1. ABCD’s of Writing Mrs. Weed’s guide to tackling ANY difficult writing assignment

2. A= Attack the Prompt Z Prompt= Writing Assignment Z1. Cross out any unnecessary, background information (roughly the entire 1 st paragraph/section) Z2. Circle all verbs in second section Z3. Draw a line connecting the verb to what the verb is referring. Z4. Create a “Do/This” Chart

3. Attack the prompt cont’d ZExample Prompt (CAHSEE Released Question): ZBy the time students enter High School, they have learned about many moments in history that have influenced our world today. Think about a moment in history you studied and consider its importance. Write a composition in which you discuss a moment in history. Share its importance in today’s world. Be sure to support the moment with details and examples.

4. Step 1- Eliminate extra info ZBy the time students enter High School, they have learned about many moments in history that have influenced our world today. Think about a moment in history you studied and consider its importance. Write a composition in which you discuss a moment in history. Share its importance in today’s world. Be sure to support the moment with details and examples.

5. Step 2: Circle Verbs ZWrite a composition in which you discuss a moment in history. Share its importance in today’s world. Be sure to support the moment with details and examples.

6. Step 3: Connect verbs to Direct objects ZWrite a composition in which you discuss a moment in history. Share its importance in today’s world. Be sure to support the moment with details and examples.

7. Step 4: Make a “Do/This” Chart- Write down each verb in the order that it appears within the prompt Do (Verb) # VerbEx: #1 Discuss This (Direct Object) # What the verb tells you to do #1 Moment in history

8. Brainstorm Possible Answers You can now see that the prompt is asking you to do three things. ZBegin brainstorming in the same order you numbered the prompt when attacking it. Z1.Discuss a moment in history Z2. Share its importance Z3. Support details/examples NOW...start by brainstorming moments in history for one minute

9. Brainstorm Possible Answers B 9/11 Declaration of Independence Iraq War Holocaust WWII

10. Brainstorm Your Answer ZAfter brainstorming for a minute, choose your topic and begin brainstorming the second layer of the prompt (why this event is still important today).

11. Brainstorm Your Answer

12. Brainstorm ZYou are now ready to begin brainstorming your third layer: adding supporting details to illustrate why this event is still important today.

13. Expand Your Brainstorm

14. C: Consider Important Factors Z1. Audience : Who will read this? What type of tone, diction, and format would be most appropriate for this type of reader? Z 2. Type of writing : Am I being asked to write an essay, a narrative, a persuasive paper, or something else? How can I best represent this genre? Z3. Order of response : What will be the most logical way to organize my ideas?

15. D: Draft your composition ZRemember! Writing is a work in progress. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; it’s normal. ZWRITE LEGIBLY ZWrite Darkly ZMake 5 distinct paragraphs- the last of which begins with: “In conclusion”

16. Time to Write! !

17. Done writing? Time to Revise! ZLook for: ZGrammatical Mistakes ZSpelling Errors ZPunctuation Errors ZSmooth transitions ZLogical organization ZSolid point of view ZMessy handwriting etc.