ELA Composition Section Tips Information provided by Kaplan Test Prep

ELA Objectives

1. Meaning: How well does the paper present and maintain a clear theme or idea?
2. Organization: Is there a coherent structure to the development of the essay, such as a beginning, middle, and end? Are transitions used properly? Is there a conclusion?
3. Development: What is the quality of the details used to support the main idea? Are the details credible, thorough, and elaborate?
4. Language Use: Does the essay have proper punctuation, spelling, capitalization, and variation in sentence structure?

Extended response (Weakest)
You have linked your main idea to one piece of information that begins to clarify your meaning.

Somewhat elaborated
You have provided additional information that further clarifies your meaning.

Moderately elaborated
You have clarified your main idea in even greater detail, through the use of additional illustrations, anecdotes, and examples.

Fully elaborated (Strongest)
You have provided thorough, clear, and convincing support for your main idea. You provide a logical progression of reasons, use effective transitions, and offer substantial and specific support.


Writing the English Language Arts Essay

1. Step 1: Think
   • First, plan your essay. Brainstorm ideas, writing down whatever comes to your mind in support of your point. Use numbers to list your points, elaborating on every idea.
     
     
   • Select your best ideas and decide how to clearly connect them together. Your goal is to persuade your audience of your point of view. Your essay must flow, so use transition words and ideas to link your ideas.
     
     
   • Use language and tone that are appropriate for your audience
     
     
   • Take a strong stand for or against the idea expressed in the prompt.
     
     
   
   
2. Step 2: Write
   • Your essay should be 3-4 paragraphs in length. It should contain an introduction, a body and a conclusion.
     
     
   • Introduction: States your argument and briefly describes the reasons you will provide in support of that argument.
     
     
   • Body paragraphs: Explains that reasons behind your argument. Support your reasons with facts and examples. If you decide on one long body paragraph, make sure it's clear to the reader where one reason ends and the next begins.
     
     
   • Conclusion: Briefly restates your argument and the reasons behind it, using somewhat different language.
     
     
   
   
3. Step 3: Repair
   • Your first draft is not your final draft. Once you've finished writing your essay, revise and proofread it.
     
     
   • Neatness counts! - make certain that your handwriting is legible.