Kathleen Said:

How to write a good AIMS writing essay...?

We Answered:

To exceed, you need to get a score of a 5 or higher in each trait. Do you know the 6 traits? Organization, conventions, ideas/content, sentence fluency, voice, and word choice. If not, type in Aims test on google and go to the arizona department of education to read through them.

Here:
http://www.ade.state.az.us/standards/aim…

All of those show you what you need to get the scores you want. I also suggest that you do some research on how to write good persuasive, narrative, functional, and expository essays. You don't know which one you will have to write about on the AIMS, so it's a good idea to be familiar with all of them and to know how to deal with each of them.

Look up some good vocab words. Try to include them in your writing. Use transition words for sentence fluency. You can read sample essays other students have written if you go to that site again. Read the ones that got 5s and 6s.

While you're taking the test, read the question! Make sure you understand it. Spend as much time as you need to fully understand it. Even if it's really simple, make sure you know what they are asking. While you're writing, keep the prompt in mind. Don't get off topic. Have a good intro and conclusion. They really help.

Also, since the aims isn't a timed test, make sure you don't rush through it as you write. Even if joe schmoe next to you finished before you, take your time and try not to pay attention to him. Read your essay over and over again (preferably 6 times, one for each of the traits). Proofread. Check for any errors. Look at your word choice and sentence fluency. Also, use the checklist they give you in the back. It might actually help.
Good luck!

Terrance Said:

what is the difference between the topic sentence (in the first paragraph) and the Thesis?

We Answered:

That is your thesis statement directly responding to your essay prompt in one broad statement. As such, it comes not at the very beginning of your intro., but at the end of it.

This is the regular format of a 5 paragrph essay unless you are writing a summary response to a simple question in block format, wich lacks the intricacies of a full introduction and the conclusion as well. I do not expect yours to be this last possibility however.
--------------------------------------…
In all the main par's, your topic sentence states the claim made in the par. at the very beginning of the par.

The topic sentence of your introductory paragraph on the other hand, merely identifies the topic area, not the claim you make, which should come at the end of the introduction. This special statment is your thesis statement.

To recapitulate, the topic sentence of your 1st paragraph is quite different from those of your main paragraphs in that it does not summarise your claim but merely identifies the topic area in an interesting way. It should have the key words listed so as to guide the reader what to expect.

Michael Said:

AP Euro Discovering the Western Past. Bullcrap essay.?

We Answered:

Just don't do it like ME! orrrr The goals to go to back to a "Golden Age", keep the 'good' king from being corrupted by evils, and the system of subsistence agriculture were characteristic aims of the peasantry due to tendencies of tradition, religious ideals, and old economic policies.
idk
love- your big sister
Niki

Cheryl Said:

AIMS (Arizona's Instrument to Measure Standards) test mistake?

We Answered:

I don't think you could complain about it. We might have been born into it, but the preface to the question discussed the advancement of technology. It requires making an assumption and making a prediction about technology. I do think that there aren't many examples to draw from since we're so young, but I had no trouble writing and I filled the 2 pages.
My thesis was that technology detracted from my life, as I spend more time and resources helping improve technology rather than having technology improve my life.

Gabriel Said:

What would ineterest you to read a book?

We Answered:

a big hook something so weird you couldn't resist reading the book