Building from a Paragraph Outline.
One kind of paragraph outline used for testing writing controls the content and the grammar. It takes the following form:
The student paragraph might read:
I bought a new white swimsuit, and then I forgot to bring it. I was really mad. But Becky’s mother took us shopping Monday night, and I found a pretty blue one. It was not very expensive. I started to pay for it, and my wallet was gone! I borrowed some money from Becky’s mother, but I was certainly upset.
The next form of guided-essay tests relaxes the grammar control a little more, although this particular sample promotes the present perfect tense. Students are to write a paragraph, beginning with this topic sentence: “Several things have contributed to my being an educated person.” They are told to consider(but not limit themselves to) the following sentences: