P-FAT

What does it mean? P – purpose (Why are you writing? To inform? Persuade? Entertain? Describe?) (Why are you writing? To inform? Persuade? Entertain? Describe?) F – format (What are you writing? A letter? An essay? An article? A journal entry?) (What are you writing? A letter? An essay? An article? A journal entry?) A – audience (Who are you writing for?) (Who are you writing for?) T – topic (What are you writing about?) (What are you writing about?)

Now apply it: Your high school newspaper wants articles about the following topic: What can the average high school student do to help protect and improve the environment? P – to inform F – newspaper article A – high school students T – how to help protect and improve the environment

Now apply it: Imagine that the superintendent of schools for your city or town will be visiting your school. You have been selected to write an essay to the superintendent on behalf of your classmates about what could be done to improve school spirit. Your comments could influence education policy in your city or town. Plan an essay describing ideas to improve school spirit. P – to inform F – essay A – superintendent T – improving school spirit

Now apply it: Write an essay for your English teacher telling about the most memorable event that has occurred in your life. Tell when and where the event took place who was involved, and what happened. Develop your story using lots of details. P – to entertain F – essay A – English teacher T – the most memorable event in your life

Now apply it: In a letter for your history teacher, tell what entertainer you would most like to meet, and explain why you would like to meet him or her. Be specific in your explanation. P – to inform F – letter A – history teacher T – entertainer you want to meet and why

Now apply it: Many students in high school have part-time jobs. School board members have expressed concern that students’ school performance suffers when they have jobs during the school year. What do you think? P – to inform F – letter or essay A – school board T – effects of part-time jobs

Now apply it: While writing an essay on a computer in the library, you decide to take a break and see if there are any computer games that you could play. You think you know what you are doing, but when you try to return to your essay, the screen says “FILE NOT FOUND.” You’ve lost your paper, and it’s due by the end of the day. Write a note to a friend at school telling about your lost paper. Develop your story with details. P – to inform/entertain F – note (letter) A – friend T – the story of your lost paper

Now apply it: In a letter to your English teacher, explain what happened to your paper and say that you might not get the paper in on time. Try to persuade your teacher not to deduct points from your grade for being late, while accepting responsibility for the mistake. Be specific in developing your argument. P – to persuade F – letter A – English teacher T – why you should not lose points for losing your paper