ESL EXIT TEST
WRITING WORKSHOP
300 level
Advanced
Writing Section: Basics
• 1st Part of test
• Two Topics– Choose one topic to answer
• The topics might be Opinion, Agree/Disagree,
Compare/Contrast, or Preference
• Total of 60 minutes
• 5 minutes to brainstorm; 55 minute to write
• 15 minute & 5 minute Time Warning
• Hand-Written
• No dictionary or cell phones
• Your paragraph is graded on 5 areas:
• Development
• Language use
• Organization
• Focus
• Mechanics
Development
Development is:
The reasons, examples, and details that are used to support the stated or
implied position.
Development is very important because it demonstrates proficiency
• 312  412 Development: The topic is developed using reasons supported by
specific examples and details. Evidence of critical thinking and/or insight
may be displayed.
• How many body paragraphs should you have in an essay?
• Should each paragraph have specific examples and details?
• Should your body paragraphs support your thesis statement?
Language Use
Language Use is:
Variety and correctness of sentence structures and word
choices, and control of grammar and usage (e.g., word
order, word forms, verb tense and agreement)
Language use is very important because it demonstrates
proficiency.
• 312  412 Language Use: A variety of sentences is present
and are usually correct. Word choice is varied and
occasionally specific. Overall, language control is good and
meaning is clear.
Organization
The clear, logical sequencing of ideas and the use of effective
transitional devices to show relationships among ideas
• 312  412 Organization: The essay demonstrates
sequencing of ideas that is mostly logical, and appropriate
transitions are used to show relationships among ideas.
There is a somewhat developed introduction and there
may be a brief conclusion.
Focus
The clarity and consistency with which the main idea(s) or point
of view is maintained
• What does this mean?
• Stay on topic!
• In a paragraph about your hometown, could you describe
• your favorite place to take a vacation
• Your parent’s hometown
• Your brother’s favorite restaurant in your hometown
• The different activities in your hometown such as the shopping mall, park, and movie
theater
Mechanics
What is Mechanics?
• Errors in spelling, capitalization, and punctuation in relation to
meaning
• Check your capital letters, commas and periods before you finish!
Writing Strategies:
Pre:
• Take time to understand the question and direction.
• Use the 2-3 minutes brainstorm:
• Consider all possible main ideas/reasons
• Think of details/examples
• Eliminate weak ideas and details
• 2-3 minute outline
• Words/phrases
• Think about organization and structure
During:
• Watch your time!
• Try to leave time to go back and edit.
• Keep the question in your mind—don’t go from topic!
• Try to be creative-using interesting/unique ideas and details
Most Important
Think about you have learned in your writing class.
AND
Show us what you learned in your writing class.
Practice:
What are the qualities of a good friend? Give
reasons and examples to support your opinion.