Understanding Essay Writing Strategies

This video, led by Jessica, prepares teachers for the Praxis Core Writing Exam (test code 5723). It covers the exam's structure, including two main categories: text types and language skills. The video explains the constructed response questions (CRQs), focusing on argumentative and source-based essays, and provides tips for writing strong thesis statements. It also discusses selected response questions, emphasizing revising and editing skills. The video highlights language and research skills, including grammar and credible sources. Finally, it offers practice questions and encourages using the 240 study guide for further preparation.

What is the main purpose of the video presented by Jessica?

• To entertain viewers with stories about kids' writing.

• To help teachers pass their certification exams.

• To discuss the history of the Praxis exam.

• To provide a detailed analysis of educational policies.

What are the two main categories of the Praxis Core Writing Exam?

• Text types, purpose of production, and language and research skills for writing.

• Grammar and vocabulary.

• Purpose of production and research skills.

• Text types and language skills.

What is the focus of the argumentative essay in the Praxis exam?

• To summarize both sides of an issue.

• To agree or disagree with a given statement using evidence.

• To present a narrative story.

• To describe a personal experience.

In a source-based essay, what is the main task?

• To critique the writing style of the passages.

• To write a creative story based on the passages.

• To summarize the main points from two passages.

• To choose a side and argue for it.

What is a key strategy to avoid plagiarism in essays?

• Include examples or quotations with proper citations.

• Use as many quotes as possible without citation.

• Paraphrase without mentioning the source.

• Avoid using any external sources.

What is one tip for revising and editing passages in the selected response questions?

• Add as many details as possible.

• Ensure sentences and paragraphs have a logical flow.

• Ignore the main idea of the passage.

• Focus only on grammar errors.

Which of the following is NOT a common language error to watch for in the exam?

• Misplaced modifiers.

• Incorrect verb tense.

• Using too many complex words.

• Redundant expressions.

What is a characteristic of a credible source?

• It is peer-reviewed and from a reputable publication.

• It is written by an anonymous author.

• It is frequently shared on social media.

• It is published on a personal blog.

What should you do if you find two independent clauses joined by a comma?

• Leave it as it is.

• Connect them with a semicolon, period, or conjunction.

• Remove one of the clauses.

• Add more commas.