4 Basic types of WRITING
IMITATIVE : It is simply the ability to parrot back a letter, word, phrase or a sentence. Examples Handwriting letters, words, punctuation Keyboarding Copying Listening cloze Picture-cued writing exercises Completing forms/questionnaires Converting numbers and abbreviations to words Spelling tasks One-word dictation INTENSIVE : It is the production of short and simple of written text. Examples Dictation of phrases/simple sentences Dicto-comp Grammatical transformation exercises Picture descriptions Use vocabulary in a sentence Ordering task Short –answer tasks Sentence completion tasks RESPONSIVE : The tasks require a response to a prompt within a structured framework. Examples Paraphrasing Guided writing (question/answer) Responding to charts, graphs, diagrams Responding to a reading or lecture EXTENSIVE The tasks include different purposes and various genre. Examples Essay writing tasks Different types of writing (narrative, descriptive, argumentative, persuasive, etc.) Tasks in genres of writing (lab reports, opinion essays, technical reports, research papers, etc.)
Your writing experience What did your teachers ask you to write? How did they assess your writing?
General Approach Teachers frequently ask their Students to write on a variety of topics They generally assess them on: the message contained in the writing, the clarity and organization of the message the mechanics (spelling, capitalization and punctuation) utilized.
Approaches to Writing Assessment Two major approaches to writing assessment: direct indirect
Indirect Writing Assessment very commonly used measures correct usage (grammar/vocabulary) sentence level focuses on spelling and punctuation via objective formats like MCQs and cloze tests. construct is that writing ability is made up of discrete writing subskills largely concerned with accuracy rather than communication.
Direct Writing Assessment ability to communicate through written texts in which students come up with the content, find a way to organize the ideas and employ the use of appropriate vocabulary, grammatical conventions and syntax. Construct is that writing skills are integrative and communicative
Designing Writing Assessment Tests/Tasks four basic elements: Rubric the instructions Prompt the task Expected response what the teacher intends Ss to do with the task Post task evaluation assessing the effectiveness of the writing task.
1: Rubric The basic element of assessment… the instructions for carrying out the writing task as clear and as comprehensive as possible include information like… the procedures for responding resources can use (dictionaries, spell/grammar check, etc.) method of delivery (i.e. paper, printout, online…) the task format time allotted how the test/task will be evaluated the information in the rubric comes from the test specification.
Test specifications for rubric What should test specifications include? details on the topic the language use/patterns/rhetoric to be tested the intended audience how much information should be included the number of words the student is expected to produce overall weighting
2: Prompt What the student must respond to three main prompt formats… base = task is given in direct and very simple terms framed = a situation is presented, which the students use as framework for the task text-based = a text is given, which students have to respond to or utilize in their writing Which types of prompts were you asked most often?
Sample Base Prompts Do you favor or oppose a complete ban on smoking? Why? Why not? Why do many people say that women are better drivers than men? Many say that “Money is the root of all evil.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Sample Framed Prompts On a recent flight back home to Turkey, Pegasus lost your baggage. Write a complaint letter to Mr. Altıok, the General Manager, telling him about your problem. Be sure to include the following: Your flight details A description of the baggage lost and its contents What you would like Mr. Altıok to do for you
Sample Text-based Prompts You have been put in charge of selecting an appropriate restaurant for your graduation class party. Use the restaurant reviews below to select an appropriate venue and then write an invitation letter to your fellow classmates persuading them to join you there.
Writing Good Prompts A writing prompt defines the task… a question or a statement to address the conditions to complete the task. What are the criteria of a good prompt? will generate the desired type of writing, genre or rhetorical pattern; involves students in thinking and problem-solving; accessible, interesting and challenging to students; topics are meaningful, relevant, and motivating; does not require specialist background knowledge; uses appropriate signpost verbs; fair and equal opportunities for all students to respond clear, authentic, focused and unambiguous; specify an audience, a purpose, and a context.
