How to write packet 1 Word Splash Organize brainstorm into 3 categories details
Main ideas Main ideas Main ideas How to write packet 2 Plan your writing Introduction Hook, 1 st /2 nd statement, thesis Main ideas: Do not overlap ideas Fact/detail Examples Conclusion So what?, restatement of thesis, connection back to the hook
How to write packet Or…plan your thoughts using this organizer
I. Introduction a. Hook b. 1 st statement c. 2 nd statement d. Thesis i. main idea ii. opinion iii. 3 points of discussion II. 1 st body paragraph a. Main idea +tie back to thesis and prompt b. Background c. Evidence d. Evidence e. Justification/Tie back to prompt + thesis III. 2 nd body paragraph a. Main idea +tie back to thesis and prompt b. Background c. Evidence d. Evidence e. Justification/Tie back to prompt + thesis IV. 3 rd body paragraph a. Main idea +tie back to thesis and prompt b. Background c. Evidence d. Evidence e. Justification/Tie back to prompt + thesis V. Conclusion a. Answer the question “so what?” b. Restatement of Thesis (main idea+opinion+3 points of discussion) c. Connection back to the hook 3 How to write packet 4 Write your thesis Thesis includes: main idea (prompt) + opinion + 3 points of discussion (noun) (noun) (noun) Main idea (prompt) + opinion +3 points of discussion___________________, ____________________,________________. (adjective) (adjective) (adjective) Opinion +main idea (prompt) +3 points ofdiscussion_______________,____________________,_____________________. (noun) (noun) (noun) (adjective) (adjective) (adjective)
Examples: Respect is a necessary part of our existence because we all breathe the same air, the golden rule is a standard by which to live, and respect should be a goal of every human being, regardless of how we were raised. Therefore, as a rising eighth grade student, I would highly recommend taking art because you have the opportunity to express yourself with few limitations, there are a multitude of occasions to learn new techniques, and above all, art class is a relaxing atmosphere in which to be creative. Squid was incredibly unusual to me because I had never eaten this rare seafood before, the texture seems daunting to even attempt to eat, and eight­legged creatures are not very frequently found on menus. Thesis statement starters Study Distinguish Determine Find out Let’s explore… I will review… Let’s find out about… Use these words in your opinion… Discover Understand Identify Comprehend Capture Comprehend Observe See Review Use these phrases to start a thesis statement… Can you Let’s discover… We can begin to distinguish… comprehend… We will uncover… Most people don’t It is interesting to realize that… study… Soon you will Have you ever It has been shown understand… seen… that… Know Realize Uncover It has been determined that… Do you know that… We can identify… How to write packet 5 Introductions Points to remember: 1. There are four parts to an introduction. Not necessary four sentences, but certainly four parts. 2. The introduction is in the shape of a piece of pizza (up side down triangle) so that the information goes from very broad (hook) to very specific (thesis statement). Hook: the hook is designed to capture the reader’s attention 1 st statement: the 1 st statement is used to explain the hook. 2 nd statement: the 2 nd statement is used to get the reader ready for the thesis statement. It is the first time you will mention the topic of your essay. Thesis statement: the thesis statement should contain your opinion, the prompt (main idea) and 3 points of discussion.
Examples:
· Imagine the chaotic nature of the world if there was no respect between humans. Or, are we facing the implications of selfishness and a lack of the fundamental caring for each other as human beings, already? If we could all just take a moment to think about what it means to be respectful, and honestly make concerted efforts to strive towards respect as a goal, would we not be more at peace in the world? Respect is a necessary part of our existence because we all breathe the same air, the golden rule is a standard by which to live, and respect should be a goal of every human being, regardless of how we were raised.
