THE PROMPT A prompt is a set of directions that gives you a writing topic or

assignment that "prompts" or guides you to write.

Here's an example of a writing prompt: Writing Situation:

After years of trying to convince your parents to get you a pet of your very own, your parents have finally agreed. However, they want to make sure that you will behave responsibly with your new pet. Your parents feel that it is important that you make a good choice.

Writing Directions:In a five-paragraph essay, write about the pet you want. Discuss three reasons why this animal would make a good pet for you. Convince your parents that you are making the right choice.

Marking up the prompt means putting marks on the important parts of the writing directions so that you are clear about what you have to do for the assignment.

Circle, underline, make squiggly marks and/or notes in the margin to help your brain focus on what is required in the writing assignment.

School board members have banned music playing devices from schools. Think about the effect of music playing devices in the classroom and the impact on you and your friends. Explain whether or not you believe music devices should be banned from school.

Develop your major points. Explain why music devices should or shouldn’t be

banned from schools. Create three topics! One for each body paragraph

TOPIC #1 TOPIC #2 TOPIC #3

A very basic thesis statement is a single sentence at the end of the first paragraph that tells the reader the main idea of your essay.

A thesis statement should do these three things:

1. It should clearly express what the essay is about.2. It should make a discussible point.3. It should indicate the structure of the essay.

Original Thesis: Many Americans are buying foreign cars.

Revised Thesis: Many Americans are buying the Toyota Corolla because of its competitive price, fuel economy, and high resale value.

The revised thesis statement clearly expresses what the essay is about (the Toyota Corolla.) It gives us a topic than can be discussed (why people are buying the Toyota Corolla.) And it establishes the organizational structure of the essay (three specific reasons for the model's popularity: price, fuel, and value.)

Write about the pet you want. Discuss three reasons why this animal would make a good pet for you. Convince your parents that you are making the right choice.

Thesis Statement #1: A dog would make a great pet for me because they are very loyal, they are easy to train, and they make good companions.

Thesis Statement #2: Because of its sense of loyalty, its ability to be trained, and its good companionship, a dog is the perfect pet for me.

Explain whether or not music devices should or shouldn’t be banned from schools. RESTATE THE PROMPT

__________________________________________ because __________________________________ ___________________________________.TOPIC #1 TOPIC #2 TOPIC #3

For each topic, choose two to four examples, reasons, or facts to support your major points. These will become the supporting details of body paragraphs.

TOPIC #1 TOPIC #2 TOPIC #3

1.2.3.

For example,

1.2.3.

Also,Statistics

1.2.3.

DescriptionsFor instance,

Every essay has three parts: a beginning, a middle, and an end. The beginning is also called the introduction. The introduction has two main purposes: to draw the reader in and make him/her want to read more, and to prepare the reader for the direction that the essay is going to take.

The introduction usually has three parts: 1. The grabber (or lead) consists of several

sentences that pull the reader into the essay.2. The transitional sentence (Truisms- true for most people) connects the lead to the thesis statement.3. The thesis statement is a single sentence that states the controlling idea of the essay.

Body Paragraph 1: Use topic #1 to create a topic sentence. You can only talk about this topic in paragraph #1. Write more sentences with your three ideas (For example) and how they relate to topic#1.

TRANSITIONS: To begin with, or a strong topic sentence

Body Paragraph 2: Use topic #2 to create a topic sentence. You can only talk about this topic in paragraph #2. Write more sentences with your three ideas (also, for instance) and how they relate to topic#2.

TRANSITION (Allusion) In addition to (paragraph 1 topic),

Body Paragraph 3: Use topic #3 to create a topic sentence. You can only talk about this topic in paragraph # 3. Write more sentences listing detailing your three ideas (To illustrate, description, facts) and how they relate to topic#3.

TRANSITION: Besides (topic 1 and topic 2), or Moreover,

Transitions:All things considered, by

and large, briefly, in the end, in any case, in summary, all in all, in short, on the whole, in the long run…

The summary statement is an effective way to start your concluding paragraph because it helps to drive home the ideas you've expressed in your essay.

Look at your thesis statement again and rework it in a new way. Avoid repeating key words and phrases from the thesis statement because you don't want the summary statement to sound boring or repetitive.

Here are some examples of thesis statements and summary statements:

Thesis Statement: Many Americans are buying the Toyota Corolla because of its competitive price, fuel economy, and high resale value.Summary Statement: Reasonable pricing, low miles per gallon, and an attractive resale value have all contributed to the popularity of the Toyota Corolla in today's market.

Thesis Statement: San Francisco is a stimulating place to visit because of its magnificent location, its theaters and art galleries, and its many fine restaurants.

Summary Statement: If you love beautiful surroundings, world class theater and art, and an exquisite meal, then San Francisco is the place for you.

The clincher, also referred to as the closer, is your last opportunity to connect with the reader. One way to make the most of this moment is to return to the technique you used for your grabber.

Complete the anecdote.Make a prediction or

recommendation based on facts or statistics.

Ask a rhetorical question.Use a new quotation or refer to the

opening quote.Thought to ponder

Proofreading your work is essential! Often you will catch silly mistakes by proofreading.

Practicing this process will enable you to become faster and have a good amount of time to proofread!

I promise you will have plenty of practice in my classroom!