1. Plan the work, work the plan
The Issue Essay
Plan the work, work the plan

2. How response is evaluated:
How well you –
Respond to specific directions given
Reflect on complexities of the issue
Organize and develop thoughts
Support reasoning with relevant examples
Express yourself using standard written English

3. Tried and True Method Step 1: Take the issue/argument apart
Step 2: Select points you will make
Step 3: Organize, using template if you choose
Step 4: Type essay
Step 5: Proofread essay

4. Step 1
Read Issue prompt and consider both sides of that issue. Using scrap paper, restate the issue in your own words.
Consider the ‘other side’ of the issue and put that into your own words too.

5. Step 2
After considering both sides of the issue, think of reasons and examples for both and decide which side you will support; or decide the extent to which you agree with the stated position.
The side you choose is not important-it’s how you defend your choice that counts!

6. Step 3
Organize thoughts by outlining what you want to say so you can focus on expressing ideas clearly.

7. Sample essay template
Intro: restate prompt in your own words, state agree/disagree, give preview of points to make
2/3 middle paragraphs: give points of agree/dis and provide support, evidence. Lead with best argument! Think of flow as a whole
Conclude: sum up position on the issue again and wrap it up

8. Step 4 Type your essay Don’t type until steps 1-3 are complete
Start out and conclude with strong statements
Link related ideas with transitions
Save time and energy by planning essay before typing it

9. Step 5 Proofread your work:
Look for errors easily fixed: caps, paragraph divisions, double-typed words, general mis-spellings, small grammatical errors

10. Pacing Strategy 30 minutes per writing task Step 1: 2 mins

11. What are they looking for?
Content
Critical Thinking
Organization
Writing Mechanics

12. What the heck do these scores mean?
6- insightful analysis and superior language
5-generally thoughtful analysis, focused, organized
4-competent analysis, reasonable clarity
3-limited analysis or weak organization
2-lack of analysis/organization/language problems
1-confusing or irrelevant content
See p 37, 38 for specifics

13. Sample Issue Prompt
Educational institutions have a responsibility to dissuade students from pursuing fields of study in which they are unlikely to succeed.
Develop a response to the claim in which you discuss whether or not you agree with it. Focus specifically on the most powerful or compelling examples that could be used to support your position.