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Sylvia R Jackson
United States - Texas - Granbury
81 votes
"The difficulty of literature is not to write, but to write what you mean. - Robert Louis Stevenson".
FEATURED ITEMS
This item utilizes a non-fiction article published by The New York Times ("The Man Who Stayed Behind") about Ryan Boyette, the American who could...
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This sample essay was born from the necessity to provide my students with "4" (score) writing samples in the new STAAR, 26-line format. As Texas...
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This sample essay was born from the necessity to provide my students with "4" (score) writing samples in the new STAAR, 26-line format. As Texas ...
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This product is a single-page handout to give students while training them on the short answer response portion of the STAAR Reading Test. I cre...
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This product is a single-page sample to use as a model for students over how to write a "3" response on the crossover short answer response on th...
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I searched high and low for a basic, close reading test that would simply show me whether students did their outside-of-class reading of THE HUNG...
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This sample essay was born from the necessity to provide my students with "4" (score) writing samples in the new STAAR, 26-line format. As Texas ...
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This product is a single-page sample to use as a model for students over how to write a "3" response on the crossover short answer response on th...
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This sample essay was born from the necessity to provide my students with "4" (score) writing samples in the new STAAR, 26-line format. As Texas ...
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This sample essay was born from the necessity to provide my students with "4" (score) writing samples in the new STAAR, 26-line format. As Texas ...
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I searched high and low for a basic, close reading test that would simply show me whether students did their outside-of-class reading of THE HUNG...
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This sample essay was born from the necessity to provide my students with "4" (score) writing samples in the new STAAR, 26-line format. As Texas ...
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These are journal prompts I've been collecting for 13 years and counting! This is a 10-page Word file with at least 40 topics on each page...lit...
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1 Year
I searched high and low for a basic, close reading test that would simply show me whether students did their outside-of-class reading of FAHRENHE...
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This 3-page handout covers the BIG 3 comma rules that students will need most often! At the beginning of each handout is a graphic representatio...
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This is an excellent graphic organizer for the short answer questions that commonly appear on standardized tests. Shaped like a cross, this orga...
This is an essay exam that addresses the relationships found in The Great Gatsby. It is ready to copy and hand-out to students.
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2 hours
I searched high and low for a basic, close reading test that would simply show me whether students did their outside-of-class reading of FAHRENHE...
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This sample essay was born from the necessity to provide my students with "4" (score) writing samples in the new STAAR, 26-line format. As Texas ...
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This sample essay was born from the necessity to provide my students with "4" (score) writing samples in the new STAAR, 26-line format. As Texas ...
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FEEDBACK
mollysinead
These are so funny! I'm not going to lie though, I got slightly startled when I saw they were already labeled with my last name. Good thing we both share an awesome last name :)
Thanks!
Thanks!
April 30, 2013
kharesnape
thumbs up
April 25, 2013
luviada17
Very helpful.
April 13, 2013
luviada17
Good information
April 13, 2013
mdriley
Excellent Resource!
April 10, 2013
bkertmw
Just what I have been looking for! The best daily planning page I have found. THANKS!
March 16, 2013
tmlane1
Helpful
March 4, 2013
ammedavis
Great resource!
February 26, 2013
tsandlcox
Like it:)
February 25, 2013
tsandlcox
Thank you
February 25, 2013
morsej
good lesson
February 25, 2013
clhajnal
I bought this at the very last minute. I had a family emergency and did not time to make a sample for my STAAR prep day, this saved me!!
February 10, 2013
Sylvia R Jackson (TpT Seller)
I'm very glad you found this and were able to use it when you had bigger issues to deal with! Thank you for your business!
February 10, 2013 
junerain
Good resource. Thank you.
February 8, 2013
jennieflaa
thanks
February 6, 2013
Sylvia R Jackson (TpT Seller)
Thanks, Jennie! I hope the essay was useful for your classroom!
February 6, 2013
bwkcook5
Thank you!!!!
February 4, 2013
Sylvia R Jackson (TpT Seller)
Claudia...please give me more details! All of our teachers have used this essay as an example with students and found it very useful. What were you expecting that you didn't find in the essay?
February 1, 2013
SMOSTAD
this helps
January 31, 2013
Kelly Allgood (TpT Seller)
Fantastic time saver for me, I'm looking forward to using them to encourage reading ahead of what is required.
