Tackling Timed Writings Welcome to second quarter! 

So here’s the deal… Timed writings will be the way I will be assessing you for second quarter. Prepare to have a timed writing every other week based off the readings we discuss in class. At the end of quarter 2 you will be allowed to select your strongest timed writing and turn that into a final paper.

How is this graded? See the rubric for this. You are expected to improve each time you complete a timed writing. Do not expect to get a nine the first time you write. (Pass out rubrics and review)

How do I do this? Use the acronym Understand the Prompt Pick a Side Outline Write a Thesis/Introduction Evidence and Ending Revise

Understand the Prompt. Part 1 Read the prompt. Now re-read it again. Read until you have somewhat of an understanding of what it is saying. Cut out the “fluffy stuff” or items that aren’t needed for the prompt. Seriously. Cross this nonsense out.

Understanding the prompt 3 3.Circle key words that are important/necessary for understanding the prompt. These are usually nouns. 4.Box important verbs that tell you what to do on the prompt. See the next slides.

Words to box and their definitions. Explain: Describe something in details so that it is more clearly understood. Identify: Indicate what a thing is, when and where it occurs. Illustrate: Give one or more examples of the topic, relating each to the topic. Interpret: Explain what something means in your own words. Relate: Show how the topic had an effect of something else and/or the connection(s) between two things. Analyze: Separate something into parts and discuss or examine each part. Describe: Give an account of something by giving details of characteristics, qualities, and parts.

Words to box and their definitions. Continued Summarize: Give a shortened account, including the main points and highlights and connect to the prompt. Compare: show how two things are both alike and different. Evaluate: Give and opinion telling the positive and negative qualities of something. Agree/Disagree: give you opinion about the topic. Express either a positive or a negative opinion and support your opinion.

Understand the prompt. Part 4 5. Rewrite the prompt in your own words. 6. If multiple prompts are present, break down the prompts into subgroups. Determine if you should answer each question individually, or if the questions contain similar themes that should be answered as a group.

Let’s try it. First read and break down the prompt with partner. Then read the story.

Share with partner partner Pick a side Decide what you want to argue. Does the prompt already offer you a claim to defend or refuse? If you are unsure what you want to argue, jotting a quick list of relevant ideas or evidence might help you focus in on a claim. Remember the “right” answer may not always be the easiest to argue. Share with partner

Outline This should take no longer than five minutes. Jot down a list of items you want to cover. Include your thesis statement and supporting evidence (data) you want to use. This should not be pretty. Go fast, don’t erase, and put your ideas on paper.

Let’s outline together Admit it, outlining has never been this fun.

Write a thesis/introduction Write your thesis statement. Don’t write your introduction. If you have enough time you should go back and write a catchy introduction. If you don’t have enough time, no big deal- just make sure you have a thesis. Seriously, a thesis is a big deal. You paper format should basically go like this: Thesis (Add intro. before thesis but after paper is edited and completed if you can) 3 body paragraphs ( at least 10 pieces of data total and at least three warrants to assist with this. We are going to work more with this throughout the year) Conclusion

Write your thesis now.

Evidence and Editing. Your paper needs a strong thesis, but your awesome thesis means very little if you don’t have evidence (data) to support it. As you write look back at your AMAZING outline. This should help you narrow down what evidence you will include. Counterarguments can also count as evidence as long as you refute them well.

Evidence and Ending continued FOR EVERY PIECE OF EVIDENCE YOU INCLUDE ASK YOURSELF: HOW DOES THIS CONNECT TO MY THESIS? HOW IS THIS CENTRAL TO MY CLAIM? WHAT DOES THIS EVIDENCE TELL MY AUDIENCE ABOUT MY TOPIC. If you can’t answer these questions, then you probably picked a poor piece of evidence or you need to reevaluate your warrants.

Evidence and ending continued Once you have finished your minimal three body paragraphs you need to conclude. The best way to do this is called glossing. Glossing is when I go back through all my body paragraphs and summarize the main warrants I have in each paragraph. Then, in my conclusion, I summarize all these important points and finish my paper. Oh and then I breathe because by this point my brain is exhausted in a cool English way.

Now, write your essay But, don’t worry I do understand this is a timed writing. It’s not going to be perfect.

Oh and by the way. You technically have an hour. But I am giving you 50 minutes for this.

Revise When you are finished: Reread your initial thesis statement. Sometimes your main ideas change as you write. If this is the case change your thesis to reflect these ideas Look for minor spelling and grammar mistakes. Fix these. Look for awkward sentences Note: There is no time to erase at this point. Cross it off, make an arrow, add a ^. Look over your essay a final time. If there is time tweak as needed.

And you’re done

Yep. It will be easy…if you review. Quiz on notes next time Yep. It will be easy…if you review.

For homework Complete a timed writing on the second prompt. By yourself. Set a timer. I won’t be able to check that you used time limits, but it will be good practice for you because next time this will be for real.