 Understand scoring rubric  Brainstorm relevant information and valid inferences  Gain knowledge about effective writing techniques  Understand common mistakes to better plan for your next expository writing  Create an outline to prepare for writing process

 Take a look at your scoring rubric, and read the highlighted portions (this is why you received this score)

 Write an essay explaining why it is sometimes necessary to take a chance. Rank these examples as possible answers to the prompt (these were ACTUAL examples in student work): 1)Disneyland 2)Avoid Failure 3)Wearing shorts 4)Stuff 5)Skydiving 6)Steve Jobs 7)Skipping breakfast 8)Hunger Games 9)Success 10)Coffee 11) Crossing the Street 12) Things 13) Albert Einstein 14) Prevent injury 15) Neil Armstrong 16) Roller Coaster 17) Colonization of America 18) Physical/Mental risks 19) Playing Rookie Quarterback 20) Something Scale: 1-5 1= WEAK 5= STRONG

 Weak Thesis statement/not answering the question ◦ Question: Write an essay explaining why it is sometimes necessary to take a chance.  “Risks can be good but are mostly bad.  “Taking a chance can have a positive or bad outcome. It really depends on what your taking the risk on.” ** “It is sometimes necessary to take chances, so a person can live a life full of excitement and rewards” **

 Too general body paragraphs/ no explanation ◦ “Taking risks will teach you a lot about life, and help you be willing to try new things.” ◦ “It takes a small risk for a small reward, it is good but you are taking small baby steps. Small baby steps will help, but the bigger the risk the bigger the reward.” ** Be specific with your examples **Connect back to your thesis**

 Using “you” ** Speak in third person, avoiding “I/me/my” and “you/your/yours”** - EX: “You need to take risks to gain success.” -EX: “Everyone needs to take risks to gain success.” -EX: “If you want to learn from your mistakes, you must take chances.” -EX: “If a person wants to learn from his or her mistakes, he or she must take chances”.

 Jumping from one example to the next without explaining why it’s necessary ◦ “For example, Christopher Columbus took a risk when he discovered America. Also, Steve Jobs took a risk when he designed Apple. Finally, Nelson Mandela took a risk with Freedom.” *If you give an example, be sure to explain the connection to the thesis, giving SPECIFIC commentary*

 Why do we outline? ◦ Organize and accurately convey information ◦ Make points clear and explain ideas thoroughly ◦ Brainstorm possibilities  Easy Four-Step Process!

 Let’s brainstorm for this prompt: ◦ English class is a mandatory class in High School. Write an essay explaining why its important to take English classes.  Where do I start? A List!! ◦ Make a list of as many ideas as you can! **Make sure these ideas can answer the prompt clearly**

 Formulate a thesis statement using 2-3 of your ideas ◦ This is going to be the big idea of your paper. It will tell your reader:  What they will be reading about  The organization of your paper  Your ideas/side on the subject  EX: Taking an English course is important to a student’s education because speaking and writing properly is a sign of professionalism in the real world.  EX: If a person wants to be successful in a business atmosphere, he or she must take an English class.  EX:

 Once you have ideas and a thesis… ◦ Begin outlining your body paragraphs  Body paragraphs ◦ What is my topic for each paragraph? ◦ What SPECIFIC examples should I use to back this up? ◦ How can I relate this example to my thesis? ◦ How can I transition into my next body paragraph?

 Conclusion ◦ How can I restate my thesis? ◦ How can I leave my reader feeling satisfied and that I answered the prompt? ◦ What do I want my reader to walk away with?

 Step 1: generate a list of ideas  Step 2: develop a thesis using your ideas and your thoughts on the prompt  Step 3: construct body paragraph topics  Step 4: Tie up loose ends in a conclusion

 Pick two prompts and create and outline ◦ Write an essay explaining why having a job during high school helps a person’s future. ◦ Write an essay explaining why Austin, Texas is a great place for young people to live. ◦ Write an essay explaining how technology has changed our lives for the better. ◦ Write an essay explaining why a cat or dog is better than the other. ◦ Write an essay explaining why it’s important to change the world.