Topic: Timed Writing Tests

10-Second Review: Teacher gives an acronym that tells students how to write a timed writing test.

Title: “Give Me a W!” Freda Abercrombie. English Journal (March 2008), 103-105. A publication of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).

Summary: The acronym is WRITTTE. "W" stands for word choice; "R" is for real-life examples. "I" is for eye-catching introductions. "T" is for the power of three—the 3 intermediate paragraphs in the 5-paragraph essay. The second "T" is for “Tight on the Topic,” i.e. clearly related to the topic. The third "T" is for transitions. Teaches three or four transitions to remember to include. "E" is for ending—last impression. Leave the reader with something to think about.

Comment: One more acronym. But the author of this article wants to give her students steps to remember when taking timed writing tests. Shows them how to take the test. I like it. I might use a different acronym, but helping tense students to prepare for the test is an excellent idea. Reduces a complex process to a few key words. RayS.

The purpose of this blog is to share interesting ideas I have found in recent American professional publications dealing with the teaching of English at all levels, elementary, secondary and college.