POW+TIDE

POW + TIDE / LL Pull apart prompt Organize my notes Write and say more T- Topic introduction OR T- Topic introduction I – Information (3) I – Important Information D – Detail (3) D – Details (3) E- Evidence (3) E - End

P=PULL apart the prompt What am I being asked to do? What should I write about? Circle key words and ask yourself: What am I being asked to write about here? Suggestion: Turn the prompt into a question that can be answered.

O=Organize my notes Label paragraphs with main ideas if necessary. Highlight what is important. Create a list of categories (Example: A list of comparisons and a list of contrasts.)

W=WRITE and say more Begin writing Where do I start? Look back at where you “O”rganized your writing.

T=Topic introduction (Thesis) Restate and respond Hook your reader Main idea Topic sentence Site reference material List topics/subjects

I=important evidence d=Detailed explanation X3 EVIDENCE from text (“I”) Cite specific examples from the texts. Elaboration (”D”) Give an explanation of the evidence cited.

E = End What did you just write about? Conclusion / Ending “Sum up” your writing What did you just write about?

L- Links L- Language Links: Use appropriate transitions to clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts Language: Uses formal style, precise language, domain-specific vocabulary; Vary sentence patterns for meaning, reader/listener interest, and style

A good informative/explanatory essay has important parts:  Informs and educates the audience (avoids “I”, “My” & opinion words)  Is interesting to read  Includes transitions (For example, However, Not Only, Otherwise, Instead, etc…)  Tells the reader the topic or purpose of the essay  Provides the reader information about the topic  Gives the readers additional details and examples about the topic  Demonstrates thorough understanding of the texts  Develops topic with textual evidence  Elaborates on textual evidence to strengthen examination