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Writing Lecture One (view source)
Revision as of 12:30, September 21, 2023
, 12:30, September 21, 2023→Scholarships
Writing is important in nearly every job that you might do as an adult. Almost everyone has to write summaries of their work or memos to other workers in their companies. Most college courses have writing assignments that must be completed. In many areas of study, it is a requirement to write a "thesis" in order to graduate and earn a college degree.
Writing is important in nearly every job that you might do as an adult. Almost everyone has to write summaries of their work or memos to other workers in their companies. Most college courses have writing assignments that must be completed. In many areas of study, it is a requirement to write a "thesis" in order to graduate and earn a college degree.
Writing is essential to Christianity. Many Christians read the Bible daily, or several times a day. Each week in church there are readings from the Bible that help enlighten everyone and strengthen our faith. People wrote the books in the Bible to make this possible.
Writing is essential to Christianity. Many Christians read the [[Bible]] daily, or several times a day. Each week in church there are readings from the Bible that help enlighten everyone and strengthen our faith. People wrote the books in the Bible to make this possible.
Preachers often write out their sermons, or outlines of it, in order to make them more effective. Public speaking consists of saying words that have been written down, or could be written.
Preachers often write out their sermons, or outlines of it, in order to make them more effective. Public speaking consists of saying words that have been written down, or could be written.
== Testing Writing ==
== Testing Writing ==
Good writers are in big demand: everyone wants them. Colleges want them; employers want them; churches want them; Hollywood (movies) want them; comedians want them; and even your family and friends will want to you to write or say something for them.
Good writers are in big demand: everyone wants them. Colleges want them; employers want them; churches want them; Hollywood (movies) want them; comedians want them; and even your family and friends will want you to write or say something for them.
Our focus on this course will be on how colleges test for good writers: through the SAT I verbal exams. Two of its sections -- "critical reading" and "writing" -- that test your writing-related skills. The more you can develop your writing abilities, the better you will do on these exams and the more opportunity you will have for college scholarships.
Our focus on this course will be on how colleges test for good writers: through the SAT I verbal exams. Two of its sections -- "critical reading" and "writing"—test your writing-related skills. The more you can develop your writing abilities, the better you will do on these exams and the more opportunity you will have for college scholarships.
=== When to Take the SAT I ===
=== When to Take the SAT I ===
The two verbal SAT I exam sections are called "critical reading" and "writing". They are what many colleges look at most in determining admissions and scholarships. This class will help you master the skills that these exams teach.
The two verbal SAT I exam sections are called "critical reading" and "writing". They are what many colleges look at most in determining admissions and scholarships. This class will help you master the skills that these exams assess.
The exams are offered by the "College Board," and cost only $45 for all three sections (including math). The exams are offered at local high schools in early March, early May and early June. Then, in the fall, the exams are offered in early October, November and December. Registration deadlines are a month before the test dates, but the sooner you sign up the more likely you will obtain your preferred location for testing. All the information and process for registration are available online.<ref>http://sat.collegeboard.com/register/sat-dates</ref>
The exams are offered by the "College Board," and cost only $45 for all three sections (including math). The exams are offered at local high schools in early March, early May and early June. Then, in the fall, the exams are offered in early October, November and December. Registration deadlines are a month before the test dates, but the sooner you sign up the more likely you will obtain your preferred location for testing. All the information and the process for registration are available online.<ref>http://sat.collegeboard.com/register/sat-dates</ref>
Students who are juniors in high school should take the SAT I once or twice in the spring (March, May or June), and then again once or twice in the early fall (October and November). But they should begin preparing long beforehand. Many students should consider taking the SAT I earlier, such as December of their junior year, so that there is time to improve and retake the test well before applications are required by colleges.
Students who are juniors in high school should take the SAT I once or twice in the spring (March, May or June), and then again once or twice in the early fall (October and November). But they should begin preparing long beforehand. Students should consider taking the SAT I earlier, such as December of their junior year, so that there is time to improve and retake the test well before applications are required by colleges.
Many students -- particularly homeschooled students -- make the mistake of postponing taking the SAT I until it delays consideration of their application by colleges, which hurts their opportunity to be admitted and earn scholarships. If a college starts considering application in November of a student's senior year, then the college needs to see the student's SAT scores at the same time. That means the student should take the SAT I by October at the latest.
Many students—particularly homeschooled students—make the mistake of postponing taking the SAT I until it delays consideration of their application by colleges, which hurts their opportunity to be admitted and earn scholarships. If a college starts considering applications in November of a student's senior year, then the college needs to see the student's SAT scores at the same time.
But you'll want to take the SATs several times, so you need to take it once or twice the prior spring to ensure you have maximized your overall score. Procrastination -- putting off registration and the taking of the test -- will end up costing you a great deal of money and opportunity. It's not just how a student does on the SAT that matters, but how much initiative he showed in taking the test early enough to help him.
But you'll want to take the SATs several times, so you need to take it once or twice in your junior year to ensure you have maximized your overall score. Procrastination—putting off registration and the taking of the test—will end up costing you a great deal of money and opportunity. It's not just how a student does on the SAT that matters, but how much initiative he showed in taking the test early enough to help him.
You would be surprised how many homeschooled students hurt their chances at scholarships and college admissions simply by being late. Think of it like taking a trip on an airplane ride: the plane is not going to wait for you to arrive. It will take off whether you get there in time or not. And for college admissions and scholarships, there are no "reserved seats"!
You would be surprised how many homeschooled students hurt their chances at scholarships and college admissions simply by being late. Think of this like taking a trip on an airplane ride: the plane is not going to wait for you to arrive. It will take off whether you get there in time or not. And for college admissions and scholarships, there are no "reserved seats"!
=== Scholarships ===
=== Scholarships ===
College admissions, and scholarships, are based on the SAT I scores. The following are some minimum scores for scholarships at certain schools (not including minority scholarships). Notice how the higher the score, the larger the larger the potential scholarship. Also notice that some schools (like Seton Hall and Moravian) use all three SAT scores (which have a maximum score of 800 times 3, or 2400), while other schools (like Alfred State College and Arcadia) do not use the writing score so their maximum is a 1600 (800 times 2).
College admissions, and scholarships, are based on the SAT I scores. The following are some minimum scores for scholarships at certain schools (not including minority scholarships). Notice how the higher the score is, the larger the potential scholarship will be. Also notice that some schools (like Seton Hall and Moravian) use all three SAT scores (which have a maximum score of 800 times 3, or 2400), while other schools (like Alfred State College and Arcadia) do not use the writing score so their maximum is a 1600 (800 times 2).
*Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ: 2010 SAT (full tuition scholarships)
*Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ: 2010 SAT (full tuition scholarships)
*Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA: $3,750 yearly if 1270 SAT or 29 ACT<ref>The "ACT" is a national exam for high school students that is an alternative to the SAT.</ref>
*Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA: $3,750 yearly if 1270 SAT or 29 ACT<ref>The "ACT" is a national exam for high school students that is an alternative to the SAT.</ref>
*Oklahoma State University: Up to $12,500 per year 30+ ACT/1330+ SAT
*Oklahoma State University: Up to $12,500 per year for SATs of 1330 or more
*Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO: $9,000 annual award 1150 SAT or 25 ACT
*Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO: $9,000 annual award 1150 SAT or 25 ACT
*Messiah College, Pennsylvania: Full tuition: 1300 SAT or 29 ACT
*Messiah College, Pennsylvania: Full tuition: 1300 SAT or 29 ACT
*William Patterson University, NJ: $3000 to $7000: SAT 1050 or higher
*William Patterson University, NJ: $3000 to $7000 for SAT 1050 or higher
*Gordon College, NY: $12,000 a year: SATs of 2100 or ACT of 31
*Gordon College, NY: $12,000 a year for SATs of 2100 or ACT of 31
*Marymount of Manhattan, NY: $6,000 per year SAT 1150 or higher
*Marymount of Manhattan, NY: $6,000 per year for SAT 1150 or higher
*NJIT, NJ: full scholarship for SAT scores 1500 and above
*NJIT, NJ: full scholarship for SAT scores 1500 and above
The point this: the higher your SAT scores, the more scholarships are available to you. No one expects you to obtain a perfect score on the SAT, and no scholarships require that. But if you try your hardest, and do your best, then you will be better off and able to help others more than if you do not try. The above list is not an endorsement of any college, but illustrates how scholarships are based on SAT scores.
The point is this: the higher your SAT scores, the more scholarships are available to you. No one expects you to obtain a perfect score on the SAT, and no scholarships require that. But if you try your hardest, and do your best, then you will be better off and able to help others more than if you do not try. The above list is not an endorsement of any college, but illustrates how scholarships are based on SAT scores.
=== College Policy Towards Repeat Testing ===
=== College Policy Towards Repeat Testing ===
But that raises a question: how do colleges handle multiple SAT scores from the same student who took it two, three or four times? Do colleges average the scores, or take the highest set of three scores, or take the highest individual score for each type of exam (critical reading, writing or math)?
But that raises a question: how do colleges handle multiple SAT scores from the same student who took it two, three or four times? Do colleges average the scores, or take the highest set of three scores, or take the highest individual score for each type of exam (critical reading, writing or math)?
Put yourself in the colleges' shoes. Colleges want to brag that their student body has high SAT scores. So they have an incentive to take the highest possible score combinations, so that it improves their own image. Accordingly, most colleges allow and even encourage multiple test-taking of the SAT in order to boost students' scores to the maximum extent possible.
Put yourself in the colleges' shoes. Each college wants to brag that its student body has high SAT scores. Thus each college has an incentive to take the highest possible score combinations, in order to improve its own image. Accordingly, most colleges allow and even encourage multiple test-taking of the SAT in order to boost students' scores to the maximum extent possible.
The College Board, which offers the SAT, makes money every time a student takes its test, so it encourages multiple test-taking also. The SAT allows students the option of "score choice," which enables students to pick and choose which scores for which test they want sent to which college. Most colleges participate in this program.<ref>http://professionals.collegeboard.com/testing/sat-reasoning/scores/policy</ref>
The College Board, which offers the SAT, makes money every time a student takes its test, so it encourages multiple test-taking also. The SAT allows students the option of "score choice," which enables students to pick and choose which scores for which test they want sent to which college. Most colleges participate in this program.<ref>http://professionals.collegeboard.com/testing/sat-reasoning/scores/policy</ref>
*Wheaton College takes the highest of the three scores from all of the SATs that an applying student submits.<ref>http://www.wheaton.edu/admissions/UndGrad/applying/admissFAQ.htm#q14</ref>
*Wheaton College takes the highest of the three scores from all of the SATs that an applying student submits.<ref>http://www.wheaton.edu/admissions/UndGrad/applying/admissFAQ.htm#q14</ref>
*Houghton College in New York recently recently started taking the highest critical reading and math scores for the SAT.
*Houghton College in New York recently started taking the highest critical reading and math scores for the SAT.
*James Madison University takes the highest scores from the reading and math sections on the SAT.<ref>http://www.jmu.edu/admissions/process/freshman.shtml</ref>
*James Madison University takes the highest scores from the reading and math sections on the SAT.<ref>http://www.jmu.edu/admissions/process/freshman.shtml</ref>
Let's try some examples of learning word meanings from context (SAT questions are a bit more complicated than this, and as we'll learn in future classes):
Let's try some examples of learning word meanings from context (SAT questions are a bit more complicated than this, and as we'll learn in future classes):
Example 1: "I abhor all the paperwork that government makes people fill out these days!" What does the word "abhor" mean?
Example 1:
"I abhor all the paperwork that government makes people fill out these days!" What does the word "abhor" mean?
<br>(a) love
<br>(a) love
<br>(b) encourage
<br>(b) encourage
<br>(e) dislike intensely
<br>(e) dislike intensely
Even if you don't already know what the word "abhor" means, you should be able to figure it out from the context. Only answer (e) fits the expression well. As to answer choice (c), why would someone say that "I don't feel strongly one way or the other about all the paperwork that government makes people fill out these days," followed by an exclamation point? That would be unlikely. Note also that answer choices (a), (b) and (d) are similar to each other, and they cannot all be correct. Answer choice (e) stands alone as the most likely meaning.
Even if you don't already know what the word "abhor" means, you should be able to figure it out from the context. Only answer (e) fits the sentence well. As to answer choice (c), why would someone say that "I don't feel strongly one way or the other about all the paperwork that government makes people fill out these days," followed by an exclamation point? That would be unlikely. Note also that answer choices (a), (b) and (d) are similar to each other, and they cannot all be correct. Answer choice (e) stands alone as the most likely meaning.
