DWAYay! Yay! For DWA!

Overview

Why – To Persuade – To “sell” an opinion/idea.

How – Formula – a “pattern” (5-para essay)

Medium (genre) – Essay – Informational

Idea/Prewriting

Brainstorming:1. Put everything down, without judging

it, nothing is a bad idea. (Can disregard ‘bad’ ideas later.)

2. Move quickly. Not a work of art. Don’t worry about handwriting and don’t erase. Messy.

Types of Brainstorming

Webbing – Write declaration in the middle of the page.

(side you’re arguing) Focus on your declaration and spin off ideas

from it. Take these ideas and spin more thought off of

them. Continue until you have filled the entire page.

Types of Brainstorming

Strategies for thinking of reasons for the three middle paragraphs. Convincing reasons for your argument.

T. H. E. M. E. S T: time H: health E: education M: money E: environment S: safety

Effective Evidence

Facts- facts bolster your argument because they can be confirmed or verified.

Expert Opinion- although you can’t use your own opinion as evidence, it is acceptable to use and expert’s. (Must be and expert!)

Statistics- numbers to back up your argument. (census data, polls, surveys, scientific studies, etc.) Be careful with source of statistics. According to some studies, 5 out of 6 people are convinced by statistics!

Effective Evidence Examples- illustrates the point you are

making. They make theories and ideas concrete and understandable.

Anecdotes- stories based on your own experiences or those of people you know, or have even read about.

REMEMBER! EVIDENCE MUST SOUND PLAUSIBLE! (Reasonable, real)

The Rebuttal(Counter-argument)

It is important to mention, and “rebut” opinions from the other side of an issue.

You should tell what the other side thinks and then go on to tell what is wrong with that point of view.

Useful rebuttal tools: “comma but”

Some experts believe that a low-carb diet is healthy, but he American Heart Association still recommends a low-fat diet…”

The Rebuttal(Counter-argument)

Useful rebuttal tools:

Transition words While Although Or Unlike Yet However Unless

*While many people purchase animals at a pet store, it is much more compassionate to adopt from the local humane

society.

Therefore In contrast Or Similarly Because Consequently Sometimes besides In addition On the other hand furthermore

How/When to use WHICH Transition?

To change the line of reasoning (contrast): However On the other hand But Yet Nevertheless On the contrary Unlike Unless

How/When to use WHICH Transition?

For continuing a common line of reasoning: Consequently Clearly, then Furthermore Additionally And In addition Moreover Because Besides that In the same way Also

How/When to use WHICH Transition?

To show time or sequencing:

After Afterwards As soon as At first At last Before Before long finally

First… second… third In the first place In the meantime Later Meanwhile Next Soon Then

How/When to use WHICH Transition?

For opening a paragraph:

Admittedly Assuredly Certainly Granted No doubt Nobody denies

Obviously Of course To be sure True Undoubtedly Unquestionably Generally speaking In general In this situation

Formula Paragraph 1- Introduction

Attention-getter (Hook) Pop Machines Show voice (passion)

State topic Argument

State your opinion firmly Make clear your side/feelings on the

argument

Formula

Paragraph 2 2nd strongest reason and argument

Starts with transition State reason (claim) Explanation (evidence)- use detail,

anecdotes, statistics, real-life experiences, stories, expert opinion, etc.

Whole paragraph is about only ONE reason (claim).

Explanation is logical. Sentences vary in length and beginning.

Formula

Paragraph 3 Weakest argument

Starts with transition State reason (claim) Explanation (evidence)- use detail,

anecdotes, statistics, real-life experiences, stories, expert opinion, etc.

Whole paragraph is about only ONE reason (claim).

Explanation is logical. Sentences vary in length and beginning.

Formula

Paragraph 4 Strongest Argument

Starts with transition State reason (claim) Explanation (evidence)- use detail, anecdotes,

statistics, real-life experiences, stories, expert opinion, etc.

Whole paragraph is about only ONE reason (claim). Explanation is logical. Sentences vary in length and beginning. REBUTTAL (Address counter argument!)

May be done in 2nd or/and 3rd paragraph.

Formula

Remember-

Paragraphs 2, 3, 4 are convincing!

One of the middle paragraphs has a counter-argument and a rebuttal!

Formula

5th paragraph Conclusion

Starts with a transition Restate topic Restate opinion firmly

Restate strongest arguement Call to action

Mention an organization Answer to problem Pose question

Formula

Remember-

Whole essay is writing with passion! (voice)-Show you care about what your writing about.

Whole essay is convincing and easy to understand.

Six Traits Ideas and Content

Don’t Stress the Test!

Tips for successful test-taking Listen carefully to the oral directions.

Then read the directions carefully by yourself and highlight, circle or underline any key words.

Read the question and try answering it before… looking at the possible answer choices.

Even if you think you know the answer, read all of the answer choices carefully before you make a decision. You may find and even better answer.

If you know the answer, make your answer carefully and go to the next question.

Don’t Stress the Test!

Tips for successful test-taking: If you don’t know the answer, highlight, circle or underline key words that can help you determine the correct answer.

Cross out the answer choices… that you know are definitely wrong. Process of elimination.

If you’re still not sure, make a reasonable guess. Ask yourself which is true more often or which answer makes more sense.

Avoid spending too much time… struggling with one question. If you are not sure of an answer, put a check mark beside the question and move on.

Don’t Stress the Test!

Tips for successful test-taking: After you have finished the test, go back and complete the ones with check marks, or that you skipped. Then review the section one final time.

Do not change and answer… unless you are absolutely sure you made a mistake. First instinct is usually a good one!

TESTING 1-2-3 Strategies for taking standardized

tests: Night before-

Go to bed on time! Put a few no. 2 pencils with erasers in your backpack Solve family/friend ‘drama’ problems before taking

test. Talk to parents about any concerns you might have

regarding the test. Morning of-

Start day normally Eat a good (healthy) breakfast. Think of what you will do to relax when you get

home. Think Positive! (seriously!)

TESTING 1-2-3 Strategies for taking

standardized tests: Multiple Choice Questions-

If you do not understand the directions, ask for help.

Read question and ALL answer choices before marking anything.

Do not change answer…unless certain. Answer every question…even if you have

to make and ‘educated guess.’ Process of elimination-

After reading question and ALL answers, eliminate choices you know are incorrect.

TESTING 1-2-3

Strategies for taking standardized tests:

Process of elimination (cont.)- If you can eliminate even two of the

answers, your chances are better. Try not to just guess blindly.

Key words- Watch for absolute words. All, Never, Always, etc.

TESTING 1-2-3 Strategies for taking

standardized tests: Clear? Make sure you understand what is

being asked! Make sure you are responding accurately.

Pace yourself- Don’t spend too much time on any one

question. Do your best, then move on. Answer easiest questions first, but then be

sure to go back to those that you skipped.< Skip, Return, Check>

TESTING 1-2-3

Strategies for taking standardized tests: Reading passages-

Read the questions FIRST. By doing this, you will know what you are looking for as you read. This also help you go faster on the test.

When there are several questions about a reading passage or chart, look for clues in other questions that will help you with those items that you’re unsure of.

TESTING 1-2-3

Strategies for taking standardized tests: Finally-

Remember it's okay not to know everything —unlike class tests, these tests will have some questions designed to challenge the limits of your knowledge at a grade level above your current grade.