Scored Instructor Topic Guidelines

Mode of Writing
You are encouraged to use of one the following two modes for scored instructor topics: Persuasive or
Expository. Automated holistic scores for these topics are more reliable and accurate than those for the
other modes.

Write a Persuasive Instructor Topic

STEP 1: Pick a topic that lends itself to various viewpoints or a particular viewpoint. The viewpoints
should be capable of being supported by facts, details, and/or examples. The supporting
elaboration can involve prior knowledge, life experiences, and/or primary and secondary
sources; however, this elaboration should not require the students to possess specific
content knowledge or to reveal personal information about their lives.
For example, consider something that is happening in your community or school that you
think your students would be interested in writing about.

STEP 2: Write a sentence that introduces the topic.

EXAMPLE: Your school is having a Career Fair that includes six guest speakers from
various occupations. A doctor, a court reporter, an interpreter, a musician, and an
accountant have been invited so far, and there is room for one remaining speaker.

STEP 3: Write a question or statement that requires the students to think about the topic.
EXAMPLE: Think of a job or profession you would like to see represented.

STEP 4: Write a sentence that details the writing task that the students should accomplish. The
writing task should instruct the students to convince the reader of the writer’s viewpoint or
opinion on the topic.
EXAMPLE: Write an essay to convince the committee why the job or profession you chose
would be a good addition to the other guest speakers.

STEP 5: Finally, write a sentence that reminds students to support their viewpoints using facts,
details, and/or examples.
EXAMPLE: Support your choice with details describing why this is a good addition to the
career program.

Write an Expository Instructor Topic

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States and other countries. Copyright 2021.

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STEP 1: Pick a topic that will allow the students to respond to the prompt by conveying information
in some manner. The student response may take one of several forms: e.g., compare and
contrast, cause and effect, explanation of a process, and in-depth discussion of a
particular subject. The topic should be capable of being supported by facts, details, and/or
examples from primary or secondary sources. The supporting elaboration should not
require students to possess specific content knowledge or to reveal personal information
about their lives.
For example, the topic may be about children spending too much time watching television
or playing video and computer games.

STEP 2: Write a sentence that introduces the topic.

EXAMPLE: Many educators have concerns about children spending too much time
watching television or playing video and computer games.

STEP 3: Write a question or statement that requires the students to think about the topic.
EXAMPLE: Some researchers, however, have found that these activities could be helpful
with a person’s fine motor and reasoning skills.

STEP 4: Write a sentence that details the writing task that the students should accomplish. Indicate
or describe the method that the students should use for conveying information.
EXAMPLE: Write an essay comparing and contrasting how these activities might have a
positive or negative impact on a student’s work.

STEP 5: Finally, write a sentence that reminds students to support their responses using facts,
details, and/or examples.
EXAMPLE: Include several specific examples to support your points.

ETS, the ETS logo and CRITERION are registered trademarks of Educational Testing Service in the United
States and other countries. Copyright 2021.

ETS CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY.