To plan your ELA PSSA informative/explanatory or argumentative essay, think inside the boxes!
Sample argumentative prompt: Think about the time of day that is best for you or
someone else to complete a demanding task. It could be early morning, afternoon,
evening, or any other time of day. Think about what the task might be. What time of
day is best for completing this task and why? Write an argumentative essay for your
teacher supporting your claim about what time of day is best for completing the
demanding task you have selected. Be sure to use reasons and evidence to develop
your argument.
Sample informative / explanatory prompt: Think of your favorite place to
spend time. It could be a place in your school, in your community, or anywhere
else. Think about what you do there and why it is your favorite place to spend
time. Write an essay for your teacher that describes your favorite place to spend
time and explain why. Be sure to use details and examples to support your ideas.
INFORMATIVE / EXPLANATORY ESSAY: ELEMENTS
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY: ELEMENTS
PARAGRAPH #1: INTRODUCTION
PARAGRAPH # 1: INTRODUCTION
Hook: Engage the reader
Bridge sentences: Connect hook to thesis
Hook: Engage the reader
Bridge sentences: Connect hook to thesis
Thesis statement: Using key words from the prompt,
craft a clear thesis/focus statement, which
includes a “preview” of three
ideas/reasons to
be developed
Thesis statement/claim: Using key words from the prompt,
craft a clear claim/thesis, which
includes a “preview” of three
ideas/reasons to
be developed
BODY PARAGRAPHS #2, 3, AND 4
Idea/reason #1
Idea/reason #2
BODY PARAGRAPHS # 2, 3, AND 4
Reason #1
Idea/reason #3
TOPIC SENTENCE
Support and elaboration:
Details
Explanation
Examples
Anecdotes
Facts
Use precise language and
varied sentence structure,
all connected by transitions
Relational transition to idea
#2 included in the
TOPIC SENTENCE
Support and elaboration:
Details
Explanation
Examples
Anecdotes
Facts
Use precise language and
varied sentence structure,
all connected by transitions
Relational transition to idea #3
Included in the
TOPIC SENTENCE
Support and elaboration:
Details
Explanation
Examples
Anecdotes
Facts
Use precise language and
varied sentence structure,
all connected by transitions
CONCLUDING SENTENCE
THAT CONNECTS TO
THESIS
CONCLUDING SENTENCE
THAT CONNECTS TO
THESIS
CONCLUDING SENTENCE
THAT CONNECTS TO
THESIS
PARAGRAPH #5: CONCLUSION
Reason #2
TOPIC SENTENCE
Relational transition to reason
#1 included in the
TOPIC SENTENCE
Support and elaboration:
Details
Explanation
Examples
Facts
Anecdotes
Use precise language and varied
sentence structure, all connected
by transitions.
Support and elaboration:
Details
Explanation
Examples
Facts
Anecdotes
Use precise language and varied
sentence structure, all connected
by transitions.
CONCLUDING SENTENCE
THAT CONNECTS TO
THESIS
CONCLUDING SENTENCE
THAT CONNECTS TO
THESIS
PARAGRAPH # 5: CONCLUSION
Restatement of thesis
Restatement of thesis/claim
Insight
Full circle/ connection to the larger world
Insight
Full circle/connection to the larger world
Call to action or response
Grade 6
Reason #3
(strongest reason)
Relational transition to reason
#1 included in the
TOPIC SENTENCE
Support and elaboration:
Details
Explanation
Examples
Facts
Anecdotes
Use precise language and varied
sentence structure, all connected
by transitions.
CONCLUDING SENTENCE
THAT CONNECTS TO
THESIS