Millard South High School

 Make sure you read through the entire prompt and decide what the general topic is.  Read through the prompt a second time, underlining key words and phrases that narrow down the topic. For example, look for words like describe, explain, persuade…  In some prompts, your three main points for your essay may be stated for you. By reading through the prompt a second time, you may be able to recognize this hint---use these to develop your thesis statement!

ExpositoryPersuasive  Provide interesting information— do not bore your readers with information they may already know  Write as if you find your topic totally interesting!  Have a catchy attention getter  Be sure you have a clearly defined thesis statement in your introduction paragraph.  You will need a total of 5 paragraphs (intro, 3 body, and a conclusion)  Use transitions  Restate your thesis in your conclusion paragraph  Edit for mistakes in grammar, spelling, etc… by READING ALOUD to yourself.  Choose ONE position (for or against the topic) and stick with it throughout your essay.  Outline the issues or problems clearly.  Give reasons for believing in what you do…think of consequences if people do not agree with you.  Your personal opinion is not a reason…you need to give facts, examples, or personal experiences to support your argument.  Provide a catchy emotional appeal into your intro. Also include if you are for or against the topic.  Make sure you have 5 total paragraphs (intro, 3 body, and a conclusion).  Remember to include your statement of opinion in your conclusion and ask them to feel what you do in the last sentence! For example: School uniforms are a great idea! They help provide structure in the classroom, have shown to improve behavior, and are cost effective. It is my hope that you have been provided with enough information to agree that school uniforms should become part of every students personal wardrobe at Millard South High School.

 Make sure you have a suspenseful, exciting point in your story.  Use your senses to describe things—(What does it smell, taste, sound, look and feel like?)  Describe your character’s features and his/her personality so that your reader can picture them in their mind.  Use dialogue (people talking) and punctuate it correctly. Narrative

 Make sure you edit your work…double check spelling, grammar and punctuation!! READ IT ALOUD!  Remember, you are not texting! DO NOT use short cuts. For example, spell out the following words: and, about, with… DO NOT use their symbols w/).  A lot is 2 words! ( a lot)  Do not spell “you” with the letter “u”!  Try hard not to use contractions….can’t, won’t, he’s, etc…  Try hard not to use the word got.  Try hard not to use the following phrases: “Now that you have read my paper….” “I will be writing about…”  It is best to use the first 3-5 minutes to organize your thoughts in an outline or web.  Write well onto half of the second page, at least!  Use your BEST handwriting!  DO USE the dictionary to check spelling and the thesaurus to find colorful words!  Remember, you are trying to write at the very highest level you possibly can!!!

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