Utilizing the writing process and the four-square to create structured and detailed essays. Sample essay and persuasive prompts provided by the VDOE.

1. Prewrite – plan your writing 2. Draft – create a full draft of your essay 3. Revise – check and correct the content of your essay 4. Proofread – check and correct your grammar and mechanics 5. Publish – finalize and turn in your paper

 The prompt is the topic you are given to write about.  Ex: Because of safety concerns, many states have increased the age at which teens can begin to drive. Your state legislature is considering raising the minimum driving age from 16 to 18. Do you think the minimum driving age should be raised? Take a position on this issue. Support your response with reasons and specific examples.

 Paragraph 1  This paragraph should first and foremost grab the readers attention and provide any necessary background information.  Then it should provide a thesis statement, which should directly address the prompt and tell what you will write about.  Then you should briefly, but clearly, state the three topics you will write about in the body paragraphs.

 Let's be honest, teenage accident rates and mortality rates have increased dramatically over the years. No matter how much they try, parents and law enforcers cannot protect teens all the time, especially from themselves. As a result, the legislature has proposed an increased driving age from sixteen to eighteen to try to alleviate these issues. I believe increasing the minimum driving age will help protect our citizens by better preparing drivers, increasing safety for motorists, and setting a higher level of maturity on the road.

 1. If you could be any animal in the world, what would you be?  2. If you could travel anywhere in the world tonight, where is the one place you would choose to go?  3. Who is your hero? Why?  *Tip: Reuse the words in the question to help you write your thesis.

 It has been said that a positive attitude is the key to success in life. Do you agree or disagree with this statement about the importance of attitude? Take a position on this issue. Support your response with reasons and specific examples.  It has been said that first impressions are almost impossible to change. Based on your experiences, do you agree or disagree with this statement? Take a position on this issue. Support your response with reasons and specific examples.

 Paragraphs 2,3,4  These paragraphs should each address their own individual topic.  Each body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence which will tell what the whole paragraph is about.  Each paragraph should contain interesting details and examples about the topic being addressed.

 Although it may seem cruel to teens, raising the minimum driving age will allow drivers to become better prepared. In school drivers education classes are wonderful, but I do not believe it should just be crammed into one semester. By exposing teens to drivers education classes from the age of fifteen to eighteen, they will retain more of the information. For example, a student that as skimmed by in drivers education for one semester may encounter an unfamiliar road sign or may not pay attention to posted road aids, which can result in a fatal crash. On the other hand, a student who has been familiarized with different road signs and their meanings over several years will be more likely to be ready to follow their specific instructions.

 Increased safety is another major concern that can be addressed with an increased minimum driving age. The older teens become the more they realize that they are not going to live forever. A younger driver is more likely to take risks that endanger, not only their own life, but the lives of their passengers. Whereas an older driver will understand and appreciate life more and not risk the emotional, physical, and legal ramifications of a reckless accident. A younger driver just does not understand how precious life is; they can hurt or kill someone else.

 Most importantly, increasing the minimum driving age will ensure more maturity on the road. It is undeniable that an eighteen year old is much more mature than a sixteen year old. Therefore, the older driver will be ready to handle any situation that could happen while driving. For example, if a sixteen year old driver was in a minor accident, first, they would overreact and it would take time for the police officer to calm them down. Secondly, if the officer did not call the driver's parents, the teen is likely to lie about the situation to prevent being in trouble. However, an older driver in the same scenario would remain calm and be responsible about the accident. They would tell the truth to their parents, knowing that honesty really is the best policy.

 Paragraph 5  Should restate the thesis, and review the three main points of the essay.  State any closing thoughts to bring the paper to an end.  Offer a solution or make a call to action.

 There is no disputing that safety on the roads needs to be a priority. Our young citizens are hurting and killing themselves on the road. I support our legislatures consideration of an increased driving age. I truly believe that it would allow drivers to be better prepared, increase motorists' safety, and set a higher maturity level on the road. We have to try to protect the future of America, even if it is from themselves.

 Listen to instructions.  Directly address the topic you are given and do not get off topic.  Do not straddle the fence. Pick a side.  Follow the 5 paragraph format.  Make sure your introductory and closing paragraphs include the required information.  Equally develop all paragraphs.  Use the writing process.  Use spell check.

 Utilize persuasive techniques.  Address and refute the counterclaim.  Offer a solution or make a call to action.  Utilize transitional words and phrases.  Utilize strong vocabulary.  Thoroughly edit your paper.

Topic Sentence 1Topic Sentence 2 Topic Sentence 3Closing Thesis: Main Idea

Topic Sentence 1