January 19, 2013
Kelly Allgood (TpT Seller)
Fantastic time saver for me, I'm looking forward to using them to encourage reading ahead of what is required.
January 19, 2013
Kelly Allgood (TpT Seller)
Fantastic time saver for me, I'm looking forward to using them to encourage reading ahead of what is required.
January 19, 2013
onsae1
Thanks again!
January 17, 2013
onsae1
Love the questions!
January 17, 2013
deniseroschen
Lots of ideas to use with my own--Thank you!
January 14, 2013
Peggy Bob
While teaching comma usage, this was a hit. Thank you.
January 9, 2013
Sylvia R Jackson (TpT Seller)
Excellent...very glad it was useful! Thank you for your business!
January 9, 2013
Jriane
Thank your for a good EOC resource.
January 8, 2013
Sylvia R Jackson (TpT Seller)
Thank you for your business; I'm very glad it was useful!
January 9, 2013
Jriane
Great!
January 8, 2013
Jriane
Great!
January 8, 2013
Jriane
Great resource!
January 8, 2013
mrshcrawford
Thanks!
December 6, 2012
jackireyna8701
Thanks
November 27, 2012
Jriane
Great sample essay!
November 25, 2012
Tiffany Luedke (TpT Seller)
This actually sounds more like a personal narrative. Why is this considered an expository essay? Great example though.
Thanks for responding to my question! Thanks for all your hard work geared towards tackling the STARR too.
Thanks for responding to my question! Thanks for all your hard work geared towards tackling the STARR too.
November 12, 2012
Sylvia R Jackson (TpT Seller)
Thanks for leaving feedback!
The topic (expository) is: "Write an essay explaining how one experience can have the power to affect a person's life in a positive way." I chose to write this sample from a first-person perspective because it is a familiar writing style for our students (quite similar to the personal narrative.) All of our STAAR training has indicated that students are allowed to use this point-of-view on the expository essay. They should, of course, avoid anything resembling a call-to-action, as that is the major defining (difference) between the expository and the persuasive essays.
As long as they are explaining and not persuading, they are allowed to use this perspective. Based on our 9th graders scores last year, I think TEA is staying true to its word on this one. I tend to bug TEA's email line on a weekly basis with questions, and I really harassed them to get a clear answer on this (even going so far as to send an example that received a big thumbs-up.)
Hope this helps, and I hope your scores rock this year!
The topic (expository) is: "Write an essay explaining how one experience can have the power to affect a person's life in a positive way." I chose to write this sample from a first-person perspective because it is a familiar writing style for our students (quite similar to the personal narrative.) All of our STAAR training has indicated that students are allowed to use this point-of-view on the expository essay. They should, of course, avoid anything resembling a call-to-action, as that is the major defining (difference) between the expository and the persuasive essays.
As long as they are explaining and not persuading, they are allowed to use this perspective. Based on our 9th graders scores last year, I think TEA is staying true to its word on this one. I tend to bug TEA's email line on a weekly basis with questions, and I really harassed them to get a clear answer on this (even going so far as to send an example that received a big thumbs-up.)
Hope this helps, and I hope your scores rock this year!
November 12, 2012
amwarren
Great guide.
November 11, 2012
amwarren
Great lesson.
November 11, 2012
amwarren
Great lesson!
November 11, 2012
mtullos
very helpful
November 10, 2012
cand1
This was helpful for my middle schooler.
November 8, 2012
Sylvia R Jackson (TpT Seller)
I'm so glad! When middle schoolers make it to high school without those basic comma rules under belt, it really hurts their writing and keeps it from shining. Thanks so much for your business!
November 9, 2012
Sylvia R Jackson (TpT Seller)
Thank you so much; I'm very glad you found it useful! I did add a second article today utilizing the article "America is the new Rome"...which addresses the common comparisons between modern America and ancient Rome. Our classes are using it along with our JULIUS CAESAR study, but it would still be relevant post-election since this topic has been thrown around a lot recently! I have it listed as "Non-Fiction STAAR Test Prep Reading Article #2 + Questions."
I will continue to add every time I create one to use with my kiddos. Thank you SO much for your patronage!
~Sylvia
I will continue to add every time I create one to use with my kiddos. Thank you SO much for your patronage!
~Sylvia
November 8, 2012
beardenc
Thank you!
November 4, 2012
Sylvia R Jackson (TpT Seller)
Thanks so much for your patronage; very glad you were able to use it!
