Academic Writing Expectations

Unpacking the Prompt Consider the passage set title and the prompt before reading. Two new methods required for the upcoming Writing FPMA: TAP CUB

TAP and CUB Unpacking the Prompt (Video)

Recap… C T U A B P Task – What you should be writing about. (TOPIC) Audience – Who would want to read this? P Purpose – Why are you writing this? (MODE) (To inform/explain or argue) C Circle the purpose. U Underline the task. B Box the key words.

Write the following prompt on the top of your paper. Use the TAP and CUB method to unpack the prompt. Prompt: Write an explanatory essay comparing the themes of “Marigolds” and Under the Mesquite. Use evidence from each text to support your response.

So… What’s Next? Establish a CLAIM (argumentative) or CONTROLLING IDEA (explanatory/informative) to indicate your stance. PLAN! Remember P.E.E. organizer… POINT EVIDENCE ELABORATION

Point #1 Point #2 Evidence Elaboration Claim / Controlling Idea Introductory Paragraph Claim / Controlling Idea Point #1 Point #2 BODY PARAGRAPH #1 Evidence Elaboration BODY PARAGRAPH #2

Point #1: …their creamy filling CLAIM- Twinkies taste better than other snack cakes because of… Point #1: …their creamy filling Point #2:…their golden appearance BODY PARAGRAPH #1 Evidence/elaboration that supports their creamy filling Evidence: According to the source _____, “In a study about delicious snack foods, most people prefer a snack with a sweet, creamy center.” Elaboration: This statement serves as further evidence of the Twinkie’s superiority, showing that when given a choice, people prefer this type of treat over others. BODY PARAGRAPH #2 Evidence/elaboration that supports their golden appearance. Evidence: Despite what many have discussed, the facts are stated, “the golden appearance of Twinkies, keeps the hungry, sugar seeking people coming back for more,” according to Source 1. Elaboration: Thus, it seems as though one should stray away from the dye soaked icings, and stick with the neutral colored treats, similar to that of the Twinkie. Elaboration #2 Elaboration#2

Team Collaboration Prompt breakdown: In your teams come up with as many themes for each of the stories. Possible Theme(s) “Marigolds” Under the Mesquite ? (Coming of Age / Growing Up) ? (Adapting to Change) ? (Loss of Innocence) 2. ? (Death / Loss) 3. ? (Compassion) 3. ? (Acceptance) 4. ? (Hope) 4. ? (Family) 5. ? (Beauty) 5. ? (Hope) 6. ? (Fear of the Unknown / Change) 6. ? (Coming of Age / Growing Up) 7. ? (Survival) 7. ? (Renewal)

Claim / Controlling Idea In your introductory paragraph, you will want to have a clear claim (argumentative) or controlling idea (explanatory / informative). Practice writing one based on the given prompt! Example: While the two stories of “Marigolds” and Under the Mesquite differ in many ways, the themes of loss and growth provide a complex connection that cannot be overlooked. Remember… When reading through the text(s), consider the BEST EVIDENCE in relation to each point of your CLAIM / CONTROLLING IDEA, then connecting each piece through thorough ELABORATION.