Winners train. Losers complain.

FSA Writing Game Plan

1. Read the Prompt, twice First, read the prompt to determine if they are asking you to write an argument or informative essay Second, highlight the key words in the prompt that will help you formulate your claim or thesis statement 2-5 minutes

2. Skim Read the Sources 5 minutes Highlight anything that relates to your key words and seems useful as evidence Note the structure of the sources, headings, titles, types 5 minutes

3. Choose a Text Structure Informative Essay Description Contrast and Compare Order and Sequence Cause and Effect Problem Solution Definition Essay will provide details or characteristics of something Essay will talk about the similarities and differences between people, places, things, etc.. Essay will outline chronological events or a list of steps in a procedure Essay will describe an event (cause) and the effects that follow Essay will give information about a problem and explain one or more solutions Prompt Clue Words Asks for adjectives, characteristics, examples, images Same/different, both/neither, contrast, compare, relationship between Order of events, history, instructions, steps, signal words Cause, effect, relationship between, because, as a result, due to, if/then Problem, solution, issue, concern, resolution

4. Plan Essay/Reread Sources Use the planning sheet to briefly outline your essay Reread the sources as necessary and highlight evidence from the text

5. Type Your Essay Use proper capitalization and punctuation Use quotation marks to cite sources

6. Revise Your Essay Reread directions checklist in the prompt Check spelling Check for typos and missing words Remember to properly cite your source evidence

Let’s Practice

1. Read Prompt Write an informative essay about the viewpoints presented about the Florida Caverns by the two authors. Your informative essay must be based on ideas and information found in the passage set.

1. Read Prompt – Highlight Key Words Write an informative essay about the viewpoints presented about the Florida Caverns by the two authors. Your informative essay must be based on ideas and information found in the passage set.

2. Read the Source Packet Highlight anything that relates to your key words and seems useful as evidence Note the structure of the sources, headings, titles, types

3. Choose an Informative Essay Text Structure Description Compare and Contrast Order and Sequence Cause and Effect Problem/Solution

3. Essay ideas based on Text Structure Description: Explain how the authors used various literary techniques to explain the caverns. Cause and Effect: Explain how visiting the Florida caverns inspired the authors to write about them. Contrast and Compare: Compare and contrast the various ways that the authors spoke about/feel about/analyze the caverns.

4. Plan Your Essay (Description) Introduction Background Information: What is this essay about? Thesis: Many authors are inspired by the Florida caverns, and use various literary techniques to pay homage to them in their writing. Main Point 1 Main Point 2 Main Point 3 Conclusion

4. Plan Your Essay (Cause and Effect) Introduction Background Information: What is this essay about? Thesis: Visiting the Florida Caverns has an impact on many people, including two authors who choose to write about them. Main Point 1 Main Point 2 Main Point 3 Conclusion

4. Plan Your Essay (Compare and Contrast) Introduction Background Information: What is this essay about? Thesis: Visiting the Florida Caverns has an impact on many people, including two authors who choose to write about them. Main Point 1 Main Point 2 Main Point 3 Conclusion

4. Plan Your Essay Reread the sources and highlight evidence that you can use to help support and establish your paper. Ignore source information that does not correlate with your thesis. (The skill being tested is to read and extract the relevant details!) Remember your job is to explain your thesis, NOT to summarize the sources!