Deconstructing the Prompt Define/identify the task set by the prompt Consider what needs to be addressed in the response Decide how best to respond

Introductions A hook or lead: Consider using a quote (if you can cite to it), anecdote, or statement of intrigue to create your hook or lead. A connection between the hook/lead and the thesis. Thesis statement describing the subject and opinion.

Introduction Example Topic: Think about whether school libraries should provide Internet access for students. Now write to persuade state legislators whether school libraries should provide Internet access for students. A high school project is due tomorrow. Judy and David (local high school students) still need to complete research for the project. They struggle to get it done in school, but with limited resources in their Learning Resource Center, they cannot meet their deadline. Judy is on the brink of failing the class. If only Judy had Internet access at school, her project would be complete and her grade would benefit from the Internet access. Several state legislators believe that school libraries should not provide Internet access for students; they are incorrect to think this way. The Internet is a gateway of information for young minds. Although there will be students who attempt to misuse the Internet, this problem can be remedied easily. Combined with other computer programs, the Internet is a powerful learning interface that provides a wide range of information and instant access to data.

Introduction Example The library is first and foremost a resource center. It doesn’t make sense that a resource center would deny what is probably the biggest and most helpful resource in existence—the Internet. The Internet is hailed as one of the greatest inventions of mankind because of how quickly information can be shared. The days of looking through books as the sole resource for information are gone. It would be foolish to deny internet access in school libraries because internet access helps students’ grades, assists students in conducting research and provides them with more accurate information.

Body Paragraphs Topic sentence: A strong, clear, organizing sentence which consists of a subject and opinion that works directly to support the thesis. Transitions: Words or phrases used to connect ideas (e.g., for example, for instance). Supporting information: Relevant facts and details that are appropriate for the topic and relevant to the opinion in the thesis. Commentary: Sentences that explain how the information is relevant to the thesis/topic sentence. These sentences are vital as they serve to reflect, analyze, explain, and interpret. Sentences of commentary also bring a sense of closure to the paragraph.

Body Paragraphs To summarize…. Point – What is the overall paragraph going to be focusing on? Evidence – What’s your example to support your overall point? Explain – Why/how does your example tie into your overall argument?

Body Paragraph Examples The Internet is a gateway of information. There are millions of sources one can choose from. Websites, message boards, and can all help a student learn. For instance, a student can research a report on dinosaurs. He/she can get accredited information from a website, then see how people react to the information on message boards, and afterwards, he/she can share this information with his/her fellow classmates through . In this case, a student is able to gain experience through researching and communicating via the exploration of the Internet.

Body Paragraph Examples The Internet is now not only popular, but it is becoming a necessity. Millions of people rely on the web to conduct business, do assignments from school, and communicate with others that are unreachable by any other means. A computer is a link to almost all of the information the world has to offer; students should be able to access this world of unlimited information through their school library.

Conclusions What did you say? – you should summarize; do not repeat your intro. (literal) What does it mean? (interpretive) Why does it matter? (universal)

Conclusion Example In conclusion, the Internet is a great tool. Not putting it in school libraries will simply restrict students’ growth rather than protect the popularity of books. It is a faster and better way to access information; it can only strengthen not weaken the education of students.