Sadlier-Oxford VOCABULARY WORKSHOP SAT Practice Worksheet
TIMED ESSAY
Name
Level H Unit 10
Date
Directions: Think carefully about the statement below and the assignment that follows.
My responsibility to myself, my neighbors, my family and the human family
is to try to tell the truth. That ain’t easy. There are so few truth-speaking
traditions in this society in which the myth of “Western civilization” has
claimed the allegiance of so many.
Toni Cade Bambara
Assignment:
Do you agree with Cade Bambara’s view of the nature of truth and of how
truth is treated in our society? Plan and write an essay in which you develop
your thoughts in response to her contentions. To begin, write a thesis
statement. Then take notes and use them to write a clear, firm, full statement
of your views. Present your ideas clearly and persuasively. Support your
position with facts and examples drawn from your reading, studies,
experiences, or observations.
Use the following pointers to guide you. You have 25 minutes total.
Writing Your Thesis Statement (1-2 minutes) Let readers know your position.
• Write a single sentence to focus your writing.
• Make sure it clearly and fully states your viewpoint.
Prewriting (3-4 minutes) Plan your essay.
• Reread the statement above to make sure that you grasp Cade Bambara’s
position.
• Start by narrowing the focus of your response.
• Gather and list your ideas and group those that belong together.
• List any key words you want to make sure to use.
• Choose an organizational plan that will help readers follow your thoughts
easily; it will serve as the outline for your essay.
Writing Your Draft (17-18 minutes) Present your ideas as effectively as you can.
• Write quickly but legibly.
• Hook readers with your first sentence.
• Then use only your best ideas and support them with facts or examples.
• Aim to make your paragraphs unified.
• Use transitional words and phrases to show how ideas relate to one another.
• Make your essay memorable; give it a catchy ending.
Editing and Revising Your Draft (2-3 minutes) Reread your essay and improve it.
• Have you used the right words?
• Have you used precise nouns, vivid verbs, and expressive modifiers?
• Can you make the writing more appealing by inserting sensory details, figurative
language, or colorful idiomatic expressions?
• Have you chosen the most effective transitional words or expressions to make
your writing coherent?
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