1.  An essay is a group of paragraphs that are written in response to a given topic. The number of paragraphs varies, but a standard essay usually contains five.

2. Writers follow a plan when they write. They take certain steps, which make up the writing process. Following these five steps leads to better writing.  Prewriting  Drafting  Revising PSI PASS  Editing  Publishing

3. SOAP

4.  P = Pull It Pull It- Determining what the prompt is asking us to find out. When you begin writing, the first thing you need to do is determine the SOAP of the prompt!

5.  S ubject What am I supposed to write about?  O ccasion What form is it supposed to be written in ? (essay, letter, article, or story)  A udience Who is my audience? ( teacher, friend, parents, company?)  P urpose What is the purpose of my writing? (To inform, persuade, or describe)

6. SOAPSOAP

7.  In the United States, there are a vast amounts of holidays and traditions celebrated throughout the year. What is your favorite holiday? Explain why in an essay.

8.  S= Halloween is the best holiday.

9.  In the United States, there are a vast amounts of holidays and traditions celebrated throughout the year. What is your favorite holiday? Explain why in an essay.  S= Halloween is the best holiday.  O= Essay

10.  In the United States, there are a vast amounts of holidays and traditions celebrated throughout the year. What is your favorite holiday? Explain why in an essay.  S= Halloween is the best holiday.  O= Essay  A= Teacher

11.  In the United States, there are a vast amounts of holidays and traditions celebrated throughout the year. What is your favorite holiday? Explain why in an essay.  S= Halloween is the best holiday.  O= Essay  A= Teacher  P= To Explain/ Inform