1. Preparing for the Computerized FSA
Planning and Writing an argumentative essay

2. Step One: Reading and Evaluating the Prompt
1. Read the Directions for Writing section first. Here you will find:
The type of essay you are supposed to be writing
The topic about which you should write
And, of course, the general directions for writing
Rephrase or reword the prompt so you fully understand what it is asking you
DO NOT go directly to the supporting texts provided. These are only to be used for evidence. You must read the prompt and begin your writing plan prior to reading the support.

3. Steps Two :Pre Planning
2. Begin compiling your thoughts before you read, what side MIGHT you take (if there is sufficient evidence to write about) and WHY?

4. Planning:
Use the type of graphic organizer you prefer to keep your thoughts organized
examples include
T Chart
Web Diagram
Flow Chart

5. T-Chart
Pro/For
Controlling Idea
Con/Against

6. Web Diagram
Pro/Con
Position
Controlling Idea

7. Flow Chart Pro Con Controlling Idea - Support/Elaboration
Counterargument

8. Step Three: Reading the Supporting Text
Do not make a final decision regarding your position or thesis until after you have read all texts and gathered evidence.
Remember, it is not about which side you actually believe in. Pick the position you can most easily argue and prove.
Read the passages provided looking for:
Support/Evidence- quotes, data, facts, paraphrasing that come from the support texts provided to you.
As you read, highlight an equal amount of evidence supporting both positions.
Use your planning sheet to make note of each quotation’s main idea and location
You want to have ample evidence to support whichever position you choose to argue after reading and you will need concessions to refute.

9. Step Four: Revise Your Writing Plan
4. Next, Plan for the following:
Controlling ideas(a.k.a. topic sentence, main idea, claim)your reason “why” or “how.”
These statements should be worded differently from your actual thesis.
Where a thesis answers the prompt’s question and establishes the side you have chosen, your claims answer the question “why” or “how” that side is better than the opposing.
Thesis – the statement outlines what the entire essay will be about. It should answer the prompt’s question. Since this is argumentative you will be taking a position- meaning you will be choosing ONE side to argue.
Most thesis statements and topic sentences will be revised at this point.

10. T.A.G.-title, author, genre
The first time you cite the works provided as evidence/support, introduce (1 time ONLY) the Author, Title, and Genre of each work you will cite.
After initial introduction, refer to the work by its shortened title and/or the author’s last name.
Pay attention to the genre of the supporting texts provided. It will be mentioned in the text or directions for writing. Do not refer to the texts incorrectly by calling them passages or short stories if they’re not.
Titles of major work or works that can stand alone should be italicized.
Titles of short works or smaller works that are part of a larger whole should be in quotes.
When in doubt, use Italics for the title

11. Evidence
Evidence from the reading is required for each controlling idea but remember QUALITY over QUANTITY. Choose the evidence that you can write most convincingly about.
Remember to cite ALL evidence you include.
Write in MLA format by using parenthetical citations.
Parenthetical Citation- (Author’s last name)
Example: (Lee)
If the author’s last name is not provided, simply cite like this: (Shortened title of the work)
Example: (Mockingbird)

12. Paper Format
You can format your argumentative paper in many ways but remember these two basic options to stay organized
Option one
Intro to the topic and why it is important + Thesis Statement
Body 1:Controlling Idea, evidence, elaboration
Body 2:Controlling Idea, evidence, elaboration
Body 3:Counterargument
Conclude with a call to action in light of the evidence you have provided

13. Paper Format continued
Option two
Intro to the topic and why it is important + Thesis Statement
Body 1:Claim, evidence, elaboration, counterargument
Body 2:Claim, evidence, elaboration, counterargument
Conclude with a call to action in light of the evidence you have provided
Introduce concessions with obvious transitions like: Critics might claim, others may argue, or on the other hand…
The number of paragraphs you have will be determined by the number of claims you make to support your thesis

14. Helpful Hints while Typing
Do not change the font size.
If you cannot see the font because it is too small, use the zoom.
Use the tab button to indent all paragraphs
The system will log you out for inactivity every half an hour or so. To prevent being logged out, be sure to type something in your work area every so often. Even if you’re not ready to type, punch in a letter or a space.

15. Helpful Hints while Typing continued…
Make sure to click INSIDE the space provided for typing before you begin to type. If not, you may kick yourself out of the system without saving any of your work.
Remember that the testing application is not Microsoft Word which auto-corrects common spelling, capitalization, and grammar mistakes. Carefully edit your work for standard English conventions!