The Short Writing Response

What Does it Test?• In each OSSLT booklet, there either one or two

short writing response selections.• The purpose of this section is to test:

1. Your ability to form a response to an opinion question in a concise yet detailed way.

2. Your proficiency with writing conventions (spelling/grammar).

How to Approach a Short Written Response Question

• Read the question carefully. Make sure that you understand all of the words. Does it ask for one or more examples?

• Attempt to use all of the lines.• Check over your work for spelling/grammar

mistakes. Correct them by neatly crossing out the error, and writing in your revision either above or below.

Sample of a Short Writing Response from the 2009 OSSLT

Topic Development Rubric

Conventions Rubric