EOC English II Writing STAAR and STAAR-M Fall 2012 by Objective

EOC English II Writing STAAR and STAAR-M Fall 2012 by ObjectiveSTAAR Writing Selection 1Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question.Janie wrote the following paper to persuade her readers to be careful consumers. As you readJanie’s paper, look for any revisions she should make. Then answer the questions that follow.Think Twice About TV Commercials(1) Television ads interrupt network programming every few minutes. (2) In many cases the ads are creative,colorful, and amusing. (3) Watching commercials can certainly be entertaining, but consumers should learnto view them discerningly. (4) All of us should watch commercials wisely and carefully.Television commercials frequently interrupt the network shows you watch. They can be entertaining, but smartconsumers need to watch these ads thoughtfully. The advertisers are using propaganda techniques to try to persuadeyou to buy their products. Some of the techniques used are the bandwagon, the transfer, and the emotional appeal.Janie wants people to think about the commercials that they watch. She knows that advertisers are paid well for tryingto influence their viewers. She wrote the following paper to persuade her readers to be careful consumers. As you readJanie’s paper, look for any revisions she should make. Then answer the questions that follow.Think Twice About TV CommercialsTelevision ads interrupt network shows every few minutes. (2) In many cases the ads are creative, colorful,and funny. (3) While watching these commercials can be entertaining, consumers should learn to viewthem thoughtfully. (4) All of us should watch commercials wisely and carefully.

EOC English II Writing STAAR and STAAR-M Fall 2012 by Objective(5) Imagine flipping on the television and seeing a group of young, fit people on a sunny beach. (6) They’vejust finished a game of volleyball and are reaching for a refreshing soda. (7) You find yourself pondering thesoft drink featured in the commercial. (8) But before you head to the store, stop and think twice. (9) You’vejust been a victim of the bandwagon technique.(10) Perhaps you’re watching a show that’s suddenly interrupted by some famous athletes recommending acertain brand of shoes. (11) If these accomplished athletes are wearing the shoes, surely you need to wearthem, too, right? (12) Stop and think twice. (13) Are the shoes really responsible for the athletes’ ability andsuccess? (14) You’ve been led to make this connection by the advertising technique known as transfer. (15)From the ad alone you’ll never know or be sure how good the shoes really are. (16) It’s also important tokeep in mind that the celebrities were paid to endorse the shoes. (17) Do they even believe that thefootwear they’re promoting is that special? (18) You can never be certain.(19) Many other propaganda techniques are evident in today’s commercials. (20) Some ads use repetition,hoping that a catchy jingle or phrase will stick in your mind and subconsciously compel you to buy a certainproduct.(5) Imagine flipping on the television and seeing a group of people on the beach. (6) They are young and fitand have just finished a game of volleyball. (7) Some are reaching for a refreshing soda. (8) You find yourselfpondering the soft drink shown in the commercial. (9) But before you head to the store, stop and thinktwice. (10) You’ve just been a victim of the bandwagon technique. (11) Perhaps you’re watching a showthat’s suddenly interrupted by some famous athletes. (12) They are recommending a certain brand ofshoes. (13) If these athletes are wearing the shoes, surely you need them, too, right? (14) Stop and thinktwice. (15) Are the shoes really responsible for the athletes’ success? (16) You’ve been led to make thisconnection by the advertising technique known as transfer. (17) From the ad alone you’ll never know orbe sure how good the shoes really are. (18) It’s also important to remember that the celebrities werepaid to wear the shoes. (19) Do they even believe that the shoes are special? (20) You can never be certain.

