Writing
Writing in iTEP SLATE Core asks for two typed responses in a timed section: a shorter paragraph on a familiar topic and a longer opinion response. Scorers weigh task completion, organization, range and accuracy of grammar and vocabulary, and mechanics. A simple, well-organized answer outranks a complex answer that drifts off topic or breaks into fragments.
Structure that scores
- Short task: one topic sentence, two specific supporting details, and a closing sentence. Stay focused; do not turn it into a full essay.
- Longer task: state a clear position, develop two reasons with examples, and close by restating the position. Use paragraph breaks for each reason.
- Use transitions that show relationships: first, for example, however, therefore.
- Vary sentence length and combine ideas with because, although, or if; check that every sentence has a subject and a finite verb.
- Edit for mechanics: capital letters, end punctuation, apostrophes, and no texting forms such as u or gonna.
Worked example
Prompt: Should students be allowed to use phones during lunch? Weak: I think phones should be allowed because they are fun and everyone has one. Stronger: Students should be allowed to use phones during lunch because they can contact parents in an emergency. For example, if a schedule changes, a student can text a guardian quickly. School rules can still limit games while keeping this safety benefit. Reasoning: The stronger version states a position, gives a specific reason, adds a concrete example, and answers a likely objection. The weak version offers only a vague reason and an unsupported claim about everyone.
Traps that cost marks
- Using a memorized essay that does not answer the prompt.
- Writing one long block with no paragraph breaks.
- Ignoring the shorter task or overdeveloping it.
- Informal abbreviations and missing apostrophes.
- Basic agreement or tense errors that increase when you rush.