1. Yay! Yay! For DWA!
DWA

2. Overview Why – To Persuade – To “sell” an opinion/idea.
How – Formula – a “pattern” (5-para essay)
Medium (genre) – Essay – Informational

3. Idea/Prewriting Brainstorming:
Put everything down, without judging it, nothing is a bad idea. (Can disregard ‘bad’ ideas later.)
Move quickly. Not a work of art. Don’t worry about handwriting and don’t erase. Messy.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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!

7. 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)

8. 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…”

9. The Rebuttal (Counter-argument)
Useful rebuttal tools:
Therefore
In contrast
Transition words
While
Similarly
Although
Because Or
Consequently
Unlike
Sometimes
Yet
besides
However
In addition
Unless
On the other hand
furthermore
*While many people purchase animals at a pet store, it is much more compassionate to adopt from the local humane society.

10. 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

11. 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

12. How/When to use WHICH Transition?
To show time or sequencing:
First… second… third
In the first place
After
In the meantime
Afterwards
Later
As soon as
Meanwhile
At first
Next
At last
Soon
Before
Then
Before long
finally

13. How/When to use WHICH Transition?
For opening a paragraph:
Obviously
Of course
To be sure
Admittedly
True
Assuredly
Undoubtedly
Certainly
Unquestionably
Granted
Generally speaking
No doubt
In general
Nobody denies
In this situation

14. Formula Paragraph 1- Introduction Attention-getter (Hook) State topic
Pop Machines
Show voice (passion)
State topic
Argument
State your opinion firmly
Make clear your side/feelings on the argument

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. Formula
Remember- Paragraphs 2, 3, 4 are convincing! One of the middle paragraphs has a counter- argument and a rebuttal!

19. 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

20. 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.

21. Six Traits
Ideas and Content

22. 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.

23. 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.

24. 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!

25. 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!)

26. 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.

27. 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.

28. 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>

29. 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.

30. 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.