Most students really hate writing... it's hard, it's boring, and you never get to write about what you want to write about.
If you go into writing with that attitude, you will definitely have a bad time. Unfortunately, the essay is worth 24% of your total score on the STAAR test. It is the category that hurts your grade the most! Don't worry though -- we can prepare.
For the English II STAAR test, you will be writing a persuasive essay. If you have been participating in class, this isn't new to you! I am going to review the rubric that you are scored with, the techniques we have discussed for brainstorming and outlining, what makes an essay good (in the eyes of the TEA), and I will also provide some links to more advanced techniques for those of you looking for a challenge!