Module 2 - Learning Resources and Pre-Instructional Activities

Activity 1 : : Activity 2 : : Activity 3 : : Activity 4

Activity 2: Take the Pre-assessment

Make arrangements to take the pre-assessment (PALE). 

To refer for the PALE:

1. Look at your AAP.
2. Find LCE1. Click on “yes” under “pre-assessment available”.
3. Click the tab “request to take the pre-assessment”.
4. Your  Mentor will need to approve this request .

1 - The pre-assessment can be taken at home or any convenient location. During the pre-assessment, do not use texts, notes, or help from anyone. This way, the results of your pre-assessment can be used to determine what you need to do to prepare for the LCE1 assessment.

2 - The pre-assessment includes two essay questions.  Each response should be about 500 words.  You will have two hours to complete the two short essays.  While you write, be sure to hit the save button or icon about every 10 minutes so you don’t lose your work.

3 - Graders for the pre-assessment are primarily looking for two things: 1) that you clearly state one idea about your topic and write so everything in the essay develops that one idea or thesis statement; and 2) that you develop the topic with a clear introduction, middle, and conclusion. You will also be assessed on your use of language conventions, such as punctuation, usage, grammar, spelling, and sentence structure.

Background for the Pre-assessment    As you prepare to take the pre-assessment, here are some points to consider:

1. Introduction:  You can introduce your topic in any ONE of these ways: 1) share an incident related to the topic; 2) describe a scene related to the topic; 3) state a recent statistic or trend regarding this topic; or 4) explain your understanding of the topic and define any related terms the reader needs to know.   Next, establish the importance or significance of this topic.  That is, why should the reader care about this issue?  Finally, give your position or view of this topic.
2. Middle:  The task in this part of the essay is to develop your topic.  Include reasons or evidence which validate your position on the topic. Evidence can come from a variety of sources: 1) your personal experience; 2) what experts have written or said; 3) research findings; 4) what others have reported to you about their experience; 5) what you and your readers both know about how the world works (shared experience); or 6) anything you have seen, heard, or read about the topic.  You may not have access to all of these kinds of support, but try to include at least two different kinds of evidence.  If you include evidence in your development, you are moving from a generalization (your position or viewpoint) to supporting detail (specific information).  Readers expect you to make this move.  You can also introduce objections others might have who disagree with your position.  You should then elaborate by responding to their objections.
3. Conclusion: You will want to do at least two things here. Remind your reader of the importance of your topic and your viewpoint on this topic. Second, state the consequences or likely outcomes if your viewpoint is accepted and also if it is rejected.  That is, why does it matter if your reader thinks the way you do or not?
4. NOTE: One of the prompts you receive may ask you to write (A) an essay for a certain audience and then (B) REVISE the first two paragraphs of that essay for another audience.  This revision should be two new paragraphs entered into the text box underneath your first essay. In other words, parts A and B should be in the same text box.