1. Turner-Dixon 10th Grade Writing
Surviving FSA Writing
Informative and Argumentative Essays
Turner-Dixon, 2015

2. Informative Essay Introductory Paragraph Hook Question Definition
Anecdote
Quotation
Background
Transition into your Thesis
Thesis
Taken from prompt
With your input
Turner-Dixon, 2015

3. Informative Essay Body Paragraph 1 Topic sentence Introduces quotation
Evidence
Direct quotation from a source
Cite source in parenthesis at the end of the sentence
Connection
“This shows, This illustrates…”
Analysis/Commentary
Explain why the quote is relevant
Make an intelligent commentary which connects quote with thesis
Turner-Dixon, 2015

4. Informative Essay Body Paragraph 2 Transition →Topic sentence Evidence
“Additionally” “Furthermore” “Moreover”
Introduces quotation
Evidence
Direct quotation from a source
Cite source in parenthesis at the end of the sentence
Connection
“This shows, This illustrates…”
Analysis/Commentary
Explain why the quote is relevant
Make an intelligent commentary which connects quote with thesis
Turner-Dixon, 2015

5. Informative Essay Body Paragraph 3 Transition →Topic sentence
“Additionally” “Furthermore” “Moreover”
Introduces quotation
Evidence
Direct quotation from a source
Cite source in parenthesis at the end of the sentence
Connection
“This shows, This illustrates…”
Analysis/Commentary
Explain why the quote is relevant
Make an intelligent commentary which connects quote with thesis
Turner-Dixon, 2015

6. Informative Essay Conclusion Summarize thesis Re-examine hook
Tie up loose ends
Connect to your hook, opening statement
Turner-Dixon, 2015

7. Argumentative Essay Introductory Paragraph Hook
“Imagine”- create a scenario
Definition
Anecdote
Quotation
Background
Transition into your Claim
Claim (YOU MUST PICK A SIDE-TAKE A POSITION)
Taken from prompt
With your input
Turner-Dixon, 2015

8. Argumentative Essay
Body Paragraph 1 (1st reason-supporting evidence for claim)
Topic sentence
Introduces quotation
Evidence
Direct quotation from a source
Cite source in parenthesis at the end of the sentence
Connection
“This shows, This illustrates…”
Analysis/Commentary
Explain why the quote is relevant
Make an intelligent commentary which proves the claim
Turner-Dixon, 2015

9. Argumentative Essay
Body Paragraph 2 (2nd reason-supporting evidence for the claim)
Transition →Topic sentence
“Additionally” “Furthermore” “Moreover”
Introduces quotation
Evidence
Direct quotation from a source
Cite source in parenthesis at the end of the sentence
Connection
“This shows, This illustrates…”
Analysis/Commentary
Explain why the quote is relevant
Make an intelligent commentary which proves the claim
Turner-Dixon, 2015

10. Argumentative Essay
Body Paragraph 3 (reason why claim doesn’t work- supporting evidence for counterclaim)
Transition →Topic sentence
“However” “On the contrary” “Despite this fact”
Introduces quotation (evidence of counterclaim-opposite position)
Evidence
Direct quotation from a source (opposite position)
Cite source in parenthesis at the end of the sentence
Connection
“This shows, This illustrates…”
Transition → Refutation (go back to your claim/position)
“Nevertheless” “Nonetheless” - then make an intelligent commentary which connects back to your claim
Turner-Dixon, 2015

11. Argumentative Essay Conclusion Summarize claim Re-examine hook
Tie up loose ends
Connect to your hook, completes the scenario
Turner-Dixon, 2015

12. Remember You must have a thesis/claim. Read all sources carefully.
Cite every source.
Elaborate by commenting on each quotation.
Indent every paragraph.
Read, revise, and edit your essay.
Avoid poor grammar.
Check for spelling errors.
Turner-Dixon, 2015