Warm-Up DIRECTIONS: Using the word bank complete the paragraph by filling in the blanks.. When marking a prompt, there are (1)_____________ steps. The first step is to (2)________________ the (3)________________ words in the prompt like analyze, describe, argue, etc., and (4)________________ what you're being asked to do. In the second step, (5)________________ the verbs you have circled in an order that makes sense to you and your reader. The third step is to look for and identify the (6)________________. Draw a (7)________________ around the it if it is stated directly. If the audience is suggested, write (8)________________ in the margin and place a box around it. If the prompt does not specify an audience, ask your teacher for guidance or write to a general academic audience. The final step is to write the name of the source(s) next to the prompt. WORD BANK general academic intended audience underline four box directive number circle

Writing Process for Timed Writing Tips for Succeeding on the Writing Exam

This is an example of a writing prompt… Melissa Healy offers a perspective on social media that challenges a common assumption among adults that constant “electronic chatter” produces teens who are socially underdeveloped and withdrawn. Write an essay for a parent magazine explaining how you and your friends use social networking. Using your own experiences and the research in Melissa Healy’s article, construct an argument for social media sites. Make clear for parents how teens could benefit from spending their time in the “digital world.” What are you supposed to do with this?

FIRST… Ask yourself, “What is the prompt asking me to do?” –Is it asking me to write an essay? –Is it asking me to write a letter? –Is it asking me to read something to use in my writing? –What organization do I need to use Compare/Contrast Cause/Effect Sequence Problem/Solution –Is it asking me to write an argument or to describe something?

THEN… Step 1: Carefully read the prompt (or writing task). Reread it if necessary. Step 2: Analyze the prompt Circle directive words underline what the verbs ask you to do identify the audience number the different things you are asked to do in an order that will make sense to your reader

But what if the prompt is a question, not a statement? Sometimes prompts include questions. Turn the QUESTIONS into STATEMENTS. Begin your statement with a verb that best describes what you have to do to answer the question. Circle the verb and underline what you’re being asked to do.

NEXT… Step 3: Think about the task. What will you need to include? What do you know about this type of writing? What skills have you practiced that can help you, here? Step 4: Write a workable thesis or claim or write your hook or topic sentence.

AND THEN… Step 5: Quickly build a Reading & Writing Plan or another brainstorm tool like a bubble map, outline, or spiderweb. Step 6: Write a clear and concise response to the question. Step 7: Edit your work so that it is free of spelling and grammatical mistakes. Spend some time rereading your paper to ensure that the paper is free of errors. Use this last step to check your formatting.

Time Spent on Each Step (in minutes) Step 1 Step 1 – Carefully read the prompt Step 2 Step 2 - Analyze the prompt Step 3 Step 3 -Think about the task Step 4 Step 4 -Write a workable thesis/claim Step 5 Step 5 -Quickly develop a writing plan Step 6 Step 6 -Write a clear yet concise response to the prompt Step 7 Step 7 -Edit your work

This is what it should look like…

Writing Prompt #1 You have read a passage from The Count of Monte Cristo and a scene from Blessings. Think about the similarities and differences in how the two authors develop the themes in each text. Write an essay in which you identify a theme from each text and analyze how each theme is developed. Be sure to include specific details from both selections.

Writing Prompt #1 You have read a passage from The Count of Monte Cr isto and a scene from Blessings. Think about the similarities and differences in how the two authors develop the themes in each text. Write an essay in which you identify a theme from each text and analyze how each theme is developed. Be sure to include specific details from both selections Audience: General Audience Source: Count of Monte Cristo & Blessings

Writing Prompt #2 You have learned about electricity by reading three articles, “Energy Story,” “Short Circuit,” and “Conducting Solutions.” In an essay, analyze how each source uses explanations, examples, and/or descriptions to help accomplish its purpose. Support your response with evidence from each source.

Writing Prompt #2 You have learned about electricity by reading three articles, “Energy Story,” “Short Circuit,” and “Conducting Solutions.” In an essay, analyze how each source uses explanations, examples, and/or descriptions to help accomplish its purpose. Support your response with evidence from each source. Audience: General Audience Source: “Energy Story,” “Short Circuit,” and “Conducting Solutions” 1 2 3

Writing Prompt #3 At the end of the passage, Howie tells Kevin that he is not making a good case. Write an original story that describes what Kevin does next to try to change Howie’s mind about paying for Cromwell’s training.

Writing Prompt #3 At the end of the passage, Howie tells Kevin that he is not making a good case. Write an original story that describes what Kevin does next to try to change Howie’s mind about paying for Cromwell’s training. 1 2 Audience: General Audience Source: The Fast and the Furriest