About the Writing Component
These pages are here to help you prepare for the writing component that is part of the Professional Teaching Knowledge and English Language Arts exams. Be sure to review the tools below while preparing for either of these exams.
- A preparation guide
- Professional Teaching Knowledge scoring rubric, including sample responses for each score point
- English Language Arts scoring rubric, including sample responses for each score point
- Practice Writing Packages for the Professional Teaching Knowledge and English Language Arts writing components for candidates that seek additional writing preparation. Each package costs $19.99
- Tips and strategies summarized in a webinar
During the exam appointment, you will be asked to type a response to an education-related scenario. This is called the prompt. You will have up to 1 hour to compose a response that fully addresses the prompt. No extra time will be given for the writing component if the multiple choice questions are completed in less than the allotted time.
The passing score for the writing component is four. Your response will be evaluated on how well you addressed the prompt and communicated your message to the intended audience, not on your point of view. The scorers will be looking for organized and focused writing, developed and supported ideas, sentence structure, accurate spelling and correct grammar. The exam interface will not include a spell check function. Please see the rubric (PTK or ELA) for more information on how responses are scored.
Try to avoid using the tab key or spacebar to add formatting to your response. This makes it more difficult to score. These keys should only be used when they are necessary (e.g., separating paragraphs). When composing letters or memos, candidates should not use their real names in their responses to protect their privacy and maintain the confidentiality of the exams.
It is also important to allow time for reviewing and proofreading your response.