Example 2: In the beginning was the "λόγος" (logos), and the "λόγος" was with God, and the "λόγος" was God. (John 1:1). What does the Greek word "λόγος" mean?
Example 2:
In the beginning was the "λόγος" (logos), and the "λόγος" was with God, and the "λόγος" was God. (John 1:1). What does the Greek word "λόγος" mean?
<br>(a) evil
<br>(a) evil
<br>(b) light
<br>(b) light
<br>(e) word
<br>(e) word
In this example you can figure out what a word in ancient Greek means. Starting with answer choice (a), the phrase near the end of the sentence would be "evil was God," and that does not make sense. So eliminate (a) as a possibility. Similarly, strike out choice (d) as a possibility because "chaos" was not God. How about choice (c), "universe"? It would not make sense for the "universe" to be in the very beginning along with God, and the "universe" was certainly NOT God.
In this example you can figure out what this ancient Greek term means. Starting with answer choice (a), the phrase near the end of the sentence would be "evil was God," and that does not make sense. So eliminate (a) as a possibility. Similarly, strike out choice (d) as a possibility because "chaos" was not God. How about choice (c), "universe"? It would not make sense for the "universe" to be in the very beginning along with God, and the "universe" was certainly NOT God.
The only possible meanings among the choices for "λόγος" (logos) are (b) and (e). If you do not know at this point, then you have at least a 50/50 chance. "Word" fits the expression "was God" better, and is the correct answer.
The only possible meanings among the choices for "λόγος" (logos) are (b) and (e). If you do not know at this point, then you have at least a 50/50 chance. "Word" fits the expression "was God" better, and is the correct answer.
Other fun words:
Other fun words:
*laconic (very concise in expression, the opposite of talk, talk, talk)
*laconic (pronounced: luh-KAH-nik), meaning "very concise in expression"
*cantankerous (irritating to deal with)
*cantankerous, meaning "irritating to deal with"
*truculent (cruel, savage, aggressively belligerent)
*truculent (pronounced: TRUH-kyuh-lent), meaning "cruel, savage, aggressively belligerent"
*insouciance (nonchalance, lighthearted lack of concern)
*insouciance (pronounced: in-SOO-see-ens), meaning "nonchalance, lighthearted lack of concern"
*martinet (mar-tuh-NET): an overly strict person who demands rigid compliance with forms and methods, named after France's King Louis XIV's Lieutenant Colonel Jean Martinet
*martinet (pronounced mar-tuh-NET), meaning "an overly strict person who demands rigid compliance with forms and methods," named after France's King Louis XIV's Lieutenant Colonel Jean Martinet
Develop the habit of welcoming new words into your vocabulary, and using them. Beware of the "dumbing down" by others of the vocabulary level of speech, whereby some people only use a few hundred words over and over in order to communicate. Some public school students have a total vocabulary of at most a few thousand words. Build yours to where you know and use tens of thousands of words. You'll obtain better jobs, better friends and greater happiness by learning to enjoy all the powerful words that are out there for our benefit.
Develop the habit of welcoming new words into your vocabulary, and using them. Beware of the "dumbing down" by others of the vocabulary level of speech, whereby some people only use a few hundred words over and over in order to communicate. Some public school students have a total vocabulary of at most a few thousand words. Build yours to where you know and use tens of thousands of words. You'll obtain better jobs, better friends and greater happiness by learning to enjoy all the powerful words that are out there for our benefit.
=== Critical Reading Section ===
=== Critical Reading Section ===
The "critical reading" portion of the SAT is composed of 67 questions, with roughly 1 minute per question. 48 of the 67 questions are passage-based reading questions and the remaining 19 are sentence completion questions. This portion of the exam is broken into two 25-minute sections and one 20-minute section, for a total of 70 minutes overall.
The "critical reading" portion of the SAT is composed of 67 questions, with roughly 1 minute per question. 48 of the 67 questions are passage-based reading questions and the remaining 19 are sentence completion questions. The "critical reading" portion of the exam is broken into two 25-minute sections and one 20-minute section, for a total of 70 minutes overall.
