Writing

1. Writing Let’s make it happen!

2. Writing is like SIMILE On a sheet of paper, compare writing to any activity. Begin with “Writing is like _________.” Fill in the blank Include three supporting explanations Include one drawing (sketch) relevant to the simile Once you have finished, share with someone near you

3. “Writing is like…” example Writing is like lacrosse. Both are difficult at first, but practicing will help fine tune your skills. You may take some wild shots, but eventually one will go in. You need support from other to help you gain confidence and ability.

4. Two types of writing for FCAT Expository- inform, clarify, explain, define, or instruct by giving information, explaining why or how, clarifying process, or defining a concept. Persuasive- convince the reader to accept a particular point of view or to take a specific action. Anticipating counterargument is important. Clarify your position by refuting counterargument.

5. Another type of writing you may use (You’ll almost never see a narrative in high school) Narrative- recount a personal or fictional experience or to tell a story based on a real or imagined event. Uses insight, creativity, drama, suspense, humor, or fantasy.

6. 6 steps of writing If you stick with these six steps, you’ll be sure to succeed Analyze the question Determine your stance/thesis Brainstorm Introductory Paragraph Body paragraphs Conclusion

7. Brief overview of step 1 Analyze the question Is it EXPOSITORY or PERSUASIVE? What is it asking you to do? What is the focus?

8. Brief overview of step 2 Thesis or Your Stance Expository- what are you going to explain, define, etc.? Persuasive- what is your opinion? What do you want to convince your reader to believe?

9. Brief overview of step 3 Brainstorming Use the tree map method It’s organized and easy to read Allows you have detailed support

10. Brief overview of step 4 Introductory Paragraph Use the funnel method Start broad and get more specific Thesis goes near the end

11. Brief overview of step 5 • Body Paragraphs • Use effective transitions • Must have support and elaboration • Do not sure “First,” “Second,” “Third,” or “In conclusion.” • Use anecdotes, statistics, and expert testimony • Save your strongest point for last

12. Brief overview of step 6 Conclusion Think of it as an upside down funnel Don’t restate your info. from your introduction Don’t introduce new information

13. 6 Identifiable Traits of Excellent Writing Perspective (write in 3rd person) Non-formulaic openings and conclusions Forthright structure Subtle and varied transitions Developed reasons Sentence-making ability to pull it off

14. Step 1: Analyze the Question • On your paper, determine whether the prompt is asking you to write an expository or persuasive essay • 1. Situation: Many high school students hold part-time jobs after school. • Directions: Think about the effects part-time jobs have on students. Do part-time jobs hinder or help a student’s educational goals? • Prompt: Now write to convince your guidance counselor to accept your view of high school students holding part-time jobs.

15. Step 1: Analyze the Question • On your paper, determine whether the prompt is asking you to write an expository or persuasive essay • Situation: Obesity is becoming a national health issue. • Directions: Think of reasons why Americans are gaining weight and becoming obese. • Prompt: Write to explain reasons why Americans are fighting the weight battle.

16. Step 1: Analyze the Question • On your paper, determine whether the prompt is asking you to write an expository or persuasive essay • Situation: Your school has decided to grant your grade level one privilege that the other grades in your school do not have. • Directions: Think of one privilege that your class does not have that you would now like to have. • Prompt: Now write to convince the administrators of your school to grant this privilege to your class for the rest of the year.

17. Step 1: Analyze the Question • On your paper, determine whether the prompt is asking you to write an expository or persuasive essay • Everyone has a possession that he/she cherishes. • Directions: Think about an object that is your prized possession and why it has special meaning to you. • Prompt: Write to explain why the object is your prized possession.

18. Step 1: Analyze the Question • On your paper, determine whether the prompt is asking you to write an expository or persuasive essay • Situation: Many people in this country care more about the way they look and having a lot of nice things, like cares and clothes, than about the problems of society. They do not pay enough attention to problems such as crime, poverty, or unemployment. • Directions: Do you agree or disagree with this statement? • Prompt: Write an essay in which you explain your opinion.

19. Step 1: Analyze the Question • On your paper, determine whether the prompt is asking you to write an expository or persuasive essay • Situation: Online dating services have become popular in recent years. • Directions: You have corresponded online with someone that you would now like to meet face-to-face. You realize that there may be safety issues involved. • Prompt: Now, write to convince your parents to allow this visit.

20. Step 1: Analyze the Question • On your paper, determine whether the prompt is asking you to write an expository or persuasive essay • Situation: A school board is considering keeping school in session all year. Instead of a long summer vacation, there will be many shorter breaks throughout the year. • Directions: Think about the effects of a twelve-month school year. Do you agree or disagree that schools should be in session all year? • Defend your position with specific reasons supported by several detailed examples.

21. Step 1: Analyze the Question • On your paper, determine whether the prompt is asking you to write an expository or persuasive essay • Situation: Everyone has had a memorable teacher. • Directions: Think about the positive influences a teacher has had on you and your educational goals. • Prompt: Write to explain your most memorable teacher.

