DEC. 3, 2012
J I L L PAV I C H , N B C T
J I L L . PAV I C H @ PA L M B E A C H S C H O O L S . O R G
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B O C A R AT O N C O M M U N I T Y H I G H S C H O O L
, Workshop Facilitator
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Boca Raton High School, English Department (9 years)
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AICE: General Paper, grades 9 & 10 (4 years)
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Kent State University, English Education/Writing minor
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Florida Atlantic University, Curriculum & Instruction/ELA
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Nationally Board Certified (NBCT) in 2009
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Reading Endorsed

ESOL Endorsed
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I like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Yoga; and I’m a new mommy as of
August 2012!
WELCOME,
 BABY WILLOW SCOTT PAVICH 
On AUGUST 17th, 2012, our angel arrived…
4 MONTHS LATER…
SHE’S EVEN MORE ADORABLE…
WORKSHOP SESSION 1:
The Exam
 EXAM DAY: WHAT TO EXPECT,
A SIMULATION
 TEST DIRECTIONS
 STUDENT INFORMATION SHEET
 THE TEST
The General Paper…what does it
like?
 Administered in MAY/June and Oct./Nov.
 WRITTEN examination,
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in 2
HOURS (1 day of testing)
The exam paper is divided into three sections, with
five prompt options in each for a total of .
Candidates must choose two questions, each
from a
section.
Each essay is weighted at 50% of the final mark.
Each essay written carries up to 30 marks for
and up to 20 marks for Use of English/
.
SCORING
 The AICE: General Paper exam grades students on two
aspects of the final product essay:
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
CONTENT (30 points)
CONVENTIONS (20 points)……………………..2 ESSAYS = 100pts max
 BAND 1 = BEST
 BAND 5 = WORST
 View the RUBRICS for a quick understanding of the scoring
process.
SECTION 1:
Historical, Social, Economic, Political and Philosophical
 the role of history and war; terrorism
 the role of the individual in society – the family, marriage, peer pressure,
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social class
cultural changes – youth and drug culture
education and welfare
sport, leisure, international competition
wealth; changes in work practice
the importance and impact of tourism on a country – implications for the
economy, employment
public transport, environmental concerns
aid provision
the State and its institutions; development of State, democracy postimperialism, nationalism
minority groups, pressure groups
freedom of speech, action, thought
Judiciary
matters of conscience, faith, tolerance, equality.
SECTION 2:
Science, Geography, Math
 medical dilemmas and issues of research and ethics; concept of
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progress in science
drug manufacture and provision
diet, health education
old and new industries
spin-offs from space industry; weaponry
information and communications technology; the Internet
environmental concerns; renewable energy resources; climate
change
migration; population dynamics
feeding the global population; farming techniques for the twentyfirst century
public transport and travel
the uses and applications of mathematics in everyday life.
SECTION 3:
Literature , Language, Arts and Crafts
 literature, biography, diary, science fiction
 language – heritage, tradition, dialect
 the global media – tv, radio, satellite; influence and
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controls; effects on lifestyle, culture and habits
cultural dilution and diversification; advertising; role
models
censorship; privacy; the right to know; freedom of the
press, etc. uses and abuses
traditional arts and crafts; creativity; national
heritage/preservation; effects of tourism
architecture; painting; fashion; photography;
sculpture; music; heritage, etc.
Sample Exam
 A few things I often notice about the exam layout each
year…in communicating these observations to your
students, you will immediately ease test day anxiety for
them because they will know what to expect and be ready
for it!
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The Intimidator
The Unrecognizable
The Poet
The Specialist
The Aha!
The ‘Here Goes Nothin’
The Common Senser
The Intimidator
“OMG…I am SO not smart enough for this
test! What was I thinking?!”
 How far do you agree that an hereditary monarch as Head of
State is preferable to an elected President?
 How justified are the high salaries and bonuses paid out in some
professions?
 Given the misery in both human and personal history,
is it possible to believe in compassionate Divinity?
The Unrecognizable
“OMG. We SO did not learn this in class! How
am I gonna pass this test?!”
 Are there any aspects of fashion that you would
consider timeless?
 Is cooking more than just a necessity?
 How important is dance in the life of a
nation?
The Specialist
“OMG. This prompt is SO not in my knowledge
department…”
 How far is it true to claim that pesticides have done more
harm than good?
 How far is mathematics the “true” universal language?
 How feasible is human settlement on other planets?
 How important is it to explore alternative forms of
energy?
The Aha!
 “OMG. We actually did one like this in class!
It’s my lucky DAY!”
 Should obesity be regarded as a health concern? (Mini-Unit on
HEALTH/MEDICAL)
 Should there be any limits to the freedom of expression? (MiniUnit on LAW/Constitution)
 To what extent is climate change a bigger global threat than
terrorism? (Upfront articles on ENVIRONMENT and FOREIGN
POLICY)
 The breakup of the Soviet Union has ended the Socialist dream.
To what extent is this true? (Orwell coverage + Universal
Healthcare debate)
ESSAY SAMPLES
PACKET OF ESSAY SAMPLES:
 EXPOSITORY:
What are the most important areas for government spending?
 PERSUASIVE:
 Can breaking the law ever be justified?
 Is science a dream or a nightmare?
 DISCURSIVE:
 In what ways does a country benefit and suffer from where it is
situated?
 To what extent is there equality of opportunity in your country?
 HYBRID PROMPT…Expository + Discursive:
 What are the main environmental problems in your part of the
world and how effectively are they being tackled?

