MOCK EXAM DECONSTRUCTION Question

3 :Argument

Argument What it is What it’s not

Read the prompt carefully

Prewrite Key Words

Extent Characterization Today

Key Facts Author Time Period Author’s View

Scorer’s First JobIs the essay an UPPER HALF or LOWER

HALF essay?

Tells WHAT

Tells WHY and HOW Abstract/Universal Truth

Literal/Concrete

Scoring Guide

Even: Level of THINKING

Odd: Level of WRITING

Most essays fell in this

range 5 Inconsistent--

Flashes of greatness

4 Inadequate

Sample Essays In small groups,

read the three essays.

Use the scoring guide and decide on a score for each of the three.

After your group has

decided, write the score on the essay.

The best essay “melting pot” defined and compared thoroughly

with “tomato soup” analogy (which is also defined)

“American creed” well-articulated Clear thesis at the end of first paragraph Lyndon Johnson’s quota system Cultural values of Asians and loyalties of

Mexicans at odds with personal liberties Recent budget standoff “discord” used to directly contradict Paine’s

“concord” CONCESSION: discord can invite possibilities for

change

Review YOUR Essay Highlight your specific examples (the WHAT)

Box in your evaluative comments/connections to thesis (the HOW and WHY)

Circle strong vocabulary words

Underline concession/nod to opposition

Review YOUR Essay Highlight your specific examples

(the WHAT)

Box in your evaluative comments/connections to thesis (the HOW and WHY)

Circle strong vocabulary words

Underline concession/nod to opposition

Not just a WRITING test, but a THINKING test

Know stuff!