This is a reminder that the mock writing test is scheduled for Friday. It will be an expository essay, and it will be graded on ideas and organization.

Here are some tips for parents to help students prepare:

• essay should have an introduction, a body, and a conclusion
• the introduction should include a topic sentence
• the body should include main points and supporting details (relevant examples, reasons, anecdotes)
• the conclusion should summarize and provide a satisfying closure without repeating ideas

Things to remember:

• Introductions should be strategically designed. Begin with a question, a joke, a challenging statement, or statistic.
• Do not ever begin with "Hi! My name is...." or "Today I am going to tell you about..."
• Be careful not to repeat ideas or use the same vocabulary words again and again
• Find the TAP (topic, audience, and purpose) before writing
• Use the writing process (prewrite with a graphic organizer, rough draft, edit and revise, final draft)
• Write with showing sentences, not telling sentences