Understanding State Tests and Writing Skills

Why do we have state tests?

• To have fun

• To see what class you should be in and what you know

• To give more homework

Why should you read the whole story before answering questions?

• It helps you understand the story better

• It lets you skip questions

• It makes the test harder

What is the difference between telling facts and trying to convince someone, as mentioned in the passage?

• Telling facts is about opinions, while trying to convince is about facts

• Telling facts gives information, while trying to convince uses reasons and proof

• Telling facts is longer than trying to convince

Why might a student be put in harder classes because of state test scores?

• Because they did really well on the tests

• Because they play sports

• Because they are nice

How do you write a good argumentative essay?

• Begin with a strong start, give reasons in the middle, talk about other ideas, and end with a good finish

• Write really fast without thinking

• Use only what you think without reasons

What does a thesis statement do in an argumentative essay?

• To make the reader confused

• To show what the writer thinks about the topic

• To tell what the whole essay is about

What should you put at the end of an argumentative essay?

• New ideas and facts

• Say your main idea again and the important parts

• Explain the beginning in detail

Why should you talk about other people's ideas in your essay?

• To make the essay longer

• To show you know other ideas and make your idea stronger

• To confuse the reader

Make a plan to write an essay that explains something, using the story.

• Start with a fun fact, write without a plan, and stop suddenly

• Start with an interesting idea, give clear information, and finish with a short ending

• Only ask questions without giving answers