Take Notes – Quiz on Friday! Writing Strategies

Use RAFT to analyze the writing prompt R - role of the write (writing from the perspective of a student, citizen, parent, etc) A – consider the audience (who is the target of your message - principal, classmates, local citizens, an editor, etc) F - what is the format (an essay, an article, a letter, etc) T - topic (what is the general topic and what is the specific topic you have to narrow it down to)

Use HIT 2 Reasons to brainstorm Paragraph 1 H - hook I - background, introductory information T- thesis Paragraph 2 Reason 1 - explain with examples and details Paragraph 3 Reason 2 - explain with examples and details Paragraph 4 Conclusion - restate thesis and main points without repetition - end with thought provoking statement or a "Seal the Deal" comment There are no specific requirements for # of paragraphs. MUST have an introduction, a body, and a closing.

Hook the reader Use something creative to catch the reader’s attention. Be distinctive, but don’t get out of hand! Possible Hooks 1. Begin with a simile or a metaphor. 2. Begin with a question. 3. Begin with a definition. 4. Begin with a quotation. 5. Begin with a comparison to a well-known person or celebrity. 6. Begin with placing yourself in the future. 7. Begin with a dilemma. 8. Begin with a scene. 9. Begin with the best advice you have ever received. 10. Begin with an anecdote.

Introducing the topic in the 1 st paragraph Be vague – in general Get specific and use explanations in the body Lead up to the thesis Introduce the topic – don’t start supporting

Purpose of a Thesis Statement: to better organize and develop your argument to provide your reader with a “guide” to your argument to present your opinion and your reasons (NOT EXPLAIN!)

Other helpful tips: Your thesis statement should be specific—it should cover only what you will discuss in your paper and should be supported with specific evidence. The thesis statement usually appears at the end of the first paragraph of a paper. Your topic may change as you write, so you may need to revise your thesis statement to reflect exactly what you have discussed in the paper.

How to Generate a Thesis Statement for an argumentative paper Almost all assignments, no matter how complicated, can be reduced to a single question. Your first step, then, is to distill the assignment into a specific question. For example, if your assignment is, “Write a report to the local school board explaining the potential benefits of using computers in a fourth- grade class,” turn the request into a question like, “What are the potential benefits of using computers in a fourth-grade class?” After you’ve chosen the question your essay will answer, compose one or two complete sentences answering that question.

Example: Q: “What are the potential benefits of using computers in a fourth-grade class?” A: “The potential benefits of using computers in a fourth- grade class are...” OR A: “Using computers in a fourth-grade class promises to improve...” The answer to the question is the thesis statement for the essay.

Components of a thesis Reason or opinion on a subject plus 2 reasons (or more if needed) Example: Environmentalist should be supported in their efforts to thwart global warming because of the devastating impact on economies, and global warming will cause more storms and other weather extremes.

The body… Topic must now be explained, described, or argued. Start with a topic sentence, follow with supporting sentences and examples (STAY ON TOPIC!) Use transitions If you can ask “how” or “why” with any sentence in your body – you are able to elaborate your points with details and support. It’s okay to provide a counterargument (rebuttal), but DON’T GET OFF TOPIC.

The Closing/Conclusion: Brings closure to the reader, sums up key points, and provides final perspective on the topic. 3-4 strong sentences Review the main points Briefly describe your feelings on the topic Can even end with an anecdote END WITH AN IMPACT STATEMENT – SEAL THE DEAL!