Learners should be assessed on two pieces of writing which are independently graded by three markers, or on three pieces of writing assessed by two markers.

10. “Describe a favorite family vacation.” is an example of a poor writing prompt. Why? Give an example of a good writing prompt. (Johnson)

This is a poor writing prompt because you cannot assume that every student (a) has a family, (b) feels comfortable with his or her family, (c) has had a family vacation, (d) wants to go on a vacation, or (e) enjoys family vacations. With this writing prompt you are telling students, “You must have a family you enjoy and you must have enjoyed a vacation someplace. If not, you are abnormal.” Instead, an example of a good writing prompt would be something

like “Describe something you enjoy doing.” Every student, regardless of circumstance, could respond to this prompt. Every student could succeed regardless of ability.

11. Put in the correct order: (Johnson)

Brainstorm and Group

a) Look for groups or patterns. …………….3

b) Generate as many ideas as you can……... 2

c) Use groups for sections or paragraphs…………5

d) Start with a topic……….. 1

e) Organize into groups……….4

Outlining

a) Begin writing…………………4

b) Use letters to add details……………..3

c) List important ideas using numbers………………2

d) Look at topic or theme………………….1

Magic Circle (Revising)

a) Pass papers out……………3

b) Wait for empty desk, respond to another paper…………….6

c) When finished, leave it on the desk, move to center of the circle………………….5

d) Try to respond to at least three papers…………………7

e) Put chairs in a circle…………………2

f) Students respond to a paper (write on it)………………….4

g) Collect papers (no names)…………….1

12. “Once a student has taken a piece to the revision stage, the majority of time should be spent reading, rereading, moving things around, and getting feedback from others. This is where time is spent molding and shaping a piece of writing. Encourage students to read their work out loud to develop a writer’s ear.” What does “a writer’s ear” mean? (Johnson)

Writer's Ear is a new way for students teachers and writers, by working and playing together, to produce superior writing.

13. While teaching writing, what should the teacher do if she is not certain about what skills to teach her students?

14. What is an Editing Checklistused for? How is it used? (Johnson; pp 194-200)

Teach students how to edit their own work by providing structure by using a simple checklist with three to five specific skills to look for (see the editing checklist below). As they edit have students focus on just one skill at a time. For example, they should first look to see that all sentences begin with capital letters and make a check in the “yes” column when they have done so. Then they should read each sentence out loud to see if it makes sense by itself and is a complete idea.When they have completed the editing checklist they should ask another student to review and edit their work.