ESSAY SAMPLES…
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Many of the “GP” writing strategies you may have
picked up or heard about along the way will be present
in the essay samples to follow.
However, please be aware that there is no set
formula for using these…
To force two examples in every single body paragraph,
for example, will only lead to trouble. If a student is
stuffing just anything in there to fit the mold, well,
chances are they are wasting their own time…or worse
yet, they might stray from the topic entirely.
ESSAY SAMPLES…
Strategies for crafting a body paragraph
should occur naturally, as they relate to the
point being made.
Don’t mark a student down simply because they
don’t meet some imaginary requirement that every
paragraph needs x, y, and z.
Simply ask yourself:
• Does the student present a main idea in relation to the thesis?
• Does the student stay on topic?
• Does the student present compelling evidence in favor of his/her
point?
TIPS
TIPS: Organization
 MYTH…discursive essays must be 6 paragraphs in
length.
 FACT…no they don’t! A discursive essay can be 7
paragraphs, 8 paragraphs, 9! While balance, for the
most part, is needed, it can be a 60-40 split. Here’s
an example:
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Intro (1)
Body Paragraphs in favor of topic (3)
Body Paragraphs against topic (4)
Conclusion (1)
9 Total!
TIPS: Support/Content
 MYTH: The essay’s support must dominate in fact.
 FACT: The essay’s support must be a logical
argument, however this is achieved.
 Find a balance between student voice and fact
rattling!
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Too much opinion leads to rants, hasty generalizations, and
logical fallacies, and abstract thinking.
Too much fact leads to awkward expression, loss of audience
interest, greater likelihood for fact inaccuracies and a greater
chance of strayed focus.
 FACT: You must express ideas CLEARLY or
content means nothing!
TIPS: Support/Content
 REMIND STUDENTS:
Don’t bog the essay down with picky details and
statistics that don’t prove significant.
 Approximate numbers when possible to simplify them
and to make them more reader-friendly!
 When you do use numbers, give them significance.
 Don’t let examples trail off without explanation,
assuming the audience knows what you’re talking
about!
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Poor Support: “For example, Lance Armstrong in the Tour de
France.” What about it?! Tell me more (but not too much, lol).
TIPS: Expression/Conventions
 MYTH: The English criteria weighs less on the
rubric than Content; it’s only 20 points out of 50, so
it must not be as big of a deal.
 FACT: This part of the rubric “walks softly but
[carries] a big stick”!
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The impact of content is automatically LESSENED by loose
expression!
Grammar, spelling, and punctuation might be good, but the
meaning of a point might be difficult to follow because it is
awkwardly expressed!
OR…rampant grammar, spelling and/or punctuation errors
might make content difficult to follow!
Term? Get Your
Dirty!
Politics/Gov’t
Science/Tech.
Environment
CRIME
Social/Cultural
Media,
Entertainment
CRIME:
Look how many ways we can test this topic!
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How successfully is crime tackled in your society?
(May/June 2010)
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To what extent is your society effectively dealing with
crime? (May/June 2009)
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How effectively does your society deal with young
offenders? (May/June 2008)
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Can breaking the law ever be justified? (May/June 2005)
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Assess the alternatives to prison in dealing with
offenders. (May/June 2003)
Any Burning Questions So Far?
EMAIL ME!
Through the blog:
www.theglobalpen.com
edupavich@yahoo.com
Through the school district:
jill.pavich@palmbeachschools.org
WORKSHOP SESSION 2:
The Essays
 TYPES OF ESSAYS: 3 STYLES
REVIEW
 SAMPLE ESSAYS & ELEMENTS
 GRADING THE ESSAY: TIPS
Generating Ideas
 How do I find ideas??
Think GP RELEVANCE…!!!
State,
national, international
Past history, current events
Consider all academic categories
 Use the Hand Approach to help you…
THUMB:
SCIENCE and
TECHNOLOGY
INDEX:
GOVERNMENT
and POLITICS
MIDDLE:
ENVIRONMENT
RING:
SOCIAL
RELATIONSHIPS
PROMPT
CREDITS:
Teaching the General Paper: Strategies That Work, By Teachers, For Teachers
National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University
Edited by Caroline Ho, Peter Teo, Tay May Yin (2006)
PINKY:
MEDIA, SPORTS
and
ENTERTAINMENT
 There are three basic types of essay tasks that the GP will
assess:
 EXPOSITORY,
 PERSUASIVE,
or
 DISCURSIVE
 Identifying the Prompt Style—handout
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Trigger Words
Basic Rules
Considerations
Prompt ID Practice
“Absolutes” to share with Students
More Considerations
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EXPOSITORY
GOAL:
 to provide information; to objectively EXPLAIN, define, clarify
or interpret…
 UNIQUENESSES:
 doesn’t require an argument! Just tell it like it is!

