How to Compose the FCAT Essay
The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, or FCAT, is an annual test given in Florida public schools in third through 11th grade. The FCAT test a student's ability to think in a variety subjects. The Writing and Reading FCAT is reserved only for fourth-, eight-and 10th-grade students. Each student must be prepared to interpret meanings of writing passages, define vocabulary words and write a polished, five-paragraph essay.
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Instructions
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Select one of the essay prompts. You will be given the choice of two essay types, an expository or persuasive essay. An expository essay explains a topic through narrative, descriptive or analytical, but unbiased, sentences. In a persuasive essay, you convince readers to agree with your point of view on a topic.
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Search for keywords. Read the writing prompt at least three times. Before you set out to begin the essay, highlight or circle the keywords in the prompt. If the prompt indicates you need write a description of how to bake something, look for words like "ingredients, baking time, taste and serving styles." Use these words throughout your essay to keep your writing organized and on-track.
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Write a "lead-in" sentence. Craft an opening sentence for your essay that will entice a reader to read your entire essay. Study your prompt again. Jot down a few ideas on a sheet of scrap paper for introducing a reader to the subject. For example, if the prompt is to write a narrative essay about pollution in your area, start the paper with a list of the trash you see on your walk to the bus stop each morning. For instance, "Chip bags; soda cans; candy boxes from the movie theater; cigarettes and soggy paper towels---this is what I see on my way to school."
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Write a topic sentence. After introducing the reader to the topic, write a thesis statement, also called a topic sentence. Communicate what you will address in the essay and, if applicable, your point of view on the subject. For example, using the pollution example, write a topic sentence such as "Pollution is a major problem in suburban and urban areas in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where tourism, overpopulation and a lack of respect for the environment are to blame."
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Fill the essay with facts and analysis. The FCAT preparation for Miami-Dale County Public Schools has an acronym for how to complete and essay: FIRES. The word stands for "facts, incidents, reasons, examples and statistics" Compose your essay filling in FIRES in each section of your essay. Limit your paper to exactly five paragraphs--graders will not read a longer or shorter essay.
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Use transitions. Whenever you switch from one idea, fact, thought or step to the next, use a word that makes the transition smooth. "Overall," "while," "next," "also," "to begin with," "however" and "on the other hand," are all ideal transition words and phrases. If you are writing about the most important change you would like to see in public schools, write "While public school desks are comfortable enough, I would like us to have ergonomic chairs so our backs are healthy and straight."
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Craft a conclusion. Write a conclusion that pulls all the information, or narrative, together. If you are writing a persuasive essay, the "clincher" sentence leaves the reader lingering on your final, powerful last point. If you are writing about the effects of portable music devices on young people, your clincher might be "If we get rid of portable music devices, we will all be more present where we are, less disturbed by subliminal messages and careful with our eardrums." In an expository essay on the same subject, a final clincher sentence may read, "Portable music devices supply people on-the-go, students and athletes with entertaining, thought-provoking music while working or commuting."
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References
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