· I believe in myself, and therefore, feel as if I can do anything. Having a special place where a person can go to throughout the course of a very hectic day, can make the difference between a day that is successful, and one that is not. Everyone needs a class in which they feel as if they are highly victorious, despite the skill to be learned or the challenge set before them. Therefore, as a rising eighth grade student, I would highly recommend taking art because you have the opportunity to express yourself with few limitations, there are a multitude of occasions to learn new techniques, and above all, art class is a relaxing atmosphere in which to be creative. How to write packet 6 Attention grabbers/Hooks Job of the hook: the hook is designed to capture the reader’s attention. Types of hooks: Œ Start with an analogy: an analogy is the comparison of the relationship between two things. Example: Pounding. Forever pounding upon the anvil is the hammer. The clash of steel and iron as they meet on the cold, rusty anvil permeates the air and echoes through it. All the while, the sturdy, resilient anvil provides the support needed to withstand the blows of the hammer. It is forever the broad base to be bashed and smashed to make the iron stronger and to give the hammer strength in return. •Ask a question: try to avoid asking questions that result in a yes or no answer and one that begins with any of the five W’s. Example: How many times have you been told to remove your lazy derriere from the computer and exercise instead? ŽUse a quotation: make sure that you give the appropriate credit to whomever you are quoting. Example: “To err is human, to forgive is divine.” Alexander Pope’s words are relevant in contemporary society and in Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. •Begin with an enticing sensory description of the setting: appeal to the reader’s sense of sight, touch, smell, taste, or hearing. Example: Freshly cut grass. Blooming tulips. Warming temperatures. Springtime has arrived. •Create an interesting simile: a simile is a comparison of two things using like or as. Example: Growth without experience is like a bridge without support.
How to write packet 7 Main ideas in body paragraphs Points to remember: 1. The three categories that are used from your brainstorming should be used in the thesis statement. 2. Make sure to include the prompt + point of discussion in the main idea of your body paragraph. a. Use a ‘main idea’ starter to help start a main idea sentence if needed. Examples Thesis: Kittens are an incredibly playful addition to any family because of their adorable appearance, the limited amounts of supplies needed to maintain a kitten, and their unpredictable personalities. Main idea sentence 1: Nowadays, kittens make interesting members of the family due to the abundance of adorable appearance from which to choose. Main idea sentence 2: Imagine the disappointment you would feel if the unfortunate event of bringing home a kitten without an unpredictable personality actually occurred. Main idea sentence 3: It’s hard to believe, but obtaining a kitten and purchasing the limited amount of supplies needed is very simple to do. Example body paragraphs:
· It is an essential prerequisite to existence to recognize that respect must be shown to each and every human being simply because we all breathe the same air. In today’s societies, there is a tremendous amount of dissidence, particularly in the Middle Eastern region of the world, due to the fact that political tolerance is not exhibited. An example of civil unrest is being demonstrated after the recent assignation of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, in which hordes of people are being shown on nightly news, swarming the streets protesting the latest attack in a fight for Democracy. With disregard shown towards individual beliefs and the basics of humanity, respect of each and every human being is not accomplished.
· Having the ability to learn new techniques is another reason why I would recommend taking art class in the eighth grade. From the differences in paint strokes, to the ability of learning how to shape something from a clump of clay, are skills that can be taken into the future. I remember arriving on the first day of art class with trepidation when the teacher informed us that we would need to be able to demonstrate a variety of paint strokes as one of the assessments for this class. Not having a tremendous amount of experience in art, I was extremely nervous that I would not be able to meet these new demands. However, with a great deal of quality instruction and determined practice, I not only learned new stroke techniques, but I excelled in many and began to feel great about my new abilities. It is for this very simple reason, that I would highly recommend taking art class in the eighth grade.
