1. Bellringer
What makes a good thesis statement? How does the thesis statement connect to the rest of the essay?

2. Essay Analysis
With Mrs. Thomas

3. Objectives
I can analyze writing for effectiveness based on the TNReady rubric for informative writing.
I can evaluate whether an essay is focused and structured properly.

4. We’re going to look at a sample essay…
You tell me… is it good? is it bad? is it just plain ugly? If it’s bad, what is wrong with it? What do you think I would give this for a grade?
But how do we know what’s good and what’s bad?
RUBRIC TIME!!!!
What does a level 5 essay look like?!

5. Focus & Organization
In response to the task and the stimuli, the writing:
contains an effective and relevant introduction.
utilizes effective organizational strategies to create a unified whole and to aid in comprehension.
effectively clarifies relationships among ideas and concepts to create cohesion.
contains an effective and relevant concluding statement or section.

6. Development In response to the task and the stimuli, the writing:
utilizes well-chosen, relevant, and sufficient evidence from the stimuli to thoroughly and insightfully develop the topic.
thoroughly and accurately explains and elaborates on the evidence provided, demonstrating a clear, insightful understanding of the topic, task, and stimuli.

7. Language
The writing:
illustrates consistent and sophisticated command of precise language and domain-specific vocabulary 2 appropriate to the task.
illustrates sophisticated command of syntactic variety for meaning and reader interest.
utilizes sophisticated and varied transitional words and phrases.
effectively establishes and maintains a formal style and an objective tone.

8. The writing: Conventions
demonstrates consistent and sophisticated command of grade-level conventions of standard written English.
may contain a few minor errors that do not interfere with meaning.

9. Partner Work With a neighbor sitting CLOSE by…
Use the TNReady rubric to score the essay.
Explain WHY you scored each category the way you did.

10. Let’s Discuss
How did you score this essay in the following categories:
Focus and Organization
Development
Language
Conventions
What would you suggest this writer do to improve on his/her next attempt?

11. One more time… for the people in the back!
INDEPENDENT PRACTICE
Use the TNReady rubric to score the essay.
Explain WHY you scored each category the way you did.
TALK TO MRS. THOMAS IF YOU NEED HELP… YOUR NEIGHBOR IS NOT MRS. THOMAS!