Literacy Test Preparation Essays - Writing, Education In Ontario

Literacy Test Preparation Writing a Series of Paragraphs (Opinion Writing) Series of Paragraphs (5 paragraph format) Literacy Test Task: Write a minimum of three paragraphs expressing an opinion about the topic given Develop your main idea with supporting details (proof, facts, examples etc.) The audience: adults interested in your opinion The lined space provided indicates the approximate length of writing expected Example: Topic: Is it a good idea for high school students to have a part-time job? Length: Approximately 2 pages **page 16-18 2008-2009 osslt book What to do BEFORE you write: Read all instructions carefully Form an opinion about the topic 3. List reasons (supports) for your opinion as well as details, examples or facts to back them up Complete this work in the rough notes section provided in your OSSLT booklet, this work is not marked Identify which of these supports is the weakest, second strongest to strongest Is it a good idea for high school students to have a part-time job? YES!!! Start to build a resume Make your own spending money Need something to do with my spare time See what type of work I like doing or dont like doing NO!!! I want to focus my free time on studying I want to be involved in extra curriculars instead My parents give me an allowance Take away from time I spend with my friends Pick a side... It doesnt really matter what your personal opinion is on the OSSLT, it matters what you can write the most about. Go back a slide, which option (Yes or No) could you write a more detailed paragraph about? Writing a series of paragraphs Decide on the format of your answer You should write using the 5 paragraph format (even though the instructions from the OSSLT booklet will suggest you write a minimum of 3 paragraphs) Write your paragraphs in the third person voice Do not use I, I think or in my opinion Review your rough notes to decide what information will be written in which paragraph Introduction Paragraph # 1 Write a topic sentence- explain the topic or provide a definition if needed Include an opinion statement (thesis)- state your opinion about the topic and list your 3 supports Body Paragraphs # 2, 3 and 4 In each paragraph, select one of your arguments that support your opinion from your rough work Include examples and specific details to emphasize your explanation Explain how your support backs up your opinion Conclusion Paragraph Re-state or re-word your opinion statement (thesis) Summarize your supports

Things You Never Learn in College (But Need for Your Career)

Things You Never Learn in College (But Need for Your Career) If it wasn’t for college, there are just some things the world would never know. For example, how else would the human race know that two days of Red Bull, pizza, and finals can turn a normal person into a zombie? College is also the reason why there are so many different uses for Ramen – from food to furniture. Still, there are a few things that you just can’t learn in college. Despite how much Calculus, World History, or Political Science you study, here is a handful of items that you’ll need to learn on your own if you want to be successful in your future career. Time Management Skills In college, you can get away with procrastinating important papers until the day they’re due, especially if you’re willing to stay up all night in order to finish. In the real world, due dates often mean the difference between having a job and keeping them. In order to be successful, you’ll need to learn how to complete projects over time and ahead of schedule. Negotiation As a college student, if your roommate does something you don’t like, you can always just slam the door in his face or steal all his cereal as retribution. You are not encouraged to negotiate with professors as it wont help you to get a better grade anyway. In college you are usually limited by the rules and policy, told what to do and left with minimum freedom. In the real world successful people do negotiate. You’ll need to learn how to compromise and negotiate if you want to get ahead in your career path, defend your ideas and expect results from co workers. Teamwork While some college professors try to teach teamwork, it usually ends up just being an exercise to see which one of your team members is the biggest overachiever. In the real world, you can’t afford to sit back and let someone else do your work for you. You must learn how to actually do your part in order to make your entire work team successful. Follow-Through College students are notorious for making plans or promises and then just not showing up. This might be okay if you’re talking about participating in a beer crawl, but it may just get you fired if you try it at work. It is vital to learn how to make a commitment and then always follow through. It will help you get ahead in your career and make you more trustworthy in your personal life. Money Management It’s really easy to pay bills when you have unlimited access to your dad’s credit cards. Unfortunately, that blissful period where your family (or your loans) pays for your daily Wendy’s injections doesn’t last forever. Learn how to budget your money so that you can meet your needs in addition to paying your bills and saving something for the future. Social Tolerance You can be friends with whoever you want. If someone annoys you in a class, you don’t have to talk to them. Simple as that. Unfortunately, the real world is much different. You often have to work with, play with, and live with people who you just don’t like very much. It’s important to learn how to tolerate others’ differences in order to accomplish your goals. And, that means, accepting them without racist, sexist, or intolerant language and actions. Love Learning No matter how many courses you take, no one can teach you how to love learning. People who place importance on learning and growing are happier and more successful in their lives. If you are just going to school to check off the box, â€Å"I earned a degree,† you may not find that your degree does much for you except fill up space on your wall. Risk-taking Although college can help you explore new ideas, it can’t teach you one of the most important secrets of the universe – great people are not afraid to take risks. From Steve Jobs to those guys at College Humor, people who become great after college are the ones who don’t stay within the norms of society. Don’t be afraid to take risks that could potentially make you great. Failure doesn’t make you a loser. Not trying does. Organization It’s possible to get through college without being organized, but it’s not the badge of honour you think it is. Instead of seeing organization as something only nerds do, start to work out a system of your own now. Not only will it help you in your classes, but it will give you a great start on mastering the intricacies and scheduling of the real world. Can you add one more thing you never learn in college but will need in your future? We are waiting for your ideas!