EOC English II Writing STAAR and STAAR-M Fall 2012 by Objective(21) Other ads use emotional words or situations to make you have strong feelings about a product or service.(22) Learn to recognize the propaganda techniques that are used. (23) Just because a clever jingle about aproduct is stuck in your head doesn’t make that product the best one to buy.(24) Research groups have tried to determine how many commercial messages the average American sees in aday. (25) Although the number varies widely, most experts agree that a few hundred would be a conservativeestimate.(26) Commercials are big business, and it’s important to remember that advertisers are well paid forinfluencing viewers. (27) Don’t let yourself be easily swayed. (28) Be a thoughtful consumer who paysattention to the products, not to just what the jingles and celebrities claim.(21) Many other propaganda techniques are used in today’s commercials. (22) Some ads use repetition. (23)The advertisers hope that a catchy jingle or phrase will stick in your mind and persuade you to buy a certainproduct. (24) Other ads use emotional words to make you have strong feelings about a product. (25) It’simportant that you learn to recognize the propaganda techniques that are being used. (26) Commercials arebig business, and it’s important to remember that advertisers are well paid for influencing viewers. (27)Don’t let yourself be easily swayed. (28) Be a thoughtful consumer who pays attention to the products, notto just what the jingles and celebrities claim.

EOC English II Writing STAAR and STAAR-M Fall 2012 by ObjectiveTEKS: E.16 Writing/Persuasive Texts. Students write persuasive texts to influence the attitudes or actions of aspecific audience on specific issues.Objective: (A) A clear thesis or position based on logical reasons supported by precise and relevant evidence.STAARSTAAR Modified1 Janie does not like the way she expressed herthesis in sentence 4. Which of the followingshould replace sentence 4 to create a moreeffective and sophisticated thesis statement?A Watching commercials is serious business, andpeople should be wary of what they allow intotheir subconscious minds.B Advertisers are busy trying to sell products thatyou may or may not have a reason to buy.C People shouldn’t be blinded by the flashinglights and bright colors that the advertisingindustry uses to make commercials captivating.D As potential consumers, we must be aware ofthe propaganda techniques advertisers use totempt us into purchasing their products.1 Janie does not like the way she wrote her thesisin sentence 4. Which of the following shouldreplace sentence 4 to create a more effectivethesis statement?A Watching commercials is serious business, andpeople should be careful of what they allow intotheir minds.B People shouldn’t be blinded by the flashing lightsand bright colors that the advertising industryuses to make commercials interesting.C As potential consumers, we need to know thepropaganda techniques advertisers use to temptus into buying their products.Modifications:

EOC English II Writing STAAR and STAAR-M Fall 2012 by ObjectiveTEKS: E.13 Writing/Writing Process. Students use elements of the writing process (planning, drafting, revising,editing, and publishing) to compose text.Objective: Fig. (C) Revise drafts to improve style, word choice, figurative language, sentence variety, andsubtlety of meaning after rethinking how well questions of purpose, audience, and genre have been addressed.STAAR2 The word pondering does not effectively conveyJanie’s meaning in sentence 7. Which of thefollowing would be the best replacement forpondering?A touchingB cravingC carryingSTAAR Modified2 The word pondering does not effectively conveyJanie’s meaning in sentence 8. Which of thefollowing would be the best replacement forpondering?A touchingB cravingC carryingD relishingModifications:

EOC English II Writing STAAR and STAAR-M Fall 2012 by ObjectiveTEKS: E.16 Writing/Persuasive Texts. Students write persuasive texts to influence the attitudes or actions of aspecific audience on specific issues.Objective: Fig. (A) Write an argumentative essay to the appropriate audience that includes: a clear thesis orposition based on logical reasons supported by precise and relevant evidence.STAARSTAAR Modified3 Janie wants to tell more about the statementshe has made in sentence 9. Which of these ideaswould best follow and support sentence 9?A Wouldn’t you love to get on the bandwagon?B The advertisers have convinced you that you willhave as much fun as the people on the beach ifyou drink the same brand of soda.C This means that everyone on the beach shoulddrink soda.D This bandwagon technique is one techniquethat television and magazine advertisers use topersuade people to buy a certain soft drink.3 Janie wants to tell more about the statementshe has made in sentence 10. Which of theseideas would best follow and support sentence 10?A The advertisers have convinced you that you willhave as much fun as the people on the beach ifyou drink the same brand of soda.B This means that everyone on the beach shoulddrink soda.C This bandwagon technique is one technique thattelevision and magazine advertisers use topersuade people to buy it.Modifications:

