Examining the Task Focus is all about the Task. 1.Examine the Critical Focus Question with your writing partner. Discuss what you know already about the topic. What is your initial reaction to the question? 2.Examine the readings. How will you use them? How many will you use? How will you cite? 3.Examine the writing type. What kind of writing is it? What rhetorical device will you use? Do you know how to do this type of writing? What do you need? Plan your actions for writing your paper. Use the form provided.

How Does It Look? Sketch how you think your finished paper might look, paragraph by paragraph: Outline Graphic organizer Mind map Organizing for Writing template on page 5 Eventually, you will write a multi-paragraph paper, so keep that in mind as you plot your course.

Controlling Idea To determine the main idea you will use in your paper, you need to understand what you have read. As you read, ask yourself, “How will I answer the Critical Focus Question?” Your initial idea may change as you read. Now-- Read the reading selection provided. Take notes using the note sheet provided. Be sure to include at least one quotation. Check with another team to complete your notes.

Organization With a Partner- 1.Look over the four pages of notes. 2. How will you answer the question? 3.Decide what three reasons you will give for your answer. 4.Decide on your “big idea.” 5.Write your thesis statements on the graphic organizer Organizing for Writing Template 1.

The Introductory Paragraph… The most important paragraph, which includes your thesis statement— Must have a “hook” Probing Question Interesting Fact Statistic Quotation Anecdote Add your thesis statement. Write on your Organizing for Writing Template 1 graphic organizer. Keep Calm And Grab Your Reader

Reading and Research Circle the direct quotations in your notes. Using your Organizing for Writing: Template 2 sheet, decide their paragraph placements. Write on Template 2. Write the citation as well.

“Chunking” Quotations Topic Sentence Lead-in Quote Commentary/analysis Concluding sentence

 Using the notes sheets, highlight the notes you will use from the four sheets for paragraph 1 with one color.  Highlight the notes from all four sheets that you will use in paragraph 2 in another color.  Highlight the notes from all four sheets that you will use in paragraph 3 in a third color.  Wait before writing out the three paragraphs. Development Page 14

The Conclusion… The second most important paragraph, The final chance to sway your reader, The evidence that you understand the content: Answers the Critical Focus Question Provides definitive reasoning Provides evidence of reading Shows major learning Page 13

Completing the Paper Using Organizing for Writing Templates 1 and 2, complete your paper. Go back and make sure you have used enough material from the readings. Go back and make sure you have supported your thesis. Pages 13-14

Powerful Peer Review Find peer partners for reviewing. Decide who is going to be Partner 1 (the person whose paper is reviewed) and who is going to be Partner 2 (the reviewer). Look over the assignment and ask any questions you might have. Use the rubric to complete the Peer Review. Pages 15-16

Considering the review Now, go back with your partner and polish your papers. Look at the peer feedback you received. Make your paper the best it can be.