ESL EXIT TEST
WRITING WORKSHOP
400 / 500 Level
Writing Section: Basics
• 1st Part of test
• Two topics—choose 1
• The topics might be Opinion, Agree/Disagree,
Compare/Contrast, or Preference
• Total of 60 minutes
• 5 minutes to brainstorm; 55 minutes 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
• 412  512 Development: The topic is developed using sound reasoning,
supported by interesting, specific examples and details in a full,
balanced response. Evidence of critical thinking and/or insight may be
displayed. Opposing viewpoints may be considered and/or refuted.
• 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?
Development
Development is:
The reasons, examples, and details that are used to
support the stated or implied position.
• 512  Out Development: Development is sophisticated and
dense yet complex. Writer addresses topic in a conceptualized
fashion using data, experience or observations.
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.
• 412  512 Language Use: A wide variety of kinds of sentences
are present and usually correct. Word choice is varied and specific.
Although there may be a few minor errors, language control is
competent and meaning is clear.
• 512  Out Language Use: Writers at this level demonstrate
control of complex lexical, grammatical, syntactic, and stylistic
features of the language. A wide variety of kinds of sentences are
present and are correct with minimal error.
Organization
• The clear, logical sequencing of ideas and the use of effective
transitional devices to show relationships among ideas
• 412  512 Organization : The essay demonstrates logical
sequencing of ideas, and transitions are used effectively to
show relationships among ideas. There is a well-developed
introduction and the essay may have a brief but clear
conclusion.
• 512  Out Organization : The writing is skillfully crafted and is
organized in a way that reflects target-culture thought patterns.
There is a well-developed introduction and the essay may have a
developed and clear 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
Think about you have learned in your writing class.
AND
Show us what you learned in your writing class.
How?
Carefully read topic.
Skim evidence provided.
Brainstorm.
Briefly outline.