TAKS Preparation

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AP Junior students are expected to have previously mastered TAKS ELA skills. Our focus is on higher level writing and critical analysis. Still, preparing for the TAKS exam is recommended.

Below, follow the link to Released TAKS exams provided by the Texas Education Agency. Answer keys and Scoring Guides are provided. The Scoring Guides, I and II, give selected student responses to the short answer questions and the essays with grading commentary. The best way to learn to prepare is to read examples and understand the scoring system.

So you want to be commended?

If so, you need to do the following three things:

I. Score 88 percent of higher on the multiple-choice section.

Fact: Most students miss 1-2 questions because they rush and/or don't recheck their answers. Take your time. It is rare that even top students get all TAKS multiple-choice questions right.

II. Short Answer Section: Write 2's (out of a scale of 3)

Short answer questions require an academic paragraph: Claim/Opinion, Direct Evidence, Explanation as Need (i.e., how or why does the evidence prove your opinion).

Mr. Wevodau has never seen a wrong answer to a TAKS short answer question. Your claim/opinion will be fine. BUT, you must give direct evidence. Use a quote from the passage that suggests your answer. You can paraphrase, but don't (too often paraphrasings don't count as direct--or specific--evidence). Follow the quote with explanation as needed. Be short and to the point. Sometimes, the evidence so obviously supports the claim that no explanation is necessary.

CAUTION: Does the evidence actually support or proves your claim/opinion? Be sure to ask yourself this question.

WARNING: TAKS graders are required to give responses a score of 1 if the writer gives an opinion with supporting evidence. Too often, honors students write long responses that--in the explanation--present a new opinion. If this opinion is not then supported, then the response must earn a 1. CHECK AND RECHECK TO ENSURE THAT ALL OPINIONS GIVEN IN THE RESPONSE HAVE SUPPORTING EVIDENCE. And please keep your responses simple: One opinion per response. 

So--to recap: Make sure you do the following to score 2's or higher on the TAKS Short Answer questions:

1. Use direct quotes from the reading passage to support your answer. Responses without direct, supporting evidence score automatic 1's.
2. Be sure that your chosen evidence supports your answer. (You would be surprised how often the chosen evidence does not support the claim. Make sure yours does.)
3. Check and recheck that every opinion given has direct supporting evidence. Make sure that your explanation does NOT offer any new ideas that need support.

Let's put it in an acronym to make it easier to remember: QUESO

QUotes

ES (evidence supports answer)

Opinions all have supporting evidence.

III. Write a 4 on the TAKS Essay

The TAKS essay will ask you to "write about a time in your life." The expected response is a descriptive-narrative. Basically, tell a story that answers the question.

The more vivid description, the better. Use the sentence writing strategies discussed in class. Fill your response with appositives, participials, absolutes, adverb clauses, and adjective clauses. Use parallelism from time to time. Add a periodic sentence. Work in similies or metaphors. Bring your characters and setting to life.

Obviously, writing two drafts allows for superior craftsmanship. It's up to you whether you want to be commended.

Your story does not have to be honest, but it needs to be realistic. Add artistic flair and dramatic touches as appropriate.

The number one scoring criteria is VOICE; that is, writing with personality. Your story should reflect you. You can be funny, tragic, dramatic, sincere, sarcastic, etc.... Just be yourself--but write well.

The best way to write 4's is to read past samples. Go to the links below and read as many as you can (always located in Scoring Guide 2).

Released TAKS Tests
Look over released Exit Level TAKS ELA tests. Especially look at the essays and short answer questions. They have selected models with commentary from the graders explaining the scoring.

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