Writing Based on Reading and Listening
You will read a passage about an academic topic. Then you will listen to a lecture about the same topic. You are permitted to take notes while you read and listen. You will be asked a question that relates to both the text and the listening. Your response should be 150-225 words.
Reading Passage
In a vote that took place at the International Astronomical Union Conference on August 24th, 2006, Pluto lost its status as a planet in our solar system. Pluto was originally discovered in 1930 when scientists were searching for something that was interfering with Uranus's orbit. Though Pluto was estimated to be similar in size to Earth, it was later discovered that it was even smaller than our own moon, as well as many other moons. It is now known that there are thousands of planetary objects similar to Pluto, including Eris which is slightly larger than Pluto. Choosing to reclassify Pluto to a dwarf planet honors the fact that science is about making new discoveries. While it was a sad day for Pluto lovers, people in general have accepted the idea, and the next generation of children will grow up knowing only eight planets and thinking nothing of it. As Mike Brown, the astronomer who discovered Eris, noted following the IUC's decision, "science is self-correcting."
Next you will listen to part of a lecture on the same subject.
Summarize the points made in the lecture, comparing how they relate to the points made in the reading passage.
Integrated Task Checklist | |
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Do I have full sentences? |
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Do I use complex-compound sentences? |
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| Do I have correct punctuation and spelling? |
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Does my work mention details from both the reading and the listening passages? |
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Does my work include correct reference/referent construction? |  |
| Do I use correct conjunctions and conjunctive adverbials? |
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Do I use proper and correct English words? | |
| Am I using Spanish words? | |
Do I use correct grammatical structures that I am comfortable with? |
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Does my writing have between 150 to 225 words? |
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Writing Based on Knowledge and Experience
This section of the test asks you questions about common experiences. You will be asked to give your opinion and provide reasons and examples. You will not be required to have any previous knowledge on a topic. You will have 30 minutes to prepare an essay in response to the question provided.
Question:
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
Students should take out student loans to avoid working while studying.
Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Essay Checklist | |
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Do I have an introductory sentence? |
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Do I have a thesis? |
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Does my introduction state the topics I plan to cover? |
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Does each paragraph have a topic sentence? |
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Do I use examples and reasons to support my points? |
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Are my spelling and punctuation correct? |
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Do I use a variety of grammatical structures that I am comfortable with? |
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| Do I use complex-compound sentences? | |
Do I use transitional phrases? |
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Have I covered both sides of an issue fairly? |
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Did I prove my thesis? |
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Does my conclusion end with an interesting thought or idea? |
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