This page has a lot of stuff if you need something to study for essay writing.
For Editing and Revising, go to Mr. Skipper dot Com/ Quia.
I'll keep adding passages from STAAR tests and when you complete one, you will be shown the correct answer so you can know more about it. (Scroll down to the bottom of the Quia page and open the STAAR - Writing folder. You'll have to log in.)
Writing Prompts
Choose one of these and write a one-page essay. Include a hook (lead), transition (bridge), and thesis in your introduction.
In the body, remember to use examples from history, literature, science, sports, music, etc.
The simplest conclusion is where you restate your thesis (say it differently) and give a challenge or "call to action."
ex. Remember, if you want to be successful in life, you must never give up.
E1
READ the following quotation.
A famous businessman once said, “Players win games; teams win championships.”
THINK carefully about the following statement.
Sometimes you can accomplish good things by yourself but better things with other people.
WRITE an essay explaining whether it is better to work by yourself or with a group.
E2
READ the following quote.
“Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there.” - Will Rogers
THINK carefully about the following statement.
Success comes from hard work. If you are not willing to work for what you want, then you will probably never achieve it.
WRITE an essay explaining why hard work is necessary to be successful.
E3
READ the following quote.
“The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them.” – Mark Twain
THINK carefully about the following statement.
Reading is the most important skill a person can learn.
People who are able to read well are much more likely to be successful than people who cannot.
WRITE an essay explaining why reading is such an important skill to develop.
E4
READ the following proverb.
The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.
THINK carefully about the following statement.
Every great person was inspired by a teacher.
Great teachers help students to explore and achieve and thrive. A truly great teacher can change the world.
WRITE an essay describing a teacher who was inspirational and influential in your life.
E5
READ the following quote.
How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world. ~William Shakespeare
THINK carefully about the following statement.
It has often been said that nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something.
Every act of goodness and charity, no matter how small, makes the world a better place.
WRITE an essay describing something that you can do to make the world a better place.
E6
READ the following quotation.
“If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” —Michael Jordan
THINK about the following statement.
No one can achieve success without overcoming obstacles.
WRITE an essay explaining the importance of never giving up.
E7
READ the following quote.
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” ~ St. Augustine
THINK carefully about the following statement.
Traveling and visiting other places can be very rewarding. The world is a very big and interesting place. You might not be able to see all of it, but you should try to see some of it.
WRITE an essay describing a place where you would like to travel and visit.
[This prompt is interesting because it seems like you wouldn't be able to connect it to HELPS. But what if I wrote that I wanted to visit Scotland where much of Harry Potter was filmed, or to Hawaii to visit Pearl Harbor, or Boston to see the famous Fenway Park baseball field. But it could also be made very personal. You might want to visit Mexico because you haven't seen your Abuela since your were a baby or maybe you want to see the town where your father grew up.
E8
READ the following quotation.
“True humor is fun—it does not put down, kid, or mock. It makes people feel wonderful, not separate, different, and cut off.” —Hugh Prather
THINK carefully about the following question.
Does humor make life better?
WRITE an essay explaining whether it is important to laugh.