Tips for Success on the ADAW

Tips for Success on the
Alabama Direct Assessment of Writing
From workshop presented by Sally York for the Talladega City School System

Use blank paper to do your prewriting. You can then copy the finished product onto the paper you will be turning in.

At the top of the blank paper, immediately write what mode you will be using and a few key words about what you are supposed to do.

Read the prompt at least four times. You want to be sure you understand exactly what you are being asked to do.

Create a graphic organizer on your blank paper

Next, write your rough draft

Use at least 5 paragraphs

• Introduction—State the purpose and the audience. Have a good topic sentence. Include a hook (can be a question or exclamation)
• A paragraph for each of 3 major points
• A concluding paragraph—Recap what you have told the reader. Leave the reader with a thought, a challenge, or something to think about. Each paragraph should have at least five sentences.

When you have 25 minutes left, copy your rough draft onto the paper you will be turning in.

On your final copy, do not write in the margins. Also, do not write below the bottom line. The scorers will not give you credit for anything you write in those areas.