GAT
Preparation the written
component
VSS session, 2017
Learning goals:
Students will:
– Identify the criteria for each writing task
– Identify strategies for approaching each component
of the writing task
– Apply skills and strategies to tasks
General tips
– While students may complete the tasks in any order it is suggested they
complete the writing tasks first, then the multiple-choice questions. This would
make the most effective use of the reading time.
– Bear in mind that any part of the test may be revisited at any time because the
answers won’t be collected until the end.
What are the tasks?
– Writing Task 1, in which you will be asked to present the main information in
some material that is given to you in written and graphical form. You should not
present an argument (suggested time 30 minutes)
– · Writing Task 2, in which you will be asked to express a point of view on an
issue, and to present reasons and arguments in support of your view and to
rebut opposing ideas (suggested time 30 minutes)
Writing task 1 – Informative/
Expository task
Writing task 1 will present written and graphical information in colour. The task will
be to write a piece that presents the main information in this material. Students
should not present an argument. Remember the writing is being assessed, not the
extra knowledge students may have about the material. Students’ writing will be
judged on:
– how well they organise and present their understanding of the material
– how effectively they communicate the information
– how clearly they express themselves.
What does it look like?
What to do?
– Synthesise information (bring it together – group/categorise it into sections)
– Decide upon an approach
– Use essay format
– Logically plan and build your points
– DO NOT write your opinion
So, how do you compose a
response?
– Examine the information
– Can I group any of the information
together? (you can do this visually
using a graphic organiser)
– What heading could I give the
information (what is it mainly
about)? (topic for your paragraph)
– Dot point the evidence you are going
to use
Let’s have a look at an example
How could you group the
information?
Topic: Human experience and the ocean
Body paragraph 1: Preoccupation
– Mythology and literature
Body paragraph 2: Exploration
– Charts, major discoveries and equipment
Body paragraph 3: Ocean life
– Depths/Zones and types of biology
How else could you
group the
information?
Your turn
– Looking at the example texts come up with a way of
grouping the information to form a response
Tips for this section
– Spend 5 minutes planning and bringing your information together
– Spend 25 minutes writing
– Your opening might offer an overview before you go into appropriate detail and
make appropriate connections from the material
– Use formal language (no slang)
– Explain terms (use brackets)
– Use clear sections for your information (different paragraphs)
– Aim to use all the information presented in some way
– DO NOT start at the top left corner and go around the page to try and get all the
information into the piece
– Remember to edit your work as you go
A high scoring response would
demonstrate
– Content organised effectively
– Material has been effectively synthesised and used
– Draws inferences
– Consistent tone
– Coherent development of piece (intro, body paragraphs, conclusion)
– Accurate and comprehensive account of material
– Precise and skillful use of language including vocabulary and punctuation
Writing task 2 – Point of view
task
Writing task 2 will present some statements on an issue. The task will be to
develop a piece of writing presenting a point of view on the issue based on one or
more of the statements. Students are free to include other knowledge or
information they may have to support their view. In doing this task students should
aim to present reasons and arguments to support their view and to rebut opposing
ideas. Students must also aim to communicate clearly and effectively to the reader.
Students’ writing will be judged on:
– the extent to which they develop their point of view in a reasonable and
convincing way
– how effectively they express themselves
What does it look
like?
What to do?
– Develop a clear contention
– Decide upon form
– Build your arguments logically
– Support your POV
– Rebut counter-arguments
– Use evidence and techniques
– Plan your paragraphs
So, how do you compose a
response?
– Determine your contention
– Identify at least 2 strong arguments and a rebuttal
– Dot point your evidence, examples and the
devices you want to use to support the arguments
(eg language, persona, rhetoric
– Think about form (eg speech, essay, letter)
– Who would read this speech?
– What language devices could you use to persuade
your audience and show a consistent, clear voice?
Tips for this section
– Responses are not required to cover all the issues
– You can draw on outside knowledge
– Spend 5 minutes planning and bringing your information together (you
could use a graphic organiser to do this)
– Spend 25 minutes writing
– Complete the piece (remember a conclusion)
– Use language appropriate to the style and form
– Structure your paragraphs
– Edit your work as you go along
A high scoring response would
demonstrate:
– Writer’s position and voice is clear throughout
– Demonstrates understanding of the fundamental concepts involved in the issue
– Convincing arguments presented to support position
– Lively, engaging and interesting to read
– Coherent development of piece (intro, body, conclusion)
– Precise and skillful use of language including vocabulary and punctuation
Review
– So, what tips and strategies will you
use to approach the written
component of the GAT?
– How can you prepare for this
section of the GAT?