Holiday Packet Reminder

Hello,

I hope you have enjoyed your vacation thus far and are looking forward to the warm days ahead. However, this is just a reminder that the packets are due on Monday 4/16. All sections provided in the NYS ELA test practice packet must be completed. Any section that requires you to write a short or extended response but there is no space provided for you to write, please use common sense and use loose leaf to write your response. No space provided for your answer does not mean that you cannot answer it!

In addition to your short and extended responses, please use the writing strategy I taught you in class such as the one and only T-E-C method. You don't need to use the Hook-3-T, CA-R1-R2 or The Bottom Line methods because the state test does not require you to write argumentatively. The T-E-C method is the best one to use. Please incorporate parts of the question and author's name into your topic sentence and find three pieces of evidence (only if the test does not specifiy the number of details to use) that ANSWERS THE QUESTION by stating "For example...". Lastly, provide your commentary after each example taken from the text that relates to how the example you've just stated answers the question. However, please don't start off your commentary by saying, "This is correct because..." or "This answers the question because..." it is just TACKY! If you do start with that in your mind cross off those first few tacky phrases and whatever else is left is your "untackified" commentary to the evidence you provided.

If it is an extended response, you will need to use the T-E-C method twice with a conclusion. The reason you will need to repeat this method twice is because you will be asked to compare and contrast two passages/articles.

Just remember T-E-C-E-C-E-C! Sing it like a song to help you remember the acronym. When you return with your completed packets you must use this method to ensure you get the most if not all points for your answer. Trust me this is exactly what the test graders are looking for. Just make sure to read the questions and instructions carefully so you will know the best details to select from the text. Please BEWARE, that most students believe that if they write anything down and it "looks good" they'll receive full points. WRONG! The details you select MUST answer the question.

I believe you can do it! Use the T-E-C method and the rest is up to you!

Be ready to practice how to answer poetry multiple choice questions and short answer questions when you return.

See you Monday! : )