STAAR EOC Writing

State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness End-of-Course Writing exam.

Basic Concepts

Essay Organization and Development

Structuring Your Writing

A strong essay has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Organizing your thoughts and supporting your ideas are key to writing a successful essay on the STAAR EOC.

Components of a Well-Organized Essay

  • Introduction: Grabs attention and introduces the topic.
  • Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph presents a main idea supported by evidence or examples.
  • Conclusion: Wraps up the essay and leaves the reader with a final thought.

Developing Your Ideas

Use specific details, examples, and explanations to make your writing convincing and interesting.

Transitions

Linking words and phrases help your ideas flow smoothly: "First," "In addition," "For example," "Finally," etc.

Why This Matters

Well-organized writing helps your reader understand your message and keeps your essay focused.

Examples

  • Starting an essay with a question or a surprising fact to hook the reader.

  • Using evidence from a personal experience to support your argument in a body paragraph.

In a Nutshell

A well-organized essay is easier to read and gets your point across effectively.