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The TAKS essay is a multi-paragraph composition that requires a personal response or opinion. Students should construct an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion to effectively communicate their ideas. The essay can include personal experiences, media examples, and relevant stories while ensuring that all components support the main thesis. Scoring ranges from 1 to 4, with clarity, organization, and voice being key evaluation criteria. Creative risks and personal anecdotes are encouraged, while adhering to specific writing conventions is crucial for success.
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The TAKS Essay What is it like? What can I write about?
What kind of essay should you write? • It needs to be a MULTI-paragraph essay. • You should have an introduction, several body paragraphs (the number of body paragraphs is open), and a conclusion. • For the most part, the TAKS essay asks for a personal response/opinion. You can use the following as evidence: • Personal experiences • Movies you have seen • Books you have read • Stories you know are true • Examples from the media, etc. • Remember though you’re not just summarizing the plots of the samples or other literary material.
How are TAKS Essays scored? • The essays use a rubric with a score range that is from 1 to 4. • To pass the section, a student must earn a 2. • However, if you fail the essay (scoring a 1), then you fail the whole ELA test! • There are five areas of writing that the graders consider when scoring the essay: • Focus and coherence, organization, development of ideas, voice, and conventions
Are there specific requirements? • You are not required to follow the traditional CD, CM, CM format. However, if it works for you, use it. • Be sure the introductory paragraph states your opinion! (THESIS) Be sure that everything else in your essay SUPPORTS that opinion. • The “secret” or implied part of the prompt question is: How does this idea/event change/affect you? • VOICE is most important. One great personal story, developed in full detail, is better than three examples briefly addressed.
Other pointers… • It is okay to use I, me, my, etc. in your personal stories • However, watch using you too much – try one or oneself instead • Do not use: Contractions (can’t, they’re, we’re) or -Abbreviations (b/c, cuz, w/o, &, lqtm) • Do not skip lines between paragraphs when writing the essay. There’s a limited amount of space. • Write neatly and clearly; Avoid writing teeny tiny or huge and bubbly writing
Use transitions (To begin with, For example, In addition). • Avoid “chunky” paragraph format with presenting different examples in different paragraphs with no connections. • Take creative risks. Create your own metaphors, similes, imagery. Avoid clichés. • You are allowed to use a dictionary. Please do. If you're even slightly unsure how to spell a word, look it up!
Sample Essay Questions… • Write an essay explaining what you think makes a person admirable. • Write an essay explaining what can happen when someone has a strong influence in your life.