 Create a brainstorm list of how you will respond to each part of the task. For example, if you were writing about plants- your list would look something like this: Photosynthesis, cell wall, chloroplasts, green, large vacuoles, oxygen, CO2, water, enzymes, cell membrane, leaves, root, stem, seed

Main Idea Reason or supporting idea Fact or Example Brainstorming/Thesis Building ModelProcess Fact or Example

See if you can improve the response by using the Writing Checklist. Rewrite the rough draft neatly into your response folder. Make sure you leave enough time to complete copying your final draft. Use documentation and reference any information from the documents that you used. Ex.– The river valleys were very fertile (Document B).

When taking the Gateway, summarize what you know and need to include from the documents. Then make a list of things you know about the task and use your list to make an outline, Venn diagram, chart or other graphic organizer to help you plan how you will write your response. Include the information you will use from the documents. Write a rough draft of your response.

You SHOULD attempt to write a multi-paragraph essay complete with INTRODUCTION, BODY, and CONCLUSION. You SHOULD NOT copy straight from the packet. For example- do NOT write an entire essay saying : Document A says…..Document B states…Document C states….. and so on. Do not copy the scenario as your introduction.

 Start with an attention grabber.  Transition from the general idea to a specific idea (like an upside down triangle)  Tell about the topic. Give background information.  Your thesis statement is the most important sentence in your introductory paragraph. It explains your position and your focus for the entire paper.

 A topic sentence should be the first sentence of a body paragraph. It should explain the focus for that paragraph.  Transition from your topic to your evidence and support.  Your opinions are not facts! Draw from background knowledge and the documents.  Explain how your evidence proves your point.  In your concluding sentence, tie the body paragraph together, then prepare to move on to the next paragraph

 Restate your thesis (reword it—do not simply recopy the same words)  Retell the topics you discussed.  Offer your concluding thoughts and observations  Refer back to your attention grabber.  Your conclusion should resemble a standard triangle—start with specifics and move to general discussion.

 After you write your first draft, read it over and edit for spelling, grammar, etc. (conventions)  If you make a mistake, cross it out and continue writing.  Be sure you have cited the documents you used. The graders will be looking for at least one parenthetical citation. (conventions).

 Knowledgeable  Confident  Competent And you will do well!

 Be on time. Doors will be locked at 8:00am!!  Be sure to bring several writing utensils.  Get a good night of sleep and eat breakfast. Scientific research shows that both if those things can help your brain to function better!