1. Writing Tips!! http://my.hrw.com/nsmedia/intgos/html/igo.htm

2. How do I attack it? Personalize the prompt! Your paragraphs should go from general to specific, but brainstorm from specific to general.

3. Prompt: Writing Situation: Many public schools systems across the country require students to wear uniforms. Some educators believe that wearing uniforms will help students concentrate more on their school work. On the other hand, some students argue that having to wear uniforms prevents them from expressing their individuality. Your principal is considering uniforms for your school. Writing Directions: Write a letter to your principal expressing your view on school uniforms. Provide convincing reasons and specific examples to support your position. 1.Copy important background information 2.Copy the opposing views. 3.Copy the form your essay should take. 4.Copy the word(s) that make this persuasive.

4. REMEMBER: Introduction **Use some of the information in the situation in your introduction. **Form your opinion (that is your thesis statement). **Give three strong reasons in your introduction to support your thesis (opinion)

5. Introduction: Background information. What is your opinion? This should be your thesis statement. Don’t begin with “I think” or “In my opinion” or “I’m writing this paper to tell you” or “I’m going to write about” or “I’m going to tell you”!!!! KISS (keep it simple st—id) Good examples of thesis statement: Dear Dr. Bitterman, Students should not wear uniforms! Students should not be repressed. Students need to stand up and protest uniforms. OR Students should all wear uniforms. All students should be required to wear uniforms. Pupils in any school should be required to don uniforms daily.

6. Conclusions Posing questions Counter Argument (student example) Campaign advertisements should help us understand the candidate's qualifications and positions on the issues. Instead, most tell us what a boob or knave the opposing candidate is, or they present general images of the candidate as a family person or God-fearing American. Do such advertisements contribute to creating an informed electorate or a people who choose political leaders the same way they choose soft drinks and soap? As I have stated, Dr. Bitterman, there are so many good reasons for not having school uniforms. I’m aware that there are politicians and principals who argue that uniforms help keep students focused on their school work. But, students who are going to be distractions are going to be distracting no matter how they are dressed. Some might say that uniforms put all students on a level economic playing field. But, in reality students know who the “have’s” and the “have not’s” are. Uniforms are basically a bad idea. I think you should share the same opinion.

7. Challenging the reader (call to action) Looking to the future (cause/effect) Though serving on a jury is not only a civic responsibility but also an interesting experience, many people still view jury duty as a chore that interrupts their jobs and the routine of their daily lives. However, juries are part of America's attempt to be a free and just society. Thus, jury duty challenges us to be interested and responsible citizens.. Without well-qualified teachers, schools are little more than buildings and equipment. If higher-paying careers continue to attract the best and the brightest students, there will not only be a shortage of teachers, but the teachers available may not have the best qualifications. Our youth will suffer. And when youth suffers, the future suffers.

8. Practice writing an introduction and conclusion for each of the following prompts. WRITING SITUATION: The Board of Education has decided to extend the school day for one hour because the State of Georgia has increased the number of subjects students must know about. Do you agree or disagree with making the school day longer? WRITING INSTRUCTIONS: Write an essay to the principal, and explain your answer and proving good reasons, specifics and details for your opinion.

9. WRITING SITUATION: A leading doctor has published a research paper which claims that all students should be in bed by 8:00 p.m. in order for them to learn well in school. She suggests that all televisions should be off and all lights turned out by 8:00 p.m. so that students get a full night's rest. Your parents are considering doing what the doctor suggests. WRITING INSTRUCITONS: Write a letter for your parents and explain your position.