Bell Schedule for today: November 1, 2016 Pre-Testing Schedule Time Zero Hour 6:30 - 7: 25 Breakfast Available for Students 7:00 - 7:30 Report to 1st period- take attendance Report to Testing Room 7:35 – 7:40 7:45 - 8:30 Period 1 8:35 - 9:25 Period 2 9:30 - 10:20 Period 3 10:25 – 11:15 Period 4 “A” Lunch “A” Class Time   “B” Class Time “B” Lunch 11:20-11:55 12:00 - 12:50 11:20 – 12:00 12:15 - 12:50 Period 5 12:50 - 1:30 Period 6 1:35 - 2:25

How to analyze a Writing prompt using ABC/RAFT

How do you know what to write about after reading a prompt? Knowing how to correctly address a writing prompt could be the difference between writing an extraordinary paper versus an ok paper. Look at the prompt below: Students in this school district speak more than seventy-six languages! Many students enroll in classes to learn a second language. Do you think students should learn a language in addition to the language they already speak? Write an essay in which you explain your view. Use specific examples, reasons, and details to develop and support your point of view. How do you know what are the most important details to focus your essay on from this prompt? The answer is simple once you know what to look for!

Take Note! Please get out a blank piece of paper, and take notes on the following slides. Each slide will explain the steps to ABC & RAFT. These are simple steps that you can take to address any writing prompt and write an extraordinary paper!

A- Attack the Prompt Find the verbs circle them Draw an arrow to the action This helps you decipher what the writing prompt is asking you to do.

Students in this school district speak more than seventy-six languages Students in this school district speak more than seventy-six languages! Many students enroll in classes to learn a second language. Do you think students should learn a language in addition to the language they already speak? Write an essay in which you explain your view. Use specific examples, reasons, and details to develop and support your point of view.

B- Brainstorm Choose a Thinking Map Brainstorm your writing This helps you focus and organize your writing

Use one of the following thinking maps to brainstorm, or use a brainstorming process you are more comfortable with.

C- Create a Thesis Now that you have brainstormed your essay: Select your 2-3 main focus areas from your brainstorm Then create a working thesis statement.

What does R.A.F.T. stand for? R- Role A-Audience F-format T- Topic

R- Role Purpose Is it to inform? Is it to argue a claim? 1st person? Can I use “I”? 2nd person? 3rd person? Is it to inform? Is it to argue a claim? What perspective am I writing in?

A- Audience Who is my intended audience? Who am I writing to? How does this change my tone?

F- Format What format am I writing in? Essay? Argument? Narrative? Letter? Instructional? How does this change my planning??

T- Topic Define my clear topic What am I writing about?

Now let’s practice! Complete ABC/RAFT on your notes for the following prompt. Movies and books often talk about the importance of loyalty and friendship. Tell about a time in your life when friendship proved to be of great importance to you.