The critical reading section is split into three general categories:
The critical reading section is split into three general categories:
*Vocabulary in context, with 12–16 questions
*Vocabulary in context, with 12–16 questions
The topics for the passage-based reading are from Natural sciences, Humanities, Social sciences, and Literary fiction. Passages range in length from 100 to 850 words approximately. According to the College Board that writes the exam students are asked to: Identify the meanings of words from their context, answer questions about information directly stated, including the main idea, and synthesize and analyze information such as identifying cause and effect, drawing inferences, understanding logic of analogies or argument, and evaluating the assumptions and techniques in the reading passage.
The topics for the passage-based reading are from natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and literary fiction. Passages range in length from about 100 to 850 words. According to the College Board that writes the exam, students are asked to: identify the meanings of words from their context, answer questions about information directly stated, including the main idea, and synthesize and analyze information such as identifying cause and effect, drawing inferences, understanding logic of analogies or argument, and evaluating the assumptions and techniques in the reading passage.
The other part of the "critical reading" portion of the SAT consists of the sentence completion questions. These ask the students to determine the meaning of words, and identify how the different parts of a sentence fit together. Each question has one or more fill-in-the-blank type answer choice. The student is required to choose the word that best completes the sentence.
The other part of the "critical reading" portion of the SAT consists of sentence completion questions. These require students to determine the meaning of words and use them appropriately, and to evaluate how the different parts of a sentence fit together. Each question has one or more fill-in-the-blank type answer choice. The student is required to choose the word or words that best complete the sentence.
=== Writing Section ===
=== Writing Section ===
The writing section consists of 49 multiple-choice questions and one essay question. The student has 35 minutes (one 25-minute section and one 10-minute section) for the multiple-choice questions, and 25 minutes for the essay, for a total of 60 minutes.
The writing section consists of 49 multiple-choice questions and one essay question. The student has 35 minutes (one 25-minute section and one 10-minute section) for the multiple-choice questions, and 25 minutes for the essay, for a total of 60 minutes.
The multiple choice topics include: improving sentences (25 questions), identifying grammar errors in a sentence (18 questions), and improving paragraphs (6 questions).
The multiple choice topics include: improving sentences (25 questions), identifying grammar errors in sentences (18 questions), and improving paragraphs (6 questions).
The essay is the first question asked on the SAT I and must be written out longhand with a number 2 pencil. Students are given a prompt with a quote that is no more than 80 words. They must respond to this prompt by developing a point-of-view and supporting their position.
The essay is the first question asked on the SAT I and must be written out longhand with a number 2 pencil. Students are provided with a quote or statement that is no more than 80 words. Each student should take a position about the quote or statement by developing his or her own point-of-view, and supporting that point-of-view.
=== Math Section ===
=== Math Section ===
We will not be covering math in this course, but for information purposes the math portion of the SAT consists of 54 questions in 70 minutes. There are two multiple choice sections totaling 44 questions, and a student-produced response section where the student writes the answer rather than choosing from options (see below), which has 10 questions. The timing on the math exam is 25-minute sections and one 20-minute section.
We will not be covering math in this course, but for information purposes the math portion of the SAT consists of 54 questions in 70 minutes. There are two multiple choice sections totaling 44 questions, and a student-produced response section where the student writes the answer rather than choosing from options, which has 10 questions. The timing on the math exam is 25-minute sections and one 20-minute section.
There are four general categories covered by the math portion of the SAT:
There are four general categories covered by the math portion of the SAT:
Find a dictionary in your home, or learn how to look up words online.<ref>See, e.g., http://www.m-w.com</ref>
Find a dictionary in your home, or learn how to look up words online.<ref>See, e.g., http://www.m-w.com</ref>
Write an essay of at least 300 words about any topic you like. It could be about a personal experience, or the tragedy in Haiti, or a song that you like, or anything else.
Write an essay of at least 300 words about any topic you like. It could be about a personal experience, such as the March for Life trip, or the tragedy in Haiti, or a song that you like, or anything else.
In your essay, use at least one new word that you do not ordinarily use, and underline it.
In your essay, use at least one new word that you do not ordinarily use, and underline it.
== References ==
== References ==
<references/>
[[Category:Writing course]]