Getting Started

• STAR Writing Prompts for All Genres Tested
• Article on How Families Can Help Students with Writing
• Some Writing Prompts
• Additional Writing Prompts
• Writing Worksheets

Comments on the Test

• Each child will get a booklet that will contain the directions, prompt and space for planning (pre-writing or drafting) and to write the actual composition.
• The prompts for each grade will address one of the genres specified in the state Writing Applications standards for the grade. (for example: Narrative, Response to Literature, Summaries of Reading Materials, and Persuasive.)
• Students may not use a dictionary or other aid during the exam.
• All planning for the writing and the final draft must be completed in the writing response book that is provided.
• Each writing sample will be scored using a rubric by an independent reader (selected by the state).
• The best preparation for the writing assessment is to have a student write regularly and to edit his/her own work.
• Have the student practice finding key phrases in writing so they will be more likely to stay on topic.
• Help them monitor their time - without getting nervous about it.