1. Academic Writing Expectations

2. Unpacking the Prompt
Consider the passage set title and the prompt before reading.
Two new methods required for the upcoming Writing FPMA:
TAP
CUB

3. TAP and CUB
Unpacking the Prompt (Video)

4. Recap… C T U A B P Task – What you should be writing about. (TOPIC)
Audience – Who would want to read this? P
Purpose – Why are you writing this? (MODE)
(To inform/explain or argue) C
Circle the purpose. U
Underline the task. B
Box the key words.

5. Write the following prompt on the top of your paper.
Use the TAP and CUB method to unpack the prompt.
Prompt: Write an explanatory essay comparing the themes of “Marigolds” and Under the Mesquite. Use evidence from each text to support your response.

6. So… What’s Next?
Establish a CLAIM (argumentative) or CONTROLLING IDEA (explanatory/informative) to indicate your stance.
PLAN!
Remember P.E.E. organizer…
POINT
EVIDENCE
ELABORATION

7. Point #1 Point #2 Evidence Elaboration Claim / Controlling Idea
Introductory Paragraph
Claim / Controlling Idea
Point #1
Point #2
BODY PARAGRAPH #1
Evidence
Elaboration
BODY PARAGRAPH #2

8. Point #1: …their creamy filling
CLAIM-
Twinkies taste better than other snack cakes because of…
Point #1: …their creamy filling
Point #2:…their golden appearance
BODY PARAGRAPH #1
Evidence/elaboration that supports their creamy filling
Evidence: According to the source _____, “In a study about delicious snack foods, most people prefer a snack with a sweet, creamy center.”
Elaboration: This statement serves as further evidence of the Twinkie’s superiority, showing that when given a choice, people prefer this type of treat over others.
BODY PARAGRAPH #2
Evidence/elaboration that supports their golden appearance.
Evidence: Despite what many have discussed, the facts are stated, “the golden appearance of Twinkies, keeps the hungry, sugar seeking people coming back for more,” according to Source 1.
Elaboration: Thus, it seems as though one should stray away from the dye soaked icings, and stick with the neutral colored treats, similar to that of the Twinkie.
Elaboration #2
Elaboration#2

9. Team Collaboration Prompt breakdown:
In your teams come up with as many themes for each of the stories.
Possible Theme(s)
“Marigolds”
Under the Mesquite
? (Coming of Age / Growing Up)
? (Adapting to Change)
? (Loss of Innocence)
2. ? (Death / Loss)
3. ? (Compassion)
3. ? (Acceptance)
4. ? (Hope)
4. ? (Family)
5. ? (Beauty)
5. ? (Hope)
6. ? (Fear of the Unknown / Change)
6. ? (Coming of Age / Growing Up)
7. ? (Survival)
7. ? (Renewal)

10. Claim / Controlling Idea
In your introductory paragraph, you will want to have a clear claim (argumentative) or controlling idea (explanatory / informative).
Practice writing one based on the given prompt!
Example: While the two stories of “Marigolds” and Under the Mesquite differ in many ways, the themes of loss and growth provide a complex connection that cannot be overlooked.
Remember… When reading through the text(s), consider the BEST EVIDENCE in relation to each point of your CLAIM / CONTROLLING IDEA, then connecting each piece through thorough ELABORATION.