First Best Draft Writing Tips

1. English 9 Honors First Best Draft Writing Tips

2. Tips for Reading the Prompt • Read the prompt carefully • Decide what it is asking you to do • Be sure to address ALL parameters of the prompt • Common prompt words: • DEFEND - argument “for” • REFUTE - argument “against” • QUALIFY – shows both sides of the argument; “common ground”

3. Thesis Creation • If the prompt asks you DEFEND, REFUTE or QUALIFY, choose one and create your thesis • Be sure your thesis includes topic, direction and at least two divisions • The thesis should be complex, as it is supposed to express complex ideas. • Be sure that it comes at the end of your Intro paragraph

4. The Introduction • Begin with an effective sentence that grabs the reader’s attention. • Do NOT merely repeat the prompt • Utilize the Broad to Narrow technique • End with complex thesis (topic, direction and atleast 2 divisions)

5. Body Paragraphs • Be sure to include appropriate topic sentences developed from the thesis • Don’t summarize…analyze! • Include evidence to support your ideas • Remember Writer’s Control; do not let the evidence write your essay • Be sure to conclude your paragraphs • Skillfully incorporate text into your existing sentences—don’t just plop them in

6. Conclusion • Restate thesis (not word for word) • Include some kind of lesson that can be learned from the topic/apply thematic connection

7. Style and Conventions • Avoid 1st and 2nd person (I and you); these will result in a grade no higher than a 6 • Vary your sentence structure; need simple, compound and complex structures • Use transitions between thoughts • Do not start a sentence with, “This is…” (weak style) • Use punctuation properly (commas, semicolons, etc.) • Agreement: Everyone brings his/her notebook A person needs his/her ID for school

8. ReviewPrompt • In the poem “The Girl Who Loved the Sky” Anita Endrezze uses several literary techniques to portray her feelings. Choose three of the following techniques and discuss how these devices contribute to Endrezze’sview of the girl who loved the sky: • Imagery • Figurative Language • Tone • Mood • Rhyme

9. How to Attack… • First: decide what the author’s view is of the girl who loved the sky (this will be the topic of your thesis) • Next: decide which devices you want to work with as divisions, then create a complex thesis. • Sample thesis statement: • Endrezze defines her admiration for the courageous yet delicate young girl who loves the sky through her perceptive incorporation of imagery, figurative language and tone.

10. Remember to pace yourselves… • Your thesis should be written within the first 10 minutes of allotted time to be sure to complete essay by the end of period. • Decide which lines you intend to use as evidence (MUST USE TEXTUAL SUPPORT). *All textual support should link back to your topic choice! RELAX!!!!! YOU CAN DO IT

11. Practice scoring prompts • Exchange papers with your partner and peer review each other’s essays. • Score your partner’s essay using the 9 point scale. Give reasons for the score. • Remember…you are grading for content and style, not so much for conventions.