EOC English II Writing STAAR and STAAR-M Fall 2012 by ObjectiveTEKS: E.13 Writing/Writing Process. Students use elements of the writing process (planning, drafting, revising,editing, and publishing) to compose text.Objective: Fig. (C) Revise drafts to improve style, word choice, figurative language, sentence variety, andsubtlety of meaning after rethinking how well questions of purpose, audience, and genre have been addressed.STAAR4 What is the most effective revision to make insentence 15?STAAR Modified4 What is the most effective revision to make insentence 17?A From the ad alone you’ll never know how goodthe shoes really are, you can’t be sure.B From the ad alone you’ll never know how goodthe shoes really are.C From the ad alone you’ll never know how good forsure the shoes really are.A From the ad alone you’ll never know how good theshoes really are.B From the ad alone you’ll never know how good forsure the shoes really are.C No revision is needed in this sentence.D No revision is needed in this sentence.Modifications:

EOC English II Writing STAAR and STAAR-M Fall 2012 by ObjectiveTEKS: E.16 Writing/Persuasive Texts. Students write persuasive texts to influence the attitudes or actions of aspecific audience on specific issues.Objective: Fig. (D) Write an argumentative essay to the appropriate audience that includes: a range ofappropriate appeals (e.g., descriptions, anecdotes, case studies, analogies, illustrations).STAAR5 Janie would like to further develop the fourthparagraph (sentences 19–23). Reread theparagraph carefully. Which detail could best beadded after sentence 21 to add to the main ideaof this paragraph?A All of these are known as propagandatechniques, and they are evident in most of thecommercials you see on television today.B Emotional words are designed to evokeemotions and make you feel strongly aboutsomething.C The role of an advertiser is to convince you thatyou will not be able to live without a certainproduct.D Still other ads resort to snob appeal, attemptingto convince you that you will appear to have morewealth or a higher social status if you use acertain product.STAAR Modified5 Reread the fourth paragraph (sentences21–25) because Janie would like to develop itfurther.Which detail could best be added aftersentence 24 to add to the main idea of thisparagraph?A All of these are known as propagandatechniques, and they are evident in most ofthe commercials you see on television today.B Emotional words are designed to bringabout emotions and make you feel stronglyabout something.C Still other ads resort to snob appeal, tryingto convince you that you will have moremoney or be more popular if you use acertain product.Modifications:

EOC English II Writing STAAR and STAAR-M Fall 2012 by ObjectiveTEKS: E.16 Writing/Persuasive Texts. Students write persuasive texts to influence the attitudes or actions of aspecific audience on specific issues.Objective: (D) Write an argumentative essay to the appropriate audience that includes: an organizingstructure appropriate to the purpose, audience, and context.STAAR6 Janie would like to add a sentence to the end ofher paper to help bring it to an effective closing.Which of the following would be the best sentencefor Janie to add?A As you know, commercials are obvious attemptsto influence those who participate.B The jingles that celebrities happily sing are part ofa much bigger campaign.C The next time you’re watching a commercial, stopand think twice.STAAR Modified6 Janie would like to add a sentence to the end ofher paper to help bring it to an effective closing.Which of the following would be the best sentencefor Janie to add?A The jingles that celebrities happily sing are partof a much bigger campaign.B The next time you’re watching a commercial,stop and think twice.C In the end, they’re probably not worth all thatmuch anyway.D In the end, they’re probably not worth all thatmuch anyway.Modifications:

