How do you figure out what you’re supposed to say about the subject when you write an essay?

1. How do you figure out what you’re supposed to say about the subject when you write an essay?

2. In this lesson you will learn how to identify the purpose of an essay by using the action verbs and the subject in a prompt.

3. You are specifically looking for information that tells you the subject, audience, and purpose of your essay.

4. Remember… Subject-the topic that you are writing about Audience-the person or group you are writing to Purpose-what you are going to say about the subject

5. Put a box around any of the words in • the prompt that tell you what type of • writing you’re going to do. 1 2 • Begin your purpose statement with this • verb. Include any words that are directly • connected to this verb. 3 • Complete your purpose statement by • adding your subject to it.

6. Look for words like… 1 Explain Describe Critique Analyze Justify

7. 1 Your  principal  has  asked  for  student  feedback  about   the  school  rules.  Think  of  a  rule  that  you  believe  could   be  changed  or  improved.  Write  a  letter  to  your   principal  explaining  why  this  rule  should  be  changed;  make  sure  to  support  your  stance  with  convincing   reasons  and  evidence.

8. Include any words from the prompt that are connected to this verb • Why • How 2 Explain Explain why A rule that should be changed My principal Ms. Jones The uniform policy

9. 3 Explain why A rule that should be changed My principal the uniform policy should change. Specific Subject: Goes just after the verb General Subject: Makes it a complete thought Ms. Jones The uniform policy

10. Put a box around any of the words in • the prompt that tell you what type of • writing you’re going to do. 1 • Begin your purpose statement with this • verb. Include any words that are directly • connected to this verb. 2 3 Complete your purpose statement by adding your subject to it.

11. In this lesson you have learned how to identify the purpose of your essay by using the action verbs and subject in a prompt.

12. On the next slide you will see a prompt. Use the analysis skills you have learned in order to identify the subject, audience, and purpose for the essay.

13. Some schools have started having an extended school year, and others are considering it as well. Think about the effects that an extended school year would have on a student. Write an essay that describes these effects; make sure to use evidence to support your response.

14. On the next slide is the correct answer for the previous prompt. Compare that answer with your analysis. If it doesn’t look the same, make a note of where you got confused. Then, trade papers with a partner and compare their analysis to the exemplar. If they don’t look the same, make a note of where he or she got confused. When you’re done, quietly discuss your findings.

15. The effects Describe the effects of an extended school year. General Public An extended school year

16. I added in some instructions here, feel free to flesh out. • Using the prompt below, complete your own SAP chart. Most people have read the studies that show that junk food is harmful to your body, and yet, they continue to eat a lot of it. Think about the reasons a person might choose to eat junk food. Write an essay that explains why a person might make this choice; make sure to include evidence to support your argument.