2.  What does it mean to use “specific evidence”?

3.   “An old well can be the need to make a living because the well is how the family or town around it got water. This water that they got would be used for drinking, growing plants and possibly many other things. This well was essential to the survival of these people because it is how they got everyday needs such as water and food. The well could also be used to get money. As people grew crops, they could then sell them for money, which would mean that this well gives them food, water, and money, which are all essential needs for living.” Question #9

4.   Does the author convince you of his reasoning?  What does the author do well in his answer?

5.   “An old well can be the need to make a living because the well is how the family or town around it got water. This water that they got would be used for drinking, growing plants and possibly many other things. This well was essential to the survival of these people because it is how they got everyday needs such as water and food. The well could also be used to get money. As people grew crops, they could then sell them for money, which would mean that this well gives them food, water, and money, which are all essential needs for living.”

6.   “Painting fits into this culture pattern because it expresses the artist’s feelings and views toward the world in their painting. In their paintings, they share their ideas and thoughts on the world, as well as show what the artists finds to be ideal. Paintings also show what artists feel are problems in society that they feel are worth bringing up. Finally, paintings show self-expression because they convey an author’s state of mind, such as if they’re happy or depressed, which is why I think paintings are a form of self expression.” Question #7

7.   Does the author convince you of his reasoning?  What does the author do well in his answer?

8.   “Painting fits into this culture pattern because it expresses the artist’s feelings and views toward the world in their painting. In their paintings, they share their ideas and thoughts on the world, as well as show what the artists finds to be ideal. Paintings also show what artists feel are problems in society that they feel are worth bringing up. Finally, paintings show self-expression because they convey an author’s state of mind, such as if they’re happy or depressed, which is why I think paintings are a form of self expression.”

9.   If you have a general statement, follow it up with something specific that proves the general statement  The development of modern humans was a complicated and gradual process. 1.5 million years ago, the first hominids- of the Australopithecus family- featured a brain of merely 600 cubic centimeters, and the apelike facial features of a protruding jawline and strong brow bone. Nearly 1.4 million years later, however, saw the arrival of Homo Sapiens. With a brain of nearly 1300 cubic centimeters, homo sapiens observed the world around the, make tools to better survive, and contribute to an emerging sense of culture.  My music choices are eclectic. For example, on my run this morning, my Ipod shuffled through the Backstreet Boys, Drake, Cold War Kids, Destiny’s Child, and Major Lazer. My first concert was Bruce Springsteen; my most recent concert was Hunter Hayes and Sam Hunt. PROVE IT!

10.   Never use the word you’re trying to define in an explanation  “self expression” and “expressing yourself” say the same thing!  Instead, get to “the heart of the matter”---what in the world does expressing yourself really mean??  Always think about the WHY- try to make deeper connections between the facts and their significance Helpful Hints

11.   Try not to repeat yourself in your answer…if you already said it in one sentence, don’t just reword the sentence to add length! A longer answer is not always a better answer  Make every sentence count- each sentence should add another layer to your answer  Never assume your audience will know what you’re talking about. YOU are the more knowledgeable one, trying to explain to someone less knowledgeable  There, their, they’re  Your and you’re  affect=verb; effect= noun Friendly Reminders