STAAR EOC Test: Writing

The STAAR EOC Test: Writing assesses students' writing skills and their ability to communicate effectively in various contexts.

Basic Concepts

Sentence Structure and Grammar

Building Blocks of Clear Writing

Strong sentences and correct grammar make your writing easy to read and understand. Grammar includes following rules for punctuation, verb tense, subject-verb agreement, and more.

Types of Sentences

  • Simple: One idea (I ran.)
  • Compound: Two ideas joined with a conjunction (I ran, and I jumped.)
  • Complex: An independent clause and one or more dependent clauses (When I finished my homework, I played outside.)

Grammar Essentials

Use correct punctuation, capitalization, and verb tense. Avoid run-on sentences and fragments.

Why It Matters

Proper grammar and varied sentence structure keep your reader interested and help you express ideas clearly.

Tips

  • Read your sentences aloud to check for mistakes
  • Use commas to separate items in a list

Examples

  • Using a comma to separate items: I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.

  • Starting a sentence with a dependent clause: Although it rained, we played soccer.

In a Nutshell

Good writing uses correct grammar and a mix of sentence types for clarity and interest.