Bridgewater State College
Study Guides and Resources for the Communications and Literacy Skills Test
Writing Subtest Study Guide - Persuasive Essay: Strategies and Approaches

For the Writing Subtest, you will write an essay of approximately 500-700 words defending one side of a debate over a potentially complex issue.

Approaches and Strategies

The composition portion of the test determines your ability to "write on the spot."

It is a test of critical thinking and of your ability to develop and defend a point of view. You should also focus on things like word choice, grammar and spelling, sentence structure, focus and unity, and organization.

Five steps to composing an essay:

  1. Read the writing assignment carefully, paying close attention to both sides of the issue.
  2. On scratch paper- identify the key issues.
  3. Consider what both opponents and proponents would say about these issues. What supporting evidence could they offer with regards to each issue?
  4. Decide which side has the most supporting evidence.
  5. Draft an essay in which you acknowledge both sides of the argument while offering more support for one side.

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