Bell Ringer On a sheet of paper, write a thesis statement that answers the following prompt as if you were going to write an argument essay: It has been said that the U.S. government has borrowed many ideas from the the early Roman Republic and ancient Greece. Write a 5 paragraph, argumentative essay, and explain which civilization, you believe, influenced the U.S. government the most.

What do you think of when you hear the words "writing on demand"? What does writing on demand mean? How can you produce good writing if it has to be done "on demand"?

We live in a world of high stakes testing and the 21st century workplace often requires the ability to write on demand. What are some examples you can think of when you will be required to write on demand?

end of level testing college entrance exams SAT/ACT advanced placement (AP) exams

What is "Writing on Demand"? Writing to a specific prompt? Writing in a narrow window of time Expected to meet specific requirements based on the prompts and time given.

On Demand Writing in Social Studies Stand Alone Writing Prompt- 40 minute time limit, 2 page maximum

For some of us, it may be hard to do our best when we are put on the spot, but there are some things that we can do to improve our chances of writing well on tasks like essay exams.

W.W.F. Who? (Audience) What? (Task) Form (essay, speech, etc.)

WHO? Audience Ask yourself, “Who will read my essay?”

What? Task It’s usually located in the first part of the prompt. Ask yourself, "Why are they asking me to write?” Argue and persuade the audience as you convince them. Use main ideas and supporting details.

Form Essay, speech, etc. Look in the prompt for the form. Ask yourself, "What style/format should my writing be in?" Follow the multiple (usually 5) paragraph essay model - trust me.

What is argument? It is when someone makes a claim, gives evidence to back up their claim, and mentions the “other” side of the issue. The claim is WHAT I want to persuade you to think. The evidence is HOW I am going to get you to believe my claim.

An argumentative essay is made up of 5 parts: Introduction Body Paragraph #1 (Claim 1) Body Paragraph #2 (Claim 2) Counterclaim and Rebuttal Conclusion

Definitions Claim – the main argument of an essay. Counterclaim – the other side, and opposing view, of your argument that disagrees with your claim. Rebuttal – reasoning or evidence that explains why a counterclaim is invalid. Reason – tells why, tells the importance, makes someone care. Evidence – supports your reasons with facts.

How do we write an on demand argument?

STEP 1: The first step when you receive a prompt is to figure out exactly what the question or prompt is asking you to do. Use W.W.F. to help you identify each element of the assigned task. Who What Form

STEP 2: Outline the main ideas A few moments planning will keep your essay from going off track and help you remember all the things you want to say. Write this outline on scratch paper or the margin of your paper so that you can refer back to it as you write. This should be bullets and NOT COMPLETE SENTENCES

STEP 3: Write a thesis statement and your introduction You won't have time to craft the most create of introductions so start with the basics... Jump right into the thesis statement. Spend a moment to develop a strong thesis statement for your essay (Claim + Reasons). Ask yourself, "What is my point?" "What am I trying to prove?"

STEP 4: Body paragraphs Each must have a topic sentence at the beginning Then give reasons and evidence that is related to that topic sentence Use a transition sentence or phrase before moving onto your next sentence

STEP 5: Counterclaim and Rebuttal Give a reason that someone might say who believes the opposite of your argument (counterclaim) Then give reasons and evidence that prove why that counterclaim is invalid (rebuttal)

STEP 6: Conclusion Restate your thesis Summarize your evidence

Argument Essay Outline Introduction and Thesis Body Paragraph #1 Reason (strongest reason) Evidence Body Paragraph #2 Reason Evidence Counterclaim and Rebuttal Conclusion

CHECK YOUR WORK! Leave yourself 3-5 minutes to re-read your essay and make any quick fixes. Correct any spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors you spot on your read through. Double-check your thesis statement and compare to make sure your body paragraphs match your thesis. If you discover that your essay doesn't match your thesis statement, CHANGE THE THESIS - don't try to change your entire essay. Check each paragraph and make sure it has a topic sentence that reflects the content of the paragraph.

PRE-WRITING

LET’S PRACTICE

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN! Use the thesis statement that you created at the beginning of class to develop an argument essay for the prompt below: It has been said that the U.S. government has borrowed many ideas from the the early Roman Republic and ancient Greece. Write a 5 paragraph, argumentative essay, and explain which civilization, you believe, influenced the U.S. government the most. For the rest of class, work on filling out your graphic organizer. If you get finished, raise your hand and Ms. C will check your work, and help you started with the next step.