3 A’s How to use them in your writing. 1

September 25 th, You will need: 0 Red, blue, purple, orange, and green colored pencils! 2

What are the 3 A’s?!  Answer: Answer to the question or prompt or a thesis  Actual Evidence: Quote, paraphrase (in your own words), or example from the text  Analysis: How does the evidence connect, support, or relate back to the answer/thesis). This is an INFERENCE! 3

How to use it: Topic- What is one of Shrek’s characteristics?  Answer- One of Shrek’s characteristics in the movie is that he is quite sensitive.  Actual evidence- Shrek compares himself to an onion while speaking with Donkey.  Analysis- By using the analogy about the onion, Shrek is proving that he has many layers of traits, one being sensitivity. On the outer layer he may seem strong, but inside he struggles with his emotions, and he acknowledges this to Donkey. 4

One of Shrek’s characteristics in the movie is that he is quite sensitive. This can be seen when Shrek compares himself to an onion while speaking with Donkey as the two of them are walking through a field. By using the analogy about the onion, Shrek is showing Donkey that he has many layers of traits with one of them being sensitivity. On the outer layer he may seem strong, but inside he struggles with his emotions, and he acknowledges this to Donkey. Shrek’s sensitive side is not immediately visible, but, as his character is developed, it becomes obvious. 5

How to use it based on “The Perfectionist” by Margaret St. Clair  Question- Should Charles have known earlier that Aunt Muriel had a dark side?  Answer- Charles should have known earlier that Aunt Muriel had a dark side.  Actual evidence- When Aunt Muriel asks Charles to cut down the peach tree because it was swaying in the wind and she wanted it to be still.  Analysis- Charles should have seen then that Aunt Muriel would go to extreme lengths to get what she wanted. She was willing to kill a living thing just so that it would not move while she was painting it. 6

Charles should have known earlier that Aunt Muriel had a dark side. The first clue to Aunt Muriel’s true nature can be seen when she asks Charles to cut down the peach tree because it was swaying in the wind and she wanted it to be still. Charles should have seen then that Aunt Muriel would go to extreme lengths to get what she wanted. She was willing to kill a living thing just so that it would not move while she was painting it. From Aunt Muriel’s actions, Charles should have known much earlier about her dark side and he should have quickly left her house and her employ. 7

REMINDER: USE THE REMINDERS BELOW TO GUIDE YOU IN COMPLETING A 3-6 SENTENCE PARAGRAPH: 0 ANSWER- This is where you state your answer, or thesis 0 ACTUAL EVIDENCE- Insert quotes from the text! Don’t forget transitions and page numbers! 0 ANALYSIS- Break down the evidence! You must explain/show how the evidence (quote) supports your example (answer). COMBINE THE 3 STEPS ABOVE INTO A PARAGRAPH!! 8

How does this apply to an essay? 0 Instead of using the 3A method for a short answer response, it can be expanded for the body paragraphs of an essay. 0 The Topic sentence = the Answer 0 Quotes/paraphrasing = the Actual Evidence 0 Connection that is made between quotes/paraphrasing and the topic sentence = Analysis Example: Answer. Actual Evidence. Analysis. TRANSITION, Actual Evidence. Analysis. TRANSITION, Actual Evidence. Analysis. CONCLUDING SENTENCE AND TRANSITION TO NEXT PARAGRAPH. 9

YOUR TURN! 0 Question: What is one characteristic we can attribute to Charles? 0 Remember: ANSWER, ACTUAL EVIDENCE, ANALYSIS WITH TRANSITIONS AND A CONCLUDING SENTENCE. YOU HAVE TEN MINUTES! GO…! 10

One characteristic that can be attributed to Charles is that he is weak. For example, when Aunt Muriel asked Charles to cut down the peach tree he did. Charles says that he “felt like a murderer” when he cut down the tree, but he did not stand up for his feelings and he just did as he was told. Another example of Charles’ wimpy personality can be seen when Aunt Muriel pulls the frozen goldfish out to show Charles. Charles’ reaction was to go “upstairs as soon as “ he could. Instead of confronting her about killing the fish, Charles chose to be weak and run away from the situation. Finally, at the end of the story, Charles sneaks away in the cover of darkness. Once again he has avoided dealing directly with Aunt Muriel and having to stand up for his own feelings. All of these show the reader that Charles is weak and are characteristics of a true wimp. 11

Apply to Writing 0 How would you apply this to a writing prompt? 0 Prompt- 0 What are qualities of a good student? Let’s Practice together! 12

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