Critical Concepts: Demonstrate Proficiency in Composing an AICE Style Timed Essay. Demonstrate Mastery in the Understanding of the Structure of an Academic Essay. Demonstrate the Ability to Generate Ideas and Plan For a Timed Essay. Demonstrate the Ability to Understand and Write about Opposing Viewpoints on a Given Topic or Issue.
Directions: You will need a separate sheet of paper to complete this mock exam. You will use this paper for planning (brainstorm and rough outline).
Part I: First, you will read the exam style questions. Then you will have 2 minutes to discuss the prompts with a partner. Use your partner to help choose a topic and/or come up with ideas for your chosen prompt. You may use your sheet of paper to write ideas, questions, or notes.
Then you will answer the following questions on your sheet of paper. 1-2 minutes for each question. Your teacher will help guide you through the process:
1. Understanding: “What are the main issues or challenges related to (your topic) in today’s society, and why do they matter?”
2. Analyzing: “What are the underlying causes and effects of (your topic), and how do different people view the issue?” (Causes and Alternative Points-of-View)
3. Evaluating and Creating: “Based on your understanding and knowledge, what possible approaches could address (your topic), and which do you believe would be the most effective? Why?”
Once you have completed your idea generating (questioning) you may take three minutes to create a rough outline. Show it to your teacher. Then you can begin writing your essay.
Helpful Tips: Remember, your essay must be 600-700 words in length (ctrl+shift+c for word count), and be composed of multiple paragraphs (introduction, 3 body paragraphs in the TECECC style, and a conclusion). Make sure to provide specific examples and explain and elaborate on how the evidence relates to your thesis statement.
You can write either an argumentative essay or a discursive essay. The discursive essay is more investigative and looks at both sides of an issue; however, in the end, you would provide your opinion.
You will choose an essay topic from the list below, copy and paste your chosen prompt to the attached document, and then write the essay below the prompt.
This essay is worth 20 points and your self-reflection is worth 10 points (30 total). We will complete the self-reflection after your essay is complete.