How to write packet 8 Body paragraph reminders Main idea sentence Point of discussion + tie back to prompt Background information on point of discussion Evidence Example, fact or detail Evidence Example, fact or detail Tie back to thesis Proof of how this paragraph supports thesis
1. Write a topic sentence that gives a title to your example and explains what about your example will prove your thesis (It is essentially a mini­thesis for the paragraph). 2. Give the minimum background information needed to support your argument 3. Give the evidence and logic that shows how these details prove your thesis 4. Conclude your paragraph by explaining how the information in the paragraph proved the thesis (It is very easy to wander off topic in a paragraph, and a concluding statement that restates the topic or point of the paragraph keeps the reader focused on your argument or discussion). How to write packet 9 Body paragraph/main idea starters It is amazing to think Do you realize about… that… Certainly, Experts agree that… Have you ever seen… Most people believe that… It’s hard to believe, but… First of all… Amazingly, Have you ever thought about… There are many reasons why… In my experience… Of course, Often times… Sometimes, Historically, So, No one will argue that… Suppose that you… Without a doubt… In the first place… Try to visualize… You may be surprised to learn that… Do you remember when… Experience shows that… Are you aware that… Most people agree that… In many ways… Most people are unfamiliar with… Of course, most people agree that… Interestingly enough… It is true that… Actually… Let’s take a look at… How can… Verbs you can use to enhance your body paragraph writing with informative essays Outlines Reviews Deduces Explains States Gathers Updates Informs Concludes Defines Recalls Tells Describes Examines Reports Uncovers Investigates Details Analyzes Understands Relates Indicates Displays Reasons Shares Surveys Interprets retells Estimates Observes Transitions Types of transitions Addition Consequence Generalizing Illustration Emphasis Similarity Exception Restatement Contrast and Comparison Words and Phrases also, again, as well as, besides, coupled with, furthermore, in addition accordingly, as a result, consequently, for this reason, for this purpose, hence, otherwise, as a rule, as usual, for the most part, generally for example, for instance, for one thing, as an illustration, illustrated with above all, chiefly, with attention to, especially comparatively, coupled with, correspondingly, identically, likewise, similar aside from, barring, besides, except, excepting, excluding in essence, in other words, namely, that is, that is to say, in short contrast, by the same token, conversely, instead, likewise, on one hand, Sequence at first, first of all, to begin with, in the first place, at the same time, for now, for the time being, the next step, in time, in turn, later on, meanwhile, next, then, soon, the meantime, later, while, earlier, Summarizing after all, all in all, all things considered, briefly, by and large, in any case, in any event, in brief, in conclusion, on the whole, in short, in summary, Direction here, there, over there, beyond, nearly, opposite, under, above
How to write packet 10 Conclusions Notes:
· Conclusions are designed to wrap up your essay.
· “So what” statement= justification for writing paper. Answer the question: why is this topic of discussion important?
· Restate thesis: use restatement transition to identify your three points of discussion, opinion and prompt (main idea).
· Connection back to the hook: similar to the 1 st statement. You are bringing your essay full circle and explaining how your essay attracted your reader into your essay in the first place. Conclusion Starters As you can see… It is clear that… Certainly… Without a doubt… Indeed… Surely… Unquestionably… Obviously….
Most would agree… How to write packet 11 PENNSYLVANIA WRITING ASSESSMENT DOMAIN SCORING GUIDE CONTENT FOCUS The single The presence of controlling point ideas developed made with an through factual, awareness of task examples, about a specific anecdotes, details, topic opinions, statistics, reasons, and/or explanations. Sharp, distinct, Substantial, controlling point specific and/or made about a illustrative content single topic with demonstrating evident strong development awareness of and sophisticated task. ideas. 4 3 2 1 ORGANIZATION The order developed and sustained within and across paragraphs using transitional devices including introduction and conclusion. Sophisticated arrangement of content with evident and/or subtle transitions. STYLE CONVENTIONS The choice, use and The use of grammar, arrangement of mechanics, spelling, words and sentence usage and sentence structures that formation. create tone and voice. Precise, illustrative Evident control of use of a variety of grammar, words and sentence mechanics, and structures to create spelling, usage and consistent writer’s sentence formation. voice and tone appropriate to audience. Functional Generic use of Sufficient control of arrangement of variety of words grammar, content that sustains a and sentence mechanics, spelling, logical order with structures that may usage and sentence some evidence of or may not create formation. transitions. writer’s voice and tone appropriate to audience. Apparent point made about a single topic with sufficient awareness of task. Sufficiently developed content with adequate elaboration or explanation. No apparent point but evidence of a specific topic. Limited content with inadequate elaboration or explanation. Confused or inconsistent arrangement of content with or without attempts at transition. Minimal evidence of a topic, Superficial and/or minimal content. Minimal control of content arrangement. Limited word choice and control of sentence structures that inhibit voice and tone. Minimal variety on Minimal control of word choice and grammar, minimal control of mechanics, spelling, sentence structures. usage and sentence formation. NON­SCORABLE 0
Limited control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage and sentence formation. · Is illegible; i.e., includes so many indecipherable words that no sense can be made of the response.
· Is incoherent; i.e., words are legible but syntax is so garbled that response makes no sense.
· Is insufficient; i.e., does not include enough to assess domains adequately.
· Is a blank paper
OFF­PROMPT · Is readable but did not respond to the prompts