1. How to analyze a Writing Assignment using
ABC & RAFT

2. A- annotate the Prompt
Find the directives and circle them (specific directional words that “tell you what you are to DO” (TYPICALLY verbs) when writing)
Draw an arrow to the action (who or what (TYPICALLY nouns) the directive is referring to )
List the complete directive/s that need to be accomplished to address the prompt
This helps you decipher what the assignment is asking you to do.

3. A-ANNOTATE THE PROMPT & LIST DIRECTIVES
EXAMPLE PROMPT
A-ANNOTATE THE PROMPT & LIST DIRECTIVES
PROMPT: By the time students enter high school, they have learned about moments in history that have influenced our world today. Think about a moment in history you studied and consider its importance. Write an essay in which you discuss a moment in history. Share its importance in today’s world. Support the moment with details and examples from the text.
DIRECTIVES (VERBS):
THINK
WRITE
DISCUSS
SHARE
SUPPORT
ACTION (WHO OR WHAT):
MOMENT IN HISTORY STUDIED AND IMPORTANCE
AN ESSAY
MOMENT IN HISTORY
ITS IMPORTANCE IN TODAYS WORLD
MOMENT WITH DETAILS AND EXAMPLES

4. B- Brainstorm Choose a Thinking Map
Brainstorm your writing
The more ideas/information you have to choose from will greatly improve your writing.
This helps you focus your topic and will aid you in organizing your writing
Think AZ Merit Writing Rubric when acquiring information

6. C- Create a Thesis
Choose your main focus areas for your writing from your thinking map
Create a working thesis statement (This may change somewhat as you start writing)
KEEP IDEAS FOCUSED ON THE TOPIC!
Expository (Informative/Explanatory) Thesis:
Topic + Importance/Relevance + Details/Specifics = Thesis Statement
Argument Thesis:
Topic + Belief/Position + Reasons = Thesis Statement

7. EXAMPLE THESIS STATEMENTS:
EXPOSITORY THESIS (SAMPLE PROMPT SLIDE 3)
The impact of the Holocaust remains an important lesson for all people of the world today even though not all nations participated in the atrocities inflicted on the Nazi victims during the time period of WWII.
ARGUMENT THESIS:
Homework is necessary during the academic school years to provide skill practice as well as including life-long benefits of learning responsibility and grit during the formative years, which clearly proves to be beneficial when entering the workforce as a young adult.

8. R- Role
ASSUME A ROLE
Who or what are you as the writer? A pilgrim? A soldier? The President? A citizen?
What perspective am I writing in?
My own or some other authoritative position.
1st person? Can I use “I”?
2nd person? Instructional implying “You”
3rd person? Objective

9. A- Audience Who is my intended audience? Who am I writing to?
What group, people, or particular individual?
Who am I writing to?
Formal/Casual = Language needed to convey message (DICTION)
How does this determine my TONE when writing? (DICTION)

10. F- Format What format am I writing in?
Argument?
Narrative?
Letter? Journal? Memo?
Expository: Instructional or Explanatory? Informative?
How does this change my planning? THINK STRUCTURE and FORM!

11. T- Topic Define my clear topic and make that the focus.
What am I writing about?
You must stay on target of
Do not go…