1. Warm Up: STAAR Practice Review (10 MINUTES) We’re going to go over the most commonly missed items on your STAAR practice test. Please pick up a copy of “The Spark” packet and… Do numbers 2, 3 & 5 on a piece of scratch paper.

2. Number 2 Ben realized that he left the following detail out of the second paragraph (sentences 3–9). I counted them and realized I was holding more than $200 in cash. Where is the most effective place to insert this sentence? F After sentence 5 G After sentence 6 H After sentence 7 JAfter sentence 8

3. Number 3 The transition from the second paragraph (sentences 3–9) to the third paragraph (sentences 10–15) is weak. Read both paragraphs again. Which sentence could best replace sentence 10 and improve the transition between these two paragraphs? A Suddenly it was obvious that we all had a lot that we needed to talk about. B This stranger had given us cash, something our family had been without for a very long time. C Soon we began talking about what the note had instructed us to do: pay it forward. D We wanted to think of some unusual ways to help others.

4. Number 5 Ben wants to add a closing sentence to reinforce the controlling idea of his paper. Which of the following ideas could best follow sentence 25 and help accomplish this goal? A You just have to be willing to pay it forward. B You don’t have to start the fire; you just have to be a spark. C It doesn’t take money to be a highly effective person. D Hard work always pays off in the end.

5. Persuasive Essay Rough Draft Read the following quotation “Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.” ― Stephen King Think carefully about the following statement. Some people believe that ability and intelligence are what lead to accomplishment, while others believe that it is hard work brings achievement. Write an essay stating your position on which is more important for success: talent or effort. Be sure to — state your position clearly use appropriate organization provide specific support for your argument choose your words carefully edit your writing for grammar, mechanics, and spelling

6. Step One: Brainstorm Both Sides (10 Minutes) Think of reasons for each side. Then think of examples to back up each side. Or… think of your examples and then create your reasons from your examples.

7. PAIR/ SHARE YOUR BRAINSTORM WITH A PARTNER (5 Minutes) Trade papers with a partner. Read over both sides. Highlight for them the best reasons/ examples. Ask your partner… Is this logical? Does it make sense? Will I be able to develop this essay?

8. Step Two: Pick a Side & write a thesis! (5 minutes) Write a thesis that takes a side and has a because statement with your reasons. Make sure it’s ONE concise sentence. ▫For example… ▫Talent is more important for success than effort because you can’t refine skills without some talent and it is the necessary spark for motivation.

9. PAIR/ SHARE YOUR THESIS WITH A PARTNER (5 Minutes) Trade your thesis with a partner. Ask your partner… Does it take a side? Are there clear reasons listed?

10. Step Three: Make an Outline (10 minutes) Your outline should look like this: I.Introduction: One sentence to hook the reader in… A. Thesis II.Reason #1 A. Evidence that supports reason #1 III.Reason #2 A. Evidence that supports reason #2 IV. Conclusion with counterargument

11. Step Four: Write your Essay (30 minutes) Msrolfe.com/staar Write a draft of your essay. Make sure you follow the “robot man” structure, use transitions and use proper spelling/ grammar. USE THE DICTIONARY! THIS IS A MAJOR GRADE.

12. EXIT TICKET: PROOFREAD Proofread your essay. Turn it into the tray.