How can it enhance GHSWT essays,
and all essays?
Georgia Performance Standards
ELAAL11W1 (a-g)
You are already a good writer…
 so why do you want to try this writing style?
 What are its advantages?
 How does it work?
 How has it been successful in the past?
 Can it guarantee success?
 Is it complicated to learn?
We never know…
 what the GHSWT topic will be, but we can be
prepared for almost anything by having this
technique in our arsenal of skills.
 There are no guarantees, but many past students
have seen results.
 It is not complicated, and it just gets easier as you
use it.
 It is not a strict formula, so you are free to alter the
technique and use your own ideas.
These comments are from actual
GHSWT score sheets from 2007:
More bad news…
The MPHS students who received these
score sheets from the state were good
writers, too, but did not pass the writing
part of the graduation test last year.
How can you help yourself, during the
next month, to maximize your writing
skills?
As you can see…
 Major reasons for failing include repetitive content,




lack of focus, lack of varied supporting detail and
lack of organization.
The Adverb Advantage helps with all of these areas.
It also reminds you to use your best and most varied
vocabulary.
Complete the information on your guide as we
discuss it.
We will begin trying this technique tomorrow, so
focus your attention today.
First, always “TAF” the question. Many
good writers forget this crucial step. If a
student strays from this, he or she will
not pass.
 Analyze and note (or circle):
Topic: what are its main parts?
Audience: to or for whom are you
writing?
Format: a formal letter? An essay for a
principal?
TAF this actual topic:
 Many schools across the country have instituted dress
codes; some have even begun to require that their
students wear uniforms to school. Though some research
shows that students in uniforms are better behaved and
focus better on their studies, many of your friends feel
that uniforms should not be required at your school.
Write an essay to accompany a petition which will
contain signatures of students opposed to uniforms. Your
essay and petition will be sent to the superintendent of
your district.
 Some topics require you to choose a position (pro or con).
Does this topic allow a choice of position? If determining
a position, construct a quick pro/con chart to gather your
thoughts and decide your position.
Plan and “web” your paragraphs.
Key topic and
your position
(if needed)
Choose the best “PASSEF” adverb
for each paragraph’s topic.
Physically
Academically
Socially
Spiritually
Emotionally
Financially
What does each one
mean?
For how many state
practice topics do
they help generate
ideas ?
How can they be
memorized?
What if they do not
all apply?
What PASSEFS could be used
for the sample topic? Here are three:
Emotionally
Socially
Physically
Uniforms
negatively affect
students….
The PASSEFS provide structure.
Use them as you:
discuss a possible thesis statement for
an essay constructed as the web
shows. (Check previous slide.)
Next, discuss a topic sentence for each
paragraph.
Now each paragraph needs
supporting evidence. Use the
“5w’s and 1 h” to generate ideas.
 Who
 What
 When
 Where
 Why
 How
Practice with these.
Will every one always
apply? How will their
use keep paragraphs
unified? How can they
make your paragraphs
“FAT”?
A sample web:
Socially
*Who: all who
love fun styles
*What: lack of
individuality
*When: every
school day
*Where: in all
school classes
*Why: because
personal style
matters to most
young people
*How: high
school should be
a time for
fashion fun
Emotionally
*Who: all who are creative
*What: feeling of boredom
and conformity
*Why: creativity doesn’t
seem valued
*How: school is not
supposed to encourage
uniformity; it can cause
boredom and trouble
Uniforms
negatively affect
students…
Physically
*Who: those
who feel
uncomfortable
in a “borrowed”
style
*What: feeling
of
unattractiveness
*Why: people
are made
differently and
have different
coloring
*How:
restrictive
tailoring is not
for everyone
What are the PASSEFs again?
P________________
A________________
S________________
S________________
E________________
F________________
The PASSEF adverbs are
Physically
Academically
Socially
Spiritually
Emotionally
Financially
Why TAF the state’s topic?
 To determine the T_________________,
A_________________
and
F_________________.
(Many good writers do not pass because
their writing strays from the TAF outlined
in the state topic.)
Now you’re armed with solid knowledge
of topic (TAF), structure (PASSEFs) and
strong supporting detail (5W’s and 1H).
As you write and proofread…
 Try the CRAM method to save time. There are just
four decisions to make. Either
 Cut, or
 Revise, or
 Add, or
 Move your content, to make “FAT” paragraphs.
The next portion of your
GHSWT Adverb Advantage
handout reviews the
conventions of strong, “FAT”
paragraphs.
 What are your thoughts
about this technique so
far?
To review…
 Try applying the TAF, webbing, PASSEFs, and
5W’s and 1H strategies to this topic:
You have decided to run for Student Council election.
In this election year, we Americans have heard both
positive and negative campaign strategies used by
national candidates. Now, you must decide which
type of campaign to launch. Write a speech, to be
broadcast in all classrooms, in which you state
whether or not you will attack your opponents’
policies. Provide convincing reasons for your
position.
Remember…
You can pass the GHSWT!
You are already a good writer.