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PERSUASIVE
GOAL:
 to take a specific stance on an issue in order to CONVINCE the
reader to adopt your way of thinking; to anticipate opposing
viewpoints and refute via counter-argument
 UNIQUENESSES:
 biased! Takes ONE side and defends that side ONLY!! Never
supports the opposition, not even for a minute.

Essay Styles Con’t
 The third style of essay is, perhaps, brand new to
you…
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DISCURSIVE (most advanced…pros and cons, oh
my!)

GOAL:
 asks you to consider BOTH sides of a single issue, objectively
analyzing each before arriving at any kind of value judgment.

Basic Layout:
Begin with a neutral introduction, provide evidence for the case,
provide evidence against the case, conclude by either adopting
one side of the argument or maintaining a neutral (middle-of-theroad) standpoint.
PROMPT TASKS…a Guide to Success
 We will discuss much when it comes to decoding
prompts, but here are your GOLDEN RULES when
determining the style of your essay:
 GOLDEN RULE #1…

Once a Discursive, always a Discursive.
 GOLDEN RULE #2…
 Persuasive is fine, but add to refine!
 GOLDEN RULE #3…
 It might be expository, but don’t get freaked if you feel
like the force is with you…(every time we put the pen
to paper we are arguing-ish!) I call it, ‘fight, despite’!!
Breaking Down the Prompt
 Take a look at the Sample Test.
 With your partner, determine the style of each of the
15 prompts provided.
 Jot (E) for Expository, (P) for Persuasive, or
(D) for Discursive in the margin to the left of the
test question.
SECTION 1:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of
globalization?
‘Not too much nor too little.’ To what extent is this
the basis for a fulfilled life?
What are the most important areas for government
spending?
‘The most effective learning takes place away from
school.’ How far do you agree?
In what ways does a country both benefit and suffer
from where it is situated?
KEY: SECTION 1
1. What are the benefits and drawbacks of
2.
3.
4.
5.
globalization? (Discursive)
‘Not too much nor too little.’ To what extent is
this the basis for a fulfilled life? (Discursive)
What are the most important areas for
government spending? (Expository)
‘The most effective learning takes place away from
school.’ How far do you agree? (Discursive)
In what ways does a country both benefit and
suffer from where it is situated? (Discursive)
SECTION 2
6. Consider the view that water is more important
7.
8.
9.
10.
than oil.
‘There are more advantages to living in the
countryside than in the town.’ Discuss.
‘Technology gives us the ability to control our own
lives.’ How far do you agree or disagree?
How far would you agree that developing countries
have more urgent priorities than environmental
protection?
What more should be done to discourage people
from damaging their own health?
KEY: SECTION 2
6. Consider the view that water is more important than
7.
8.
9.
10.
oil. (Discursive)
‘There are more advantages to living in the countryside
than in the town.’ Discuss. (Discursive)
‘Technology gives us the ability to control our own
lives.’ How far do you agree or disagree? (Discursive)
How far would you agree that developing countries
have more urgent priorities than environmental
protection? (Discursive)
What more should be done to discourage people from
damaging their own health? (Expository)
SECTION 3
11. “A book has one purpose: to entertain.” Assess
12.
13.
14.
15.
this statement.
Assess the advantages and problems of hosting
major international sporting events.
How far should the media of any society reflect the
views of its leaders?
