TSI Prep: Understanding the Essay

Lesson + slides · Grades 9–12 · Slides · $1 or included with All-Access

Before my students take the TSIA 2, I want them to know exactly what the essay is. This short slide lesson covers that for grades 9-12 and pairs with my TSIA prompt and outline lessons.

It covers the task (300 to 600 words on one randomly selected prompt), the six qualities scorers look for, how the electronic scoring works on a 1-8 scale, and the score combinations that place a student in college-level ELAR courses.

It ends with a practice round where students read descriptions from the scoring guide and decide what score an essay with those traits would earn.

What's included

• Slide lesson (.pptx) on the TSIA 2 essay
• The six scoring qualities, each explained
• How electronic scoring and the 1-8 scale work
• College-readiness score requirements
• Score-the-description practice

How teachers use it

• First lesson in a TSI prep sequence, before students practice writing
• Dual-credit or P-TECH orientation
• Quick review the week before a TSIA test date