Name:__________________________
Date:___________________________
Period:_________________________
Writing Assignment: Argumentative Writing
Directions: For this assignment, you will write a 5-paragraph essay to prove that a
particular theme is shown in The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi.
Step 1 Brainstorming: Brainstorm different themes from the novel, The True
Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. List as many as you can think of (at least 5) in the
space below.
You should always be true to yourself, no matter what other people
think.
Step 2 Prewriting:
 Select one theme from the list above and circle it. You will prove that this
theme is in the novel by providing specific examples from the book to show
the theme.
 Open Kurzweil
 Writing in Kurzweil
 Write
Blank/Template
Blank Template Window pops up
 To create a Thinking Map
1. Choose from the Template available, or
2. Click anywhere on the page and then click the shape you want to add
from the Brainstorm Palette.
a) To connect the shapes click on the arrow button in the Brainstorm
Palette
click on the first box
then click on the second
box and an arrow is created (**You must click on the arrow button
before you start each connection!)
b) SHORTCUTS:
CTL-1 Circle
CTL-2 Rectangle
CTL-3 Rounded Rectangle
Name:__________________________
Date:___________________________
Period:_________________________
CTRL-4 Diamond
c) Students simply click on the shape they want to type in and start
typing the information they want to enter.
d) Shapes can be moved by just clicking and moving around.
Click “New”
(Create a new blank draft)
Click shapes you want from
Brainstorm Palette
To connect shapes – “Click” on
arrow button in Brainstorm
palette. Click on 1st box. Click
on 2nd box and arrow is
created.
Click “Brainstorm view”
Name:__________________________
Date:___________________________
Period:_________________________
Click shapes you want from
Brainstorm Palette
To connect shapes – “Click” on
arrow button in Brainstorm
palette. Click on 1st box. Click
on 2nd box and arrow is
created.
Step 3 Drafting:
 Directions for how to turn graphic organizer into outline.
a) To create an Outline
b) Click on “Outline View” button
c) To connect shapes to form an outline, Click on arrow button in the
Brainstorm palette. Click on 1st box. Click on 2nd box and arrow is
created.
Click Outline View button
(3rd button from left of the
writing and Brainstorm View
Buttons)
Outlines Palette – click to
organize outline
Name:__________________________
Date:___________________________
Period:_________________________
 Directions for Split Screen:
o You use Split Screen to create first draft from your outline in
Kurzweil Write
o Click Split Screen View button – screen splits. Outline is on the left
screen. Begin writing on the right screen. Make sure to hit the tab
button each paragraph.
Click Split Screen View button
(4th button from left of the
writing, Brainstorm View and
Outline View Buttons)
 Your first, introductory paragraph should:
o Tell your reader a little bit about the novel.
o Tell your reader what a theme is.
o Tell them what theme you are going to prove in your paper.
 Your second paragraph should:
o Explain your first example and how it shows the theme
 Your third paragraph should:
o Explain your second example and how it shows the theme
 Your fourth paragraph should:
o Explain your third example and how it shows the theme
 Your fifth, concluding paragraph should:
o Sum up your argument.
Name:__________________________
Date:___________________________
Period:_________________________
o Explain why your theme is important in everyday life.