People who ignore religion reject vital aspects of
their culture and life. Do you agree?
To what extent is language limited in its capacity to
communicate?
KEY: SECTION 3
11. “A book has one purpose: to entertain.” Assess
this statement. (Discursive)
12. Assess the advantages and problems of
hosting major international sporting events.
(Discursive)
13. How far should the media of any society reflect
the views of its leaders? (Discursive)
14. People who ignore religion reject vital aspects of
their culture and life. Do you agree? (Discursive)
15. To what extent is language limited in its capacity
to communicate? (Discursive)
Tackling the COMPLEX Prompt…
 Sometimes, prompts are NOT so easy to decode, however.
 In fact, some GP prompts can get pretty complex in design because
they ask you to do more than one task in a single essay; and if you don’t
answer ALL parts of the question, you risk point loss!
 Read carefully for the following verbiage, which can make a
BIG difference in how you approach the prompt:
 The complex use of conjunctions such as AND, OR, AND/OR
 Numbers…the prompt specifies how many issues/ideas it wants you
to cover (i.e. Name three…)
 The use of “such as” or “like,” which tends to invite suggestions but
does not require these suggestions to be covered
 Any mention of ___ and ___ does not mean to discuss the issues
simultaneously! (i.e. consider X’s impact on society and
self…regard yourself and the group as separate entities!)
COMPLEX PROMPTS:
Circle the words that make a difference in how the response is
formulated:
 Of all the advances and discoveries in medicine in the last fifty years,
which two do you consider will prove to be of greatest significance in
the twenty-first century and why? (May/June 2010)
 In what ways has the work of one artist, one musician, or one writer
influenced your life? (May/June 2010)
 Today, news can be transmitted by anybody with access to technology.
Assess the implications of this change. (Oct./Nov. 2010)
KEY: COMPLEX PROMPTS
Circle the words that make a difference in how the response is
formulated:
 Of all the advances and discoveries in medicine in the last fifty years,
which two do you consider will prove to be of greatest significance in
the twenty-first century and why? (May/June 2010)
 In what ways has the work of one artist, one musician, or one writer
influenced your life? (May/June 2010)
 Today, news can be transmitted by anybody with access to technology.
Assess the implications of this change. (Oct./Nov. 2010)
COMPLEX PROMPTS:
 How effectively are traditional crafts maintained and supported
in your society? (Oct./Nov. 2010)
 Explain the lessons which can be learnt from recent global
financial crises regarding personal, corporate, and government
debt. (Oct./Nov. 2010)
 Do objects from ancient societies, such as potteries and
paintings, have any value? (May/June 2005)
 Consider the problem of noise in society and ways to reduce it.
(May/June 2004)
KEY: COMPLEX PROMPTS
 How effectively are traditional crafts maintained and supported
in your society? (Oct./Nov. 2010) (SEE EXAM REPORT #1-2)
 Explain the lessons which can be learnt from recent global
financial crises regarding personal, corporate, and government
debt. (Oct./Nov. 2010)
 Do objects from ancient societies, such as potteries and
paintings, have any value? (May/June 2005)
 Consider the problem of noise in society and ways to reduce
it. (May/June 2004)
COMPLEX PROMPTS:
 Assess the most important areas for government spending.
(Oct./Nov. 2002)
 In considering the languages you are familiar with, evaluate the
influence they have in your society and on yourself. (May/June
2012)