November 8, 2012
beardenc
Thank you!
November 4, 2012
pooh2006
Great quiz. Thank you very much.
October 27, 2012
Sylvia R Jackson (TpT Seller)
Thank you so much for your patronage; very glad you were able to use it!
November 8, 2012
pooh2006
Thank you
October 27, 2012
Peggy Bob
Somewhat over my fourth graders head but, a good expository resource.
October 21, 2012
Sylvia R Jackson (TpT Seller)
Thank you...and I agree; I think this one would work for 6th grade + (but not younger).
~Sylvia
~Sylvia
November 8, 2012
mtullos
Well-written as always. A good stretch for your advanced students on a more challenging topic.
October 13, 2012
mtullos
A really great example with lots of voice!
October 13, 2012
Sylvia R Jackson (TpT Seller)
Thank you for the feedback...hope your kiddos rock the test!
April 10, 2013
Ask Sylvia R Jackson a question. They will receive an automated email and will return to answer you as soon as possible.
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:
Julie Faulkner (TpT Seller) re: Persuasive Essay Sample in STAAR Test Format
I am really interested in your samples here because I am TN, and we are also tranisitioning and have almost no samples. I do the same thing you do.... create them! Do any of your samples include citations from a stimulus, and do the essays have any kind of notations, scores, etc. for teaching?
January 29, 2013
midkiffm
Hi Sylvia,
I am a ninth grade English teacher in Marshall Texas. I was so excited to see anything that would help us on the EOC test. I love what you have provided but I was wondering if you had anything that could possibly be on a slightly lower level. I do not teach any upper level students and I have many that struggle with writing anything at all. Many of these students really need to be taught to earn a score of 2 on the SAR and a 3 on the essay. The vocabulary etc. in the samples you provided is a little difficult for them and not anything that they would every use. You seem to have such a great grasp on the test, I was wondering if you had any suggestions or other products that might help me. I am like every other English teacher in Texas; just trying to figure it all out. Thanks for your help. Marianne
I am a ninth grade English teacher in Marshall Texas. I was so excited to see anything that would help us on the EOC test. I love what you have provided but I was wondering if you had anything that could possibly be on a slightly lower level. I do not teach any upper level students and I have many that struggle with writing anything at all. Many of these students really need to be taught to earn a score of 2 on the SAR and a 3 on the essay. The vocabulary etc. in the samples you provided is a little difficult for them and not anything that they would every use. You seem to have such a great grasp on the test, I was wondering if you had any suggestions or other products that might help me. I am like every other English teacher in Texas; just trying to figure it all out. Thanks for your help. Marianne
October 6, 2012
Sylvia R Jackson (TpT Seller)
Hi, Marianne! I have two essays on here that I geared toward on-level students. One is Persuasive Essay Sample #3, Introductory. All of our 9th grade teachers used this one, and it is a simpler topic with lower-level vocabulary. The other one is Sample Literary, and it is a very simple story that all of our teachers used successfully. I believe our on-level teachers used it as an introduction to literary...and had the students read it together--then plot it on the plot diagram (prior to filling-out their own plot diagrams for their own pieces).
There is also a teacher on my campus who teaches our lowest performers. She takes my essays and re-scribes them in her own handwriting, replacing the advanced vocabulary words with lower-level synonyms. She even used one of them as an exercise for the kids in which they took my essay as it was and highlighted any words they did not know. After looking up the words, they replaced them with familiar synonyms and re-copied the essay. Not only was this a good vocabulary exercise, but it still gave them experience with the organization of a 26-liner!
I haven't had much success finding other materials for the writing portions (which is what drove me to create my own). However, I think the single most impactful thing I did in the classroom was to transition to using Flash Fiction at every available opportunity. As teachers who love literature, we are drawn to teaching longer pieces (novels...even "short" stories)--but none of those genres are represented on the tests. By using Flash Fiction (and even non-fiction news articles,) the kids get accustomed to bite-size literature.
Hope there is something in there that helps! Until Texas gets over its obsession with standardized testing, we've all got to help each other! :D
~Sylvia
There is also a teacher on my campus who teaches our lowest performers. She takes my essays and re-scribes them in her own handwriting, replacing the advanced vocabulary words with lower-level synonyms. She even used one of them as an exercise for the kids in which they took my essay as it was and highlighted any words they did not know. After looking up the words, they replaced them with familiar synonyms and re-copied the essay. Not only was this a good vocabulary exercise, but it still gave them experience with the organization of a 26-liner!