22. Step 2: Thesis • Once you figure out what you’re supposed to write about, now you need a THESIS • You need a definitive statement- no ambiguity! • Think about this: what is your stance on the topic? • Expository- what are you going to explain, define, etc.? • Persuasive- what is your opinion? What do you want to convince your reader to believe? • Never, EVER list your three main points in your thesis statement!

23. Step 2: Thesis Practice • Using the prompt given, write a thesis statement on your paper. Make sure it’s clear and shows your position or opinion! • Situation: Many high school students hold part-time jobs after school. • Directions: Think about the effects part-time jobs have on students. Do part-time jobs hinder or help a student’s educational goals? • Prompt: Now write to convince your guidance counselor to accept your view of high school students holding part-time jobs.

24. Step 2: Thesis Practice Examples • Situation: Many high school students hold part-time jobs after school. • Directions: Think about the effects part-time jobs have on students. Do part-time jobs hinder or help a student’s educational goals? • Prompt: Now write to convince your guidance counselor to accept your view of high school students holding part-time jobs. • High school students should hold part-time time jobs for a multitude of benefitting reasons. • Holding a part-time job can benefit high school students for many reasons. • Holding a part-time job can enhance a high school student’s educational goals.

25. Step 2: Thesis Practice • Using the prompt given, write a thesis statement on your paper. Make sure it’s clear and shows your position or opinion! • Situation: Obesity is becoming a national health issue. • Directions: Think of reasons why Americans are gaining weight and becoming obese. • Prompt: Write to explain reasons why Americans are fighting the weight battle.

26. Step 2: Thesis Practice Examples • Situation: Obesity is becoming a national health issue. • Directions: Think of reasons why Americans are gaining weight and becoming obese. • Prompt: Write to explain reasons why Americans are fighting the weight battle. • Cultural influences have caused Americans to fight the battle against obesity. • Changing lifestyles are the reason why Americans are fighting the battle against weight gain.

27. Step 2: Thesis Practice • Using the prompt given, write a thesis statement on your paper. Make sure it’s clear and shows your position or opinion! • Situation: Many people in this country care more about the way they look and having a lot of nice things, like cares and clothes, than about the problems of society. They do not pay enough attention to problems such as crime, poverty, or unemployment. • Directions: Do you agree or disagree with this statement? • Prompt: Write an essay in which you explain your opinion.

28. Step 2: Thesis Practice Examples • Situation: Many people in this country care more about the way they look and having a lot of nice things, like cares and clothes, than about the problems of society. They do not pay enough attention to problems such as crime, poverty, or unemployment. • Directions: Do you agree or disagree with this statement? • Prompt: Write an essay in which you explain your opinion. • Cultural influences are the cause of our society caring more about material objects than problems that truly matter. • The need for material goods have hindered American’s abilities to focus on the important problems of our country.

29. Step 2: Thesis Practice Examples What are some things you notice about my examples? What do you see? What don’t you see?

30. Step 3: Brainstorming • Use the tree map • Come up with 2-3 main ideas that you can SUPPORT AND ELABORATE! • Get all of your ideas down before you begin writing • SUCCESSFUL WRITERS ALWAYS BRAINSTORM! • You are not in 8th grade anymore- your previous writing won’t cut it in high school like it used to

31. Step 3: Brainstorming What is a tree map? The structure is the same, but you can change the amount or position of lines however you choose Make sure to include your ideas for the conclusion so you’re not repeating yourself

32. Step 3: Brainstorming Thesis 1st main point 2nd main point You can use something to this effect Make sure you have enough supporting details! Make sure you have enough supporting details! Use anecdotes, statistics, and expert testimony Use anecdotes, statistics, and expert testimony Conclusion

33. Step 3: Brainstorming Practice • Using the prompt, create a tree map outline. Don’t forget to include your strong thesis! • Everyone has a possession that he/she cherishes. • Directions: Think about an object that is your prized possession and why it has special meaning to you. • Prompt: Write to explain why the object is your prized possession.

34. Step 3: Brainstorming Practice • Using the prompt, create a tree map outline. Don’t forget to include your strong thesis! • Situation: Your school has decided to grant your grade level one privilege that the other grades in your school do not have. • Directions: Think of one privilege that your class does not have that you would now like to have. • Prompt: Now write to convince the administrators of your school to grant this privilege to your class for the rest of the year.

35. Step 3: Brainstorming Practice Now that you’ve created three tree maps with three awesome thesis statements and some great main ideas, add these into your tree maps Choose one place to add a statistic Choose another place to add expert testimony Choose another place to add an anecdote

36. Step 3: Brainstorming Practice • Using the prompt, create a tree map outline. Don’t forget to include your strong thesis! • Situation: Online dating services have become popular in recent years. • Directions: You have corresponded online with someone that you would now like to meet face-to-face. You realize that there may be safety issues involved. • Prompt: Now, write to convince your parents to allow this visit.