 Why do human beings of all ages feel the need to play?
(May/June 2012)
 How far, in your opinion, can communication be achieved
through dance and/or drama? (May/June 2012)
KEY: COMPLEX PROMPTS
 Assess the most important areas for government spending.
(Oct./Nov. 2002)
 In considering the languages you are familiar with, evaluate the
influence they have in your society and on yourself. (May/June
2012)
 Why do human beings of all ages feel the need to play?
(May/June 2012)
 How far, in your opinion, can communication be achieved
through dance and/or drama? (May/June 2012)
MORE PRACTICE…
 Take a look at the next set of prompts.
 These are also unique and a little more advanced in
prompt identification…embrace the challenge!
Prompt Identification
1.
Discuss the idea that reading printed books is a
thing of the past.
1.
What, in your view, are the most significant
advantages to being proficient in more than one
language?
1.
Of all the advances and discoveries in medicine in
the last fifty years, which two do you consider will
prove to be of greatest significance in the twentyfirst century and why?
KEY: Prompt Identification
1. Discuss the idea that reading printed books is a
thing of the past. (DISCURSIVE)
1. What, in your view, are the most significant
advantages to being proficient in more than one
language? (EXPOSITORY)
1.
Of all the advances and discoveries in medicine in
the last fifty years, which two do you consider will
prove to be of greatest significance in the twentyfirst century and why? (EXPOSITORY)
Prompt Identification
4. Why does graffiti appeal to so many people, and
why does it offend so many others?
5. Can the world sustain our increasing dependence
on electricity?
6. Account for the ever-increasing popularity of
digital photography.
KEY: Prompt Identification
4. Why does graffiti appeal to so many people, and
why does it offend so many others?
(DISCURSIVE)
4. Can the world sustain our increasing dependence
on electricity? (PERSUASIVE)
4. Account for the ever-increasing popularity of
digital photography. (EXPOSITORY)
Prompt Identification
7. Discuss the view that the Internet can be more
harmful than helpful.
8. Is it important to preserve old buildings or to
encourage new forms of architecture?
8. Handwriting is often considered a relic of the past.
Argue the case for retaining it.
KEY: Prompt Identification
7.
Discuss the view that the Internet can be more
harmful than helpful. (DISCURSIVE)
8. Is it important to preserve old buildings or to
encourage new forms of architecture?
(PERSUASIVE)
8. Handwriting is often considered a relic of the past.
Argue the case for retaining it. (PERSUASIVE)
Prompt Decoding:
Some ‘Absolutes’ to Share with Your Teens
 Truth #1: It’s impossible to know what will appear
on the test…
 Truth #2: Things aren’t always what they seem
when it comes to prompt wording…
 Truth #3: ‘Fun’ prompts aren’t always a hit after
all…
 Truth #4: Cambridge recycles! So can you!
See Handout for more information!
 How important are
artists, such as painters,
writers and musicians in your society?
 Consider
you know well and suggest
reasons for their impact.
 Can child
ever be justified? (favourite, criticise)
the characteristics that make the people of
your country unique as a nation.
 Do economic
serve any useful purpose?
(globalization, modernization, privatization, outsourcing, etc.)
 ‘Knowledge is
.’ Discuss.
WORKSHOP SESSION 3:
CONTENT
 RESOURCES FOR TEACHING CONTENT

Open Forum Discussion
 BUILDING A MINI-UNIT: MEDIA

Separate PowerPoint & Links
 THE GREAT GP DEBATE

Separate Links
Visit my
for
GP Teacher SUPPORT!!!
THE GLOBAL PEN:
WWW.THEGLOBALPEN.COM
EMAIL ME:
EDUPAVICH@YAHOO.COM