I haven't had much success finding other materials for the writing portions (which is what drove me to create my own). However, I think the single most impactful thing I did in the classroom was to transition to using Flash Fiction at every available opportunity. As teachers who love literature, we are drawn to teaching longer pieces (novels...even "short" stories)--but none of those genres are represented on the tests. By using Flash Fiction (and even non-fiction news articles,) the kids get accustomed to bite-size literature.
Hope there is something in there that helps! Until Texas gets over its obsession with standardized testing, we've all got to help each other! :D
~Sylvia
October 6, 2012
Pam Brown
I hope you are also enjoying your summer. Are you still in Granbury and if so, how did your students do on the EOC? Just wondering. :)
June 10, 2012
Sylvia R Jackson (TpT Seller)
I'm still in Granbury (at the 9th grade center)...and I'm happy to report that I had 100% pass. However, I was testing the highest group of kids (English II kids who were taking the advanced course on an English I campus)...so they certainly should have! I also had the most 3s on short answer and the most 4s on essay that I've ever had, which I was particularly excited about. One of my colleagues had even more than me, however, so I still have some work to do. :D
June 10, 2012
Pam Brown
I just purchased the sample literary essay. Can I share this with my two partners. We will be teaching a group of students this summer and need help for them passing the EOC! These materials are wonderful!
June 10, 2012
Sylvia R Jackson (TpT Seller)
Thank you so much! Yes, please share. Our campus is also hosting a summer EOC Camp, and I'm going to work it as well. Our focus will be writing, so I'm going to be digging out all of my essays to use as samples. The English I kiddos on our campus struggled (as they did throughout the state)...so they are our target group this summer. Hope your kids rock it!
June 10, 2012
Shopgirl Mrs V (TpT Seller) re: Short Answer Response Transitions + Mnemonic Memory Tool STAAR!
"Our school has had great success on the short answer response. In each of the years prior to using the APE mnemonic device, we averaged about 2-3 short answer responses each year that scored a "3"...but since using it, we have achieved 40+ per year (with a student population of 400)."
Hi, Which test did your students take that included short answer responses? TAKS didn't include that and this is the first year of the STAAR - the reading hasn't yet been administered other than 8th grade.. thanks.
Hi, Which test did your students take that included short answer responses? TAKS didn't include that and this is the first year of the STAAR - the reading hasn't yet been administered other than 8th grade.. thanks.
April 1, 2012
Sylvia R Jackson (TpT Seller)
The TAKS has always included short answer responses (at the secondary level). There was always one short answer response over the fiction literature piece...one over the non-fiction piece...and one crossover question covering both pieces. The new STAAR test also includes short answer responses, and our ninth graders just took the Reading and Writing sections last week. They are the first group that the STAAR scores count toward graduation.
April 1, 2012
brhearn re: Expository Essay Sample 1 (STAAR Writing Test)
Do you have an example essay for the 9th grade EOC?
March 16, 2012
Sylvia R Jackson (TpT Seller)
I just posted a literary piece that I put together to help out the teacher I mentor (who has all 9th graders). I may end up with another one within the next couple of days. How do you feel your kids are doing as we lead up to next week's test?
March 20, 2012
James Brown
What will be the price for uploading this to a free n open website which does not charge any fee for download ? Download will be made available to anyone who registers.
February 7, 2007
Sylvia R Jackson (TpT Seller)
Unfortunately...due to copyright issues...I am unable to post the process of Barry Lane's assignment. I am only able to provide examples and the assignment sheet I have created to give students. I use the skeleton plot to have students explode...whereas Barry's process is applicable to any writing assignment. I also have my students apply the "Explode the Moment" concept to other pieces, but I use the assignment posted here as a starting point to build on.
October 29, 2006
Greg Hurst (TpT Seller)
I just purchased your "Exploding the Moment" and I seem to be missing some of it. There seems to be only a few examples, is there an explanation of the process itself? I seem to recall that it is a multi-staged process.
October 29, 2006
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
I have taught English Language Arts for 13 years now...all in school districts which emphasize the writing process.
MY TEACHING STYLE
Yet to be added
HONORS/AWARDS/SHINING TEACHER MOMENT
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MY OWN EDUCATIONAL HISTORY
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ADDITIONAL BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
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