EOC English II Writing STAAR and STAAR-M Fall 2012 by ObjectiveSTAAR Writing Selection 2Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question.Bethany wrote this paper about a time she changed her opinion about someone. Read Bethany’s paper andlook for the corrections she needs to make. Then answer the questions that follow.March!(1) For as long as anyone could remember, the marching band at our school had been a joke. (2) Everyoneaccepted the fact that we were the worst band in the state. (3) Most of us had joined the band for an “easyA” and some built-in friends. (4) But the new band director was determined to change things, his name wasMr. Parker. (5) A year earlier he had moved from Iowa to our little town in Texas. (6) In Iowa he had directedan award-winning marching band for 30 years. (7) When he heard about the opening for a new banddirector at our school he couldn’t help investigating. (8) He applied for the position and was hiredimmediately.March!The marching band at Bethany’s school had always been a bit of a joke. Then one day Mr. Parker, a new band directorfrom Iowa, took over. He wore an absurd bow tie and acted like a drill sergeant. He was determined to turn the band intoa respected, unified group of musicians. Everyone grumbled a bit, but the band soon started rising to Mr. Parker’sexpectations.Bethany wrote this paper to tell about how her opinion of Mr. Parker changed over time. Read Bethany’s paper and lookfor the corrections she needs to make. Then answer the questions that follow.For years, the marching band at our school had been a joke. (2) Everyone knew that we were the worst bandin the state. (3) But the new band director was determined to change things, his name was Mr. Parker. (4) Ayear earlier he had moved from Iowa to our little town in Texas. (5) In Iowa he had directed an awardwinningmarching band. (6) When he heard about the opening for a new band director at our school heapplied and was hired immediately. (7) The first day with Mr. Parker was the end of band life as we knewit. (8) At first we just laughed at his absurd bow tie and drill-sergeant ways.

EOC English II Writing STAAR and STAAR-M Fall 2012 by Objective(9) The first day of Mr. Parker’s reign was the end of band life as we knew it. (10) Initially we just laughed athis absurd bow tie and his drill-sergeant ways. (11) But we weren’t laughing for long; Mr. Parker hadn’t tookthe band director’s job to be funny. (12) He was there to turn us into a respectable band, and nothing—noteven a bunch of lazy, flippant teenagers—was going to stop them.(13) I don’t think I’ll ever forget band camp that year. (14) Mr. Parker was intent on whipping us into shapewith the techniques he had been using for years. (15) Every day we started practice early, ended practicelate, and polished our instruments until they shone. (16) We went through our final program so many timesthat by the end of camp, I probably could have performed it in my sleep. (17) Mr. Parker refused to allow usto settle for anything less than our best. (18) At first there was a lot of grumbling, and a few students wereeven tempted to quit, after a while, though, we found ourselves somehow rising to Mr. Parker’sexpectations.(9) But we weren’t laughing for long; Mr. Parker hadn’t took the band director’s job to be funny. (10) Hewas there to turn us into a respectable band, and nothing—not even a bunch of lazy teenagers—wasgoing to stop them.Questions 1, 2, 3, and 4 appear here on STAAR Modified(11) I don’t think I’ll ever forget band camp that year. (12) Mr. Parker was determined to whip us intoshape. (13) Every day we started practice early, ended practice late, and polished our instrumentsuntil they shone. (14) We went through our final program so many times that I probably could haveperformed it in my sleep. (15) Mr. Parker refused to allow us to settle for anything less than our best.(16) At first there was a lot of grumbling, a few students were even tempted to quit. (17) After a while,though, we found ourselves somehow rising to Mr. Parker’s expectations.(18) As we marched onto the field at the first football game, I could almost hear a breathe ofamazement from the crowd.

EOC English II Writing STAAR and STAAR-M Fall 2012 by Objective(19) As we marched onto the field at the first football game, I could almost hear a collective breathe ofamazement from the crowd. (20) What was once a disjointed crew of halfway-decent musicians had beentransformed into a unified, harmonious team. (21) Everyone could sense the difference, especially those ofus in uniform!(22) As I look back on that year now, I realize that Mr. Parker is probably the best teacher I’ve ever had. (23)He combined his thirst for excellence with a compasionate, caring heart. (24) If a band member couldn’t geta ride to an early practice, Mr. Parker would find a ride for him. (25) If someone was having a hard timelearning a piece of music, Mr. Parker would spend his lunch hour working with the student individually. (26)From the beginning it was obvious that he cared about us, and he had a knack for somehow bringing out thebest in everyone. (27) I know that I am both a better musician and a better person for having Mr. Parker inmy life. (28) I’m looking forward to learning even more from him next year. (29) I just found out I’ll be thehead drum major for our band when the new school year starts!(19) What was once a sloppy crew of halfway-decent musicians had become a unified team. (20) Everyonecould see the difference, especially those of us in uniform! (21) As I look back on that year, I realize thatMr. Parker is probably the best teacher I’ve ever had. (22) He had a thirst for excellence and acompasionate heart. (23) If a band member couldn’t get a ride to an early practice, Mr. Parker would finda ride for him. (24) If someone was having a hard time learning a piece of music, Mr. Parker would spendhis lunch hour helping. (25) From the beginning it was obvious that he cared about us. (26) And somehowhe was able to bring out the best in everyone. (27) I know that I am a better musician and a better personfor having Mr. Parker in my life.

