A Parent’s Look
at
the 8TH Grade Gateway
that awaits your child
2
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What is the Gateway Writing Test
What is the difference between Expository
and Persuasive writing?
How have the students been prepared?
What can parents do over the next two
months to help prepare for the test?
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Two types of writing
Expository
 Persuasive
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For 8th grade students ONLY
NO CHOICE in the style of writing
100 minutes – start to finish
Follows the writing process
Must pass the test for promotion
Spring opportunity for retake if needed
Remediation classes will be offered in the spring
if needed
What are the two types of writing?
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A. Expository &
Persuasive
B. Expository &
Descriptive
C. Persuasive &
Narrative
D. Narrative &
Expository
How many minutes are students given during the writing test to complete their
writing?
60
80
90
100
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60
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80
A.
B.
C.
D.
8th Grade students must pass the Gateway
Writing Test is a promotion criteria.
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Expository – INFORM – Writing
I deas developed with explanations
N eeds specific details and examples
F ully develops the topic
O rganizational strategy
R eader’s interest through strong voice
M ulti-paragraph writing
Persuasive – PERSUADE – Writing
P osition
E motional and/or logical appeal
R eader engagement
S pecific facts or personal experience
U se precise language
A nticipate audience concerns
D efend your position
E ffective arguments
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False
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•Controlling idea
•Supporting idea
•Major details
•Specific examples and
elaboration
•Supporting ideas (relevant)
•Relevance of detail
•Depth of development
•Awareness of Genre
•Overall Plan
•Introduction/Body/Conclusion
•Sequence of Ideas
•Grouping of Ideas
•Expository or Persuasive Strategies
•Transitions
•Word Choice
•Audience Awareness
•Voice
•Sentence Variety
•Strategies Appropriate to
Expository or Persuasive Writing
•SENTENCE FORMATION: correctness,
clarity, simple, compound, complex, end
punctuation
•USAGE: sub-verb agreement,
pronoun agreement, standard words
•MECHANICS: internal punctuation,
spelling, paragraphs, capitalization
DOs to REMEMBER:
DOs – that we DO stress that students DO …
•DO write 2 PAGES – front and back – NO SKIPPING LINES – especially between paragraphs
•DO know the style of writing and be sure to do it – Expository or Persuasive
•DO remember the format for writing a letter
•DO read the prompt more than once to understand the writing topic.
•DO brainstorm
•DO indent all paragraphs
•DO make sure all paragraphs are at least 5 sentences
•DO make sure writing is 5 or MORE paragraphs
•DO write the final copy in BLUE or BLACK ink
•DO proofread the final copy – use INSERT or SINGLE STRIKE THROUGH
•DO write legibly.- print or cursive – your choice
•DO include lots of detail
•DO use transition words.
•DO check the CRITERIA –
-IDEAS* - DETAILS
-ORGANIZATION – PARAGRAPHS – minimum of 5 paragraphs – intro., 3+ body, conclusion
-STYLE – VOICE – aka CREATIVITY (adjectives / description)
-CONVENTIONS – MECHANICS – spelling, punctuation, paragraphs
•DO have a GOOD, STRONG Introduction
•DO MAKE YOUR THESIS statement (main idea) – is your opinion of the topic – without saying “I….”
•DO have a GOOD Conclusion
•DO make sure the conclusion is DIFFERENT than the intro with a restatement of your opinion /thesis
E.
F.
G.
H.
MAKE YOUR THESIS statement (main idea) – is
your opinion of the topic – without saying “I….”
Response
Counter
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B.
write 1 PAGE
know the style of writing and be sure to do it –
Expository or Persuasive
remember the format for writing a letter
read the prompt more than once to
understand the writing topic.
brainstorm
indent all paragraphs
include lots of detail
kn
ow
A.
DON’Ts to REMEMBER:
DON’Ts – that we DO stress that students NOT DO …
•DON’T start a sentence with AND or BUT
•DON’T repeat the same word over and over
•DON’T use “I think…” “I hope you enjoyed…” “I am going to tell you…”
•DON’T abbreviate
•DON’T use etc.
•DON’T use contractions
•DON’T write numbers – INSTEAD spell out all numbers 1-100
•DON’T forget to indent all paragraphs – USE a paragraph sign at the
beginning of paragraphs if you forget to indent
•DON’T skip lines between paragraphs
•DON’T write less than 5 paragraphs
•DON’T write off topic
•DON’T forget to READ the prompt more than once to understand the topic
•DON’T use slang
•DON’T introduce yourself … DON’T say “My name is…”
•DON’T use the transitions – FIRST, SECOND, THIRD, LAST
•DON’T say good bye in the conclusion
•DON’T use “THE END”
•DON’T use symbols (like 2 for the word “to”)
•DON’T draw flowers, circles, or hearts to dot your “i.”
A. start a sentence with AND or
BUT
B. repeat the same word over
and over
C. use “I think…” “I hope you
enjoyed…” “I am going to tell
you…”
D. introduce yourself at the
beginning of your essay.
E. abbreviate
F. use etc.
G. use contractions
H. write numbers – INSTEAD
spell out all numbers 1-100
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Student Writing Checklist for Gateway Writing
Prepare Yourself to Write
•Read the Writing Situation and Directions for Writing carefully.
•Brainstorm for ideas.
•Decide what ideas to include and how to organize them.
•Write only in English.
Make Your Paper Meaningful
•Use your knowledge and/or personal experiences that are related to the topic.
•Explain, clarify, and define your ideas.
•Establish a clear controlling idea.
•Fully develop your controlling idea with specific, supporting details.
•Organize your ideas in a clear and logical order.
•Write an expository essay and stay on topic.
Make Your Paper Interesting to Read
•Think about what would be interesting to the reader.
•Use a lively writing voice that shows your interest in the topic.
•Use precise, descriptive, vivid words.
•Vary the type, structure, and length of your sentences.
Make Your Paper Easy to Read
•Indent to start a new paragraph.
•Use effective transitions.
•Write in complete and correct sentences.
•Capitalize, spell, and punctuate correctly.
•Make sure your subjects and verbs agree.
Writing Situation
Eighth grade is a transition between middle school and getting ready for high
school. Students have many concerns about the expectations and goals the
school has for them.
Directions for Writing
Choose one concern that you have about eighth grade. Write an essay using
specific details and reasons why this is a concern for you and how you might deal
with it.
Review the writing process using the
strategies and ideas
 Review the handouts in this packet with your
child.
 Choose a prompt to discuss, analyze,
brainstorm, and even write with your child
 Help your child to prepare for the testing day–
 #2 pencils and blue/black pen
 Good night sleep
 Eat breakfast (at least on this day)
 Be present AND on time
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