argument writing tips
DESCRIPTION
Feedback from the SAT diagnostic promptTRANSCRIPT
ARGUMENT W
RITIN
G TIP
S
SA
T P
RO
MP
T - DI A
GN
OS
TI C
RANGE
6 5 4 3 2 1
0 5 9 7 12 7
GOAL
6 5 4 3 2 1
4 30 20 0 0 0
• One consistent tense, usually 3rd person
• Successfully made an argument and supported it with specific, detailed and appropriate examples
• Mostly correct grammar and syntax
• A sense of style
• Flow- transitions, well organized, complete
TO EARN A 4, 5, OR 6
THE PROMPT
Success begins with failure- take a sideSuccess always begins with failure.Success mostly begins with failure.Success can begin with failure but also might not- straddling the fence. Not an argument. Success rarely begins with failure.Success never begins with failure.
THE PROMPT
• Success begins with failure- take a side
• Support your position using an example (and at least three points) or examples (at least three) from literature, the arts, history, current events, politics, science and technology or from your personal experience or observation.
THE PROMPT
• Support your position using an example (and at least three points) or examples (at least three) from literature, the arts, history, current events, politics, science and technology or from your personal experience or observation.
• Personal experience is actually frowned upon unless it is extraordinary
• Go creative
COMPARISON OF ERRORS TO EXCELLENCE
E X C E L L E N C E
• The prompt is the prompt. Get to the writing
• Try a three sentence intro
GrabberTransition sentence
Claim (argument)
E R R O R S
• Complimented the prompt
• Restated the prompt
• Compared the quote to another similar quote
• Commented on the prompt
COMPARISON OF ERRORS TO EXCELLENCE
E X C E L L E N C E
• Maintained a consistent tense:
•1st person•Avoid 2nd person for a formal essay (Don’t speculate- If you were to fail a test …)•3rd person- this is the best
E R R O R S
• Tense shift• Problems
with agreement- If one were to …, they would
• Overused pronouns
• They say that … (who is “they”. Avoid generalities.)
COMPARISON OF ERRORS TO EXCELLENCE
E X C E L L E N C E
• Succinct, well-chosen and appropriate diction that fits the writing task.
• Academic, high school level control of language
• An attempt at sophisticated word choice is okay
E R R O R S
• Generalities• Overwriting• Using “quarter
words” when “nickel” words would do
• Teen-speak• Common errors
that you should know by now- (there, you’re, its, a lot, apart, anyone, etc.)
COMPARISON OF ERRORS TO EXCELLENCE
E X C E L L E N C E
• Imagery• Specific
examples• Clever and
interesting details
• Go academic, especially books
E R R O R S
• Clichés or frivolous and silly word choice
• Wrongly identified people- Ben Franklin invented the light bulb
• Waffling and generalities
COMPARISON OF ERRORS TO EXCELLENCE
E X C E L L E N C E
• 4-6 paragraphs or 1 ½ to 3 pages of dense, detailed prose
E R R O R S
• Length bias- too short (less than a page and a half
• Incorrect paragraphing
• No conclusion
COMPARISON OF ERRORS TO EXCELLENCE
E X C E L L E N C E
• Active voice• An original
sense of style or tone- Humorous, witty, sarcastic, bitter, nostalgic … elicits emotions and connections from the reader
• Understands reader/audience
E R R O R S
• Passive voice• Formulaic• Telling the reader
what you are going to do-
I am going to persuade you
I am going to make an argument
Next, I will discussNow, I have made my case• Doesn’t take into
account reader/audience
COMPARISON OF ERRORS TO EXCELLENCE
E X C E L L E N C E
• A clear, consistent and comprehensive argument (claim, thesis or position)
E R R O R S
• Argument is missing
• Argument is over simplistic
• Argument is too difficult to prove in one essay
• Straddles both sides of the fence
• Doesn’t address counterargument
COMPARISON OF ERRORS TO EXCELLENCE
E X C E L L E N C E
• Short introduction
• Long, detailed body paragraphs
• Short conclusion
E R R O R S
Telling the reader what you are going to do-
I am going to persuade you
I am going to make an argument
Next, I will discuss
Now, I have made my case