EOC English II Writing STAAR and STAAR-M Fall 2012 by ObjectiveTEKS: E.17 Oral and Written Conventions/Conventions. Students understand the function of and use theconventions of academic language when speaking and writing. Students will continue to apply earlier standardswith greater complexity.Objective: (C) Use a variety of correctly structured sentences (e.g., compound, complex, compound-complex).STAAR1 What is the correct way to write sentence 4?A But the new band director who was determinedto change things had a name of Mr. Parker.B But the new band director, Mr. Parker, wasdetermined to change things.C But the new band director was determined tochange things, named Mr. Parker.STAAR Modified1 What is the correct way to write sentence 3?A But the new band director who was determined tochange things had a name of Mr. Parker.B But the new band director, Mr. Parker, wasdetermined to change things.C But the new band director was determined tochange things, named Mr. Parker.D The sentence is written correctly in the paper.Modifications:

EOC English II Writing STAAR and STAAR-M Fall 2012 by ObjectiveTEKS: E.18 Oral and Written Conventions/Handwriting, Capitalization, and Punctuation. Students writelegibly and use appropriate capitalization and punctuation conventions in their compositions.Objective: (B) Use correct punctuation marks including: (i) comma placement in nonrestrictive phrases,clauses, and contrasting expressions; (ii) quotation marks to indicate sarcasm or irony; and (iii) dashes toemphasize parenthetical information.STAAR2 What change, if any, should be made in sentence7?A Insert a comma after schoolB Change couldn’t to couldn’t hardlyC Change investigating to investtigatingSTAAR Modified2 What change, if any, should be made in sentence6?A Insert a comma after schoolB Change applied to applyedC No change should be made in sentence 6.D No change should be made in sentence 7.Modifications:

EOC English II Writing STAAR and STAAR-M Fall 2012 by ObjectiveTEKS: E.17 Oral and Written Conventions/Conventions. Students understand the function of and use theconventions of academic language when speaking and writing. Students will continue to apply earlier standardswith greater complexity.Objective: (A) Use and understand the function of the following parts of speech in the context of reading,writing, and speaking: (i) more complex active and passive tenses and verbals (gerunds, infinitives, participles); (ii)restrictive and nonrestrictive relative clauses; and (iii) reciprocal pronouns (e.g., each other, one another).STAAR3 What change needs to be made in sentence 11?A Delete the semicolonB Change took to takenC Change director’s to directors’STAAR Modified3 What change needs to be made in sentence 9?A Delete the semicolonB Change took to takenC Change director’s to directors’D Nothing needs to be changed in sentence 11.Modifications:

EOC English II Writing STAAR and STAAR-M Fall 2012 by ObjectiveTEKS: E.13 Writing/Writing Process. Students use elements of the writing process (planning, drafting, revising,editing, and publishing) to compose text.Objective: (D) Edit drafts for grammar, mechanics, and spelling.STAAR4 What change should be made in sentence 12?A Change respectable to respectibleB Delete the comma after bandC Change was going to were goingSTAAR Modified4 What change should be made in sentence 10?A Change respectable to respectibleB Change was going to were goingC Change them to himD Change them to himModifications:

EOC English II Writing STAAR and STAAR-M Fall 2012 by ObjectiveTEKS: E.18 Oral and Written Conventions/Handwriting, Capitalization, and Punctuation. Students writelegibly and use appropriate capitalization and punctuation conventions in their compositions.Objective: (B) Use correct punctuation marks including: (i) comma placement in nonrestrictive phrases,clauses, and contrasting expressions; (ii) quotation marks to indicate sarcasm or irony; and (iii) dashes toemphasize parenthetical information.STAAR5 What change needs to be made in sentence 18?A Change were even tempted to was even temptedB Change the comma after quit to a semicolonC Change ourselves to ourselfsD Change rising to risenSTAAR Modified5 What change needs to be made in sentence 16?A Change there to theirB Change the comma to a semicolonC Change were even tempted to was eventemptedModifications:

