Provincial Exam Prep: Original Composition
30% of the provincial exam is based on the ability to write a creative and purposeful composition. Here are the exam specifications:
Part D: Composition (from Exam Specifications 2013/14)
Students should be able to demonstrate the skills of written expression, such as organizing ideas, using effective transitions within and between sentences and paragraphs, constructing effective sentences and using conventions of standard written English. In writing a multi-paragraph original composition of at least 300 words, students should be able to limit a topic, decide on their purpose and audience and present a thesis statement (if appropriate). They should be able to generate and shape their ideas using varied sentences at an appropriate level of diction. They should also demonstrate an understanding of the conventions of standard written English by monitoring their spelling, grammar, punctuation and syntax. Students should be able to maintain a focus on the topic while developing ideas to support their thesis.
Here is an example of an original composition that would score a "6" on the final exam. (I will upload more in the future, but this is a start)
TIPS FOR CREATING EMOTION AND IMPACT WITH THE READER
Original Composition Student Exemplar (level 6)
Hints for writing the Original Composition Section:
1. Give yourself one hour to complete this portion of the exam. It can be done in 45 minutes but if you leave only 30 minutes it means you will have to be very rushed on a very important part of the test. Basically you want to be starting this section by 11:00 am next Tuesday.
2. You can write in any style (first person, third person etc.). You may write a story (narrative) or a regular expository essay, or a personal account. (Note: narratives and personal accounts in general are scored higher on the provincial than expository essays). This is the part of the exam where you can talk about yourself if you want to!!
3. Be original! Don't just write about the first idea that pops into your head! Take 5 minutes to brainstorm and outline what you want to write about-believe me the time will be well spent in the long run! Try and write something different from what other people would write about. Be original!
4. Language and expression are key on this part of the exam. Use the highest level vocabulary you can and proofread your writing! Even taking 5 minutes to re-read your composition and correct simple errors can make the difference between a "4" and a "5" or a "5" and a "6".
5. Write about something that is important to you. Many of you have written powerful and personal stories during the semester about things that have happened to you. These are the stories you should write about on the exam (if the exam topic is relevant to your story).
Part D: Composition (from Exam Specifications 2013/14)
Students should be able to demonstrate the skills of written expression, such as organizing ideas, using effective transitions within and between sentences and paragraphs, constructing effective sentences and using conventions of standard written English. In writing a multi-paragraph original composition of at least 300 words, students should be able to limit a topic, decide on their purpose and audience and present a thesis statement (if appropriate). They should be able to generate and shape their ideas using varied sentences at an appropriate level of diction. They should also demonstrate an understanding of the conventions of standard written English by monitoring their spelling, grammar, punctuation and syntax. Students should be able to maintain a focus on the topic while developing ideas to support their thesis.
Here is an example of an original composition that would score a "6" on the final exam. (I will upload more in the future, but this is a start)
TIPS FOR CREATING EMOTION AND IMPACT WITH THE READER
Original Composition Student Exemplar (level 6)
Hints for writing the Original Composition Section:
1. Give yourself one hour to complete this portion of the exam. It can be done in 45 minutes but if you leave only 30 minutes it means you will have to be very rushed on a very important part of the test. Basically you want to be starting this section by 11:00 am next Tuesday.
2. You can write in any style (first person, third person etc.). You may write a story (narrative) or a regular expository essay, or a personal account. (Note: narratives and personal accounts in general are scored higher on the provincial than expository essays). This is the part of the exam where you can talk about yourself if you want to!!
3. Be original! Don't just write about the first idea that pops into your head! Take 5 minutes to brainstorm and outline what you want to write about-believe me the time will be well spent in the long run! Try and write something different from what other people would write about. Be original!
4. Language and expression are key on this part of the exam. Use the highest level vocabulary you can and proofread your writing! Even taking 5 minutes to re-read your composition and correct simple errors can make the difference between a "4" and a "5" or a "5" and a "6".
5. Write about something that is important to you. Many of you have written powerful and personal stories during the semester about things that have happened to you. These are the stories you should write about on the exam (if the exam topic is relevant to your story).