How to Write a Winning Argumentative Essay in 30 Minutes Palmetto Middle School ACTion for 8 th Grade Writing- Timed Persuasive Argumentative

Format & Directions  Know the type of writing being assigned  Grades 8- Persuasive Argument  Know how it is being scored  Grade 8- graded on a 6-point rubric  Make sure you have a full body with an introduction and conclusion.

Expectations  Stating a clear perspective on an issue – the question being asked in the prompt.  Providing supporting evidence and logical reasoning.  Maintaining focus and organizing your thoughts.  Writing clearly with correct spelling, grammar, punctuation and format.

Four-Step Method StepAn Upper-level EssayA Lower-level Essay PromptClearly developed an idea that is on topic Does not clearly state an idea on topic Plan (4 minutes) Supports with concrete, detailed examples Is general or repetitious Produce (22 minutes) Maintains clear focus and organization Digresses or has weak organization Proofread (4 minutes) Shows competent use of languageContains errors that reduce clarity

Four-Step Method Step 1: Prompt  There is no right or wrong answer to the essay. Just think about your ideas and a story to use to show it.  Know what is being asked.  The MOST important thing is to write ON TOPIC.

Four-Step Method Step 2: Plan  Take 4 minutes to complete your Graphic Organizer/Thinking Map to plan for your essay response.  What is being asked in the prompt?  Information Banks- Refresh your memory about your favorite books, school subject, historical events, personal experiences, etc. So that you can use them as examples for your essays.  Structure your essay with a hook, a body with transitions, and a conclusion that ends with a bang.

Hook, Line & Sinker! Hook  Start with a clear perspective on an issue.  Answer the question in the prompt Line  Provide supporting evidence and logical reasoning.  Build an argument and back it up.  Maintain focus and organize ideas logically.  Write clearly. Sinker  Sink the essay by having a strong conclusion that ends with a BANG  Don’t introduce new evidence.

Hook, Line & Sinker!  HOOK your reader – grab the readers’ attention WITHOUT using “In my opinion…” Try a more general lead that introduces one or more of the key words you will use from your prompt.  LINE up your supporting arguments – using strongest argument FIRST… you don’t have time to save your best for last! (Try coming up with ONE example per paragraph for each argument.)  SINK the essay by having a strong conclusion that ends with a BANG! Come full circle – restate your thesis or a specific example from your introduction! Don’t introduce NEW evidence.

Four Step Method! Step 3: Produce  Be sure to write enough to cover the subject.(22 minutes)  OREO Method, 6 + 1, etc.  Shoot for 3 good, different points to support your thesis.  Point 1:  Point 2:  Point 3:  Next, place these points in logical order….

O pinion- tell how you feel about the topic R easons- tell some reasons or information to support your opinion E xamples – tell details that support your opinion O pinion – restate your opinion (with feelings). OREO Method

Four-Step Method Step 4: Proofread  Leave yourself at least 4 minutes to review your work.  Look at:  Capitalization  Word usage  Spelling  Indenting

Appearances Count  Write neatly using indentions for each new paragraph.  Stick with the plan. Don’t introduce new ideas other than the ones you have on your graphic organizer.  Write carefully. Low scores can result from misspelling and grammatical errors.  Stay on task!  Use transitions to move your writing along.

Strong Essay! A Strong Essay follows these three simple rules:  Say what you are going to say (introduction)  Say it (3 reasons)  Say what you just said (conclusion)

Four-Step Method Recap StepAn Upper-level EssayA Lower-level Essay PromptClearly developed an idea that is on topic Does not clearly state an idea on topic Plan (4 minutes) Supports with concrete, detailed examples Is general or repetitious Produce (22 minutes) Maintains clear focus and organization Digresses or has weak organization Proofread (4 minutes) Shows competent use of languageContains errors that reduce clarity