FSA Writing- Text-based Opinion Essay Format

Bundled in the FSA Writing / Common Core Writing Packet 3-5.

Raise scores! I've geared this for the writing portion of the FSA.

Writing an opinion essay has never been so easy. Backing up thinking with text evidence- no problem! Each sentence is explained. Begin using this now, and your students will be will prepared by test time. I came up with this checklist to initially show my students how to smoothly integrate their text evidence into their writing without just rewriting the articles that were given to them to use as sources. They've picked it up quickly. Now I feel much more confident in their writing skills; no more students saying "I don't know what to write next."

Requirements for writing have changed quickly over a short period of time. Students are being to rethink their approach as academic writing is taking a front seat. Checklist includes the elements that students are going to need for a top-scoring paper. This follows the 5 paragraph format in a checklist format. Students are able to check off each sentence as they write to make sure they include well-organized paragraphs with elaboration built in. Text evidence is clearly referenced for the students and each sentence is explained. Having students use this as guide during their classroom practice will prepare them for the Writing portion of the FSA, SAGE, and other Common Core text-based opinion writing.