You will be writing a sample OAKS expository or persuasive essay to submit as a non-assessed homework assignment. This assignment will be kept on file, and you may (or may not) be receiving feedback regarding your process towards passing scores in Ideas/Content, Organization, Sentence Fluency, and Conventions.
Your due date will be sometime next week (probably the second half) but you will not have any class time to complete this task. I will post an official due date soon.
Testing Conditions:
For your practice samples, simulate the following testing conditions to the best of your ability at home.
• Handwrite the essay.
• Write an outline, rough draft, revise, and then write a final copy.
• You may use paper dictionaries and a thesaurus.
• You may not use any electronic devices, or have any distractions such as music, tv, friends, etc.
• You may not have anyone proofread the essay or discuss it with anyone.
OAKS tests technically have unlimited time, but most people completed this task within 2 hours.
Choose from ONE of the following prompts for this sample. Make sure you know which mode you are writing in.
1. Think of a successful person. Explain by using specific examples the qualities, characteristics, behaviors, etc,that contribute to that person’s success.
2. Imagine for a moment that there are no budget problems that affect schools. Explain your idea of the best possible education that a school could offer to its students.
3. Many people think that the media goes too far as reporters pursue celebrities and athletes for news stories. Others believe that these famous people should accept
intrusions on their personal lives as the price of fame. Take a position on this issue and write a paper to convince others to agree with your point of view.
4. Your school is considering offering a new class. The New Course Committee wants to choose one that will be useful and interesting to high school students. What new course would you like to see taught? Propose a new class for your school and convince the committee that they should add this class.
5. Some people feel that professional athletes and entertainers make too much money. Do you agree or disagree? Write a letter to the editor or an essay that
would convince other people to feel the same way you do about this issue.
