Is your child or student preparing for an upcoming standardized test and plagued with test anxiety? It’s easy for test takers to get overwhelmed with all the grammatical requirements of writing an effective test response. These 3 advanced writing techniques will boost their scores if they understand them.
What are they? Let’s dive in!
Join us on our upcoming webinar for more insights.
1. Understand How To Use Commas, Semicolons, & Colons
Unsure exactly how to use commas, semicolons, and colons? Avoid digging through textbook definitions for answers, and discover an easier way to understand (and explain) the differences between how to use commas, semicolons, and colons.
Separate With Commas
Think of commas as the part in a conversation where you usually pause to take a breath or connect a thought. Using commas in your standardized testing answers should separate independent and dependent clauses.
Separating list items: She bought pencils, paper, and peaches.
Joining separate, complete thoughts: I love reading, and my sister does too.
Adding supplemental information: My aunt, who lives in Atlanta, visited me last week.
Add Semicolons Appropriately
A semicolon combines independent but related thoughts without overcomplicating the sentence.
I love baking cupcakes; it reminds me of growing up with my grandmother.
A semicolon works for the sentence above because each separate thought can stand alone but eliminates the need to add a conjunction. The second sentence usually supports the first sentence.
Clarify Lists With Colons
Colons make lists with two or more items easier to digest and should also be preceded by an independent clause. Colons help create a visual break, making it easier for readers to identify each listed item.
I need 3 things to study at my best: water, a laptop, and music.
2. Keep Your Answers Short Yet Concise
There is a time and place for complex answers. For example, a university or organization will expect you to offer more than simple yes or no responses when interviewing for a position. However, standardized tests typically prefer shorter grammatically correct answers.
No need to overthink it! Simplify your student’s writing skills by reminding them to Keep It Short and Simple (K-I-S-S):
Keep is a reminder to stay focused on the main idea.
It involves using clear and straightforward language.
Short means limiting unnecessary words and excess punctuation.
Simple supports grammatically correct answers that get to the point.
3. Direct Readers With Smooth Transitions
Transition words offer a more natural way to move from one topic to the next. A few of the most commonly used transition words are:
- However
- Therefore
- Additionally
- Furthermore
When answering identifying questions, confirm that students understand both the exact meaning and purpose of the transitional word or words they want to use. When in doubt, have them read each answer carefully to determine whether it sounds correct and flows or needs to be adjusted.
We Prepare Students With Practical & Proven Writing Strategies
A single student will take over 100 standardized tests from pre-K to 12th grade. However, many people wonder whether standardized assessments truly measure what students know, can do, and are capable of learning. Until standardized tests are eliminated, The Write Turn offers evidence-based writing instruction for all students, including those with learning disabilities and language delays.
Join us on our upcoming webinar to learn how to better support your student(s)!
About The Write Turn
At The Write Turn® we specialize in providing explicit strategy instruction in written language. Students of all achievement levels — students with learning disabilities to high performing students — are benefiting from our evidence-based writing program. We also service students with expressive and receptive language delays and language-based learning deficits that affect reading and spelling.