rank or position

• evaluation

• marketing

• resolution

• promotion

Multiple Choice

anyone who has an interest in a company: workers, stockholders, suppliers, owners, investors, etc.

• policy

• diversity

• stakeholder

• marketing

Multiple Choice

workers who are working outside their home country

• immigrant

• migrant worker

• guest worker

• nationality

Multiple Choice

unearned favoritism; generally seen when someone gets a job or a promotion because "he/she knows someone"

• stakeholder

• nepotism

• promotion

• socialism

Multiple Choice

to determine the significance, worth, or condition of something

• habitual

• evaluation

• networking

• nationality

Multiple Choice

ethnic traits, background, allegiance, or association

• habitual

• evaluation

• networking

• ethnicity

Multiple Choice

the concept of social interactions for business advancement

• habitual

• evaluation

• networking

• nationality

Multiple Choice

doing, practicing, or acting in some manner by force of habit

• habitual

• evaluation

• networking

• nationality

Multiple Choice

a body of people sharing common descent, history, language, etc.

• nationality

• outsourcing

• nepotism

• colleagues

Multiple Choice

to obtain goods or services from an outside/foreign supplier

• ethnicity

• outsourcing

• nepotism

• colleagues