First Best Draft Writing Tips

English 9 Honors

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”

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

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 (atleast 2

divisions)

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.

Conclusion

Restate thesis (not word for word) Include some kind of lesson that can

be learned from the topic

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 Avoid passive voice; use vivid action verbs! 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

Review Poetry Prompt

In the story “A Christmas Memory” Truman Capote uses several literary techniques to develop the setting. Choose two of the following techniques and discuss how these devices contribute to Capote’s setting: Imagery Mood Tone

How to Attack… First: Describe the setting of “A Christmas

Memory” (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: Truman Capote develops the classic 1930’s

setting of Christmas time in the American South in “A Christmas Memory” by incorporating striking imagery and eliciting a warm and cozy mood.

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).

RELAX!!!!! YOU CAN DO IT

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.