 Since you will not be able to conduct research during the writing SOL, you will have to generate all of the evidence you use in your essay.  Use the chart on the next slide to guide you in what type of evidence should be used based on the prompt you are given.

Classroom Knowledge, historical knowledge, current events, news, etc. Real-world Experiences, observations, life examples, etc. Hypotheticals (“What if” Scenarios: 1 st Person): If I were in this situation I would have… If the 1 st Amendment were removed it would make… Using Evidence in a Scholarly Essay or SOL Writing Prompt Concrete Experience Hypothetical 1 2 3

 Some of us have more life experience and knowledge than others.  For example, some of you may know that Albert Einstein attributed all of his knowledge and success to his musical talents; mainly his skill on the violin…  This would serve as a beautiful piece of evidence for one of your body paragraphs for this prompt.  If you are not as adapt at utilizing historical content, it might be more relevant for you to use some form of knowledge or observation you have attained elsewhere.  For example, some of you may know that it has been proven that listening to classical music while studying encourages retention of information.

 Not everyone has the knowledge or know how to present expert information on every topic.  Use what you know… Determine if you know a lot or a little about the subject presented in the prompt.  If you know a lot, you can probably write 3 body paragraphs about the subject. If you know a little, you should probably choose 3 sub-topics with which to compose your body paragraphs.

 If you are a theatre major, have helped produce plays, or have acted in several school plays, you are considered an expert and can therefore write 3 body paragraphs about the benefits of theatre in response to this prompt.  If you do not know that much about the subject, it is best to separate your body paragraphs into sub-categories. Such as: Body P-graph 1- Benefits of Art Body P-graph 2- Benefits of Music Body P-graph 3- Benefits of Theatre