Writing Revolution Foreword and Chapter 1 Quiz

Why does the author of the foreword believe that embedding writing exercises in content is so important?

• a) Content makes sentence expansion exercises more challenging.

• b) When students learn to write about content, they learn to memorize facts.

• c) Content area teachers are better equipped to teach writing than ELA teachers.

• d) Writing is a learning activity, so connecting it to content makes writing instruction more effective.

According to Chapter 1, what percentage of students score at a proficient level in writing on nationwide tests?

• a) 10%

• b) 50%

• c) 25%

• d) 75%

Students should develop knowledge of various writing strategies so that this knowledge is stored in long-term memory.

• Teachers should allow students more time to complete writing assignments.

• Teachers should provide students with word banks and sentence starters.

• Students should develop knowledge of various writing strategies so that this knowledge is stored in long-term memory.

What are the six basic principles of The Writing Revolution (TWR)?

• Students need explicit instruction in writing; sentences are the building blocks of all writing; when embedded in the content of the curriculum, writing instruction is a powerful teaching tool; the content of the curriculum drives the rigor of the writing activities; grammar is best taught in the context of student writing; the two most important phases of the writing process are planning and revising.

• All students can learn to write; every student has a unique writing voice; the writing process is recursive; good writers are avid readers; grammar is best taught through sentence diagramming; students should learn to type before they learn to write.

• Writing should be fun; students need time to freewrite; teachers should provide positive feedback; all classrooms should have a word wall; writing is a form of art; writing assignments should relate to students’ lives.

• Writing should be taught in separate writing blocks; students should learn the parts of speech; high-stakes writing assessments should be administered regularly; teachers should grade student writing using rubrics; students should learn to write in cursive; writing is an essential skill for the 21st century.

Which two steps in the writing process do the authors of Chapter 1 state are most important?

• Drafting and editing

• Planning and revising

• Brainstorming and outlining

• Proofreading and publishing