STAAR EOC Writing

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

Basic Concepts

Grammar, Usage, and Conventions

Building Strong Sentences

Good grammar and usage are the backbone of effective writing. On the STAAR EOC Writing exam, you'll need to show that you can use correct punctuation, verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure.

Common Grammar Topics

  • Subject-verb agreement (e.g., "She runs every morning.")
  • Correct use of commas, periods, and quotation marks
  • Consistent verb tense (past, present, future)
  • Avoiding run-on sentences and fragments

Why It Matters

Using correct grammar makes your writing clear and easy to understand. It also shows your attention to detail and helps your reader follow your ideas without confusion.

Tips for Success

  • Always reread your sentences to check for errors.
  • Practice with editing and revising exercises.

Real-World Impact

Clear, correct writing is valued in college essays, job applications, emails, and everyday communication.

Examples

  • Writing, 'They is going to the store,' instead of 'They are going to the store,' is a common subject-verb agreement error.

  • Using a comma after an introductory phrase, like 'After dinner, we played games.'

In a Nutshell

Proper grammar and usage make your writing clear, professional, and easy to understand.

Key Terms

Subject-Verb Agreement
Making sure the subject and verb in a sentence match in number (singular or plural).
Punctuation
Marks like commas, periods, and question marks that help organize writing.