EOC English II Writing STAAR and STAAR-M Fall 2012 by ObjectiveTEKS: E13 Writing/Writing Process. Students use elements of the writing process (planning, drafting, revising,editing, and publishing) to compose text.Objective: (D) Edit drafts for grammar, mechanics, and spelling.STAAR6 What change needs to be made in sentence 19?A Change the comma to a semicolonB Change almost to allmostC Change breathe to breathSTAAR Modified6 What change needs to be made in sentence 18?A Change the comma to a semicolonB Change almost to allmostC Change breathe to breathD No change is needed.Modifications:

EOC English II Writing STAAR and STAAR-M Fall 2012 by ObjectiveTEKS: E.19 Oral and Written Conventions/Spelling. Students spell correctly.Objective: (A) Spell correctly, including using various resources to determine and check correct spellings.STAAR7 What change, if any, should be made in sentence23?A Change He combined to CombiningB Change excellence to excellentC Change compasionate to compassionateSTAAR Modified7 What change should be made in sentence 22?A Change He had to HavingB Change excellence to excellentC Change compasionate to compassionateD Make no changeModifications:

EOC English II Writing STAAR and STAAR-M Fall 2012 by ObjectiveSTAAR Sample Prompt for Expository WritingTEKS: E.15 Writing/Expository and Procedural Texts. Students write expository and procedural or workrelatedtexts to communicate ideas and information to specific audiences for specific purposes.Objective (A) Write an analytical essay of sufficient length that includes: (i) effective introductory andconcluding paragraphs and a variety of sentence structures; (i) rhetorical devices, and transitions betweenparagraphs; (iii) a thesis or controlling idea; (iv) an organizing structure appropriate to purpose, audience, andcontext; (v) relevant evidence and well-chosen details; and (vi) distinctions about the relative value of specific data,facts, and ideas that support the thesis statement.STAARRead the information in the box below.Jane Austen (1775–1817) and FranzKafka (1883–1924) are consideredgreat writers. Their books continueto sell, and they are widely read andstudied in schools everywhere.Neither of them, however, receivedmuch recognition while they werealive.Should people do things only to be recognized? Thinkcarefully about this question.Write an essay explaining whether a person mustalways be acknowledged in order to have accomplishedsomething.Be sure to —• clearly state your thesis• • organize and develop your ideas effectively• choose your words carefully• edit your writing for grammar, mechanics, and spellingSTAAR ModifiedREAD the information in the box below.Jane Austen (1775–1817) andFranz Kafka (1883–1924) areconsidered great writers today.Their books continue to sell, andthey are widely read andstudiedin schools everywhere. However,neither of them sold many bookswhile they were alive.THINK carefully about the following question. Can aperson be successful without being well known?WRITE an essay explaining what makes a personsuccessful.Be sure to —• clearly state your thesis• • organize and develop your ideas effectively• choose your words carefully• edit your writing for grammar, mechanics, andspelling

•EOC English II Writing STAAR and STAAR-M Fall 2012 by ObjectiveSTAAR Sample Prompt for Persuasive WritingTEKS: E.16 Writing/Persuasive Texts. Students write persuasive texts to influence the attitudes or actions of aspecific audience on specific issues.Objective (A) A clear thesis or position based on logical reasons supported by precise and relevant evidence.STAARRead the following quotation.STAAR ModifiedNo comparable Question on STAAR ModifiedAuthentic patriotism is not about you,what you believe or what you think isright. . . . Authentic patriotism is not anopinion. It is an action.–Stephen KiernanThink carefully about the following statement.Some people define themselves by what theybelieve, while others allow their actions to speakfor them.Write an essay stating your position on which ismore important: what a person thinks or what aperson does. Be sure to —• state your position clearly• use appropriate organization• provide specific support for your argument• choose your words carefully• edit your writing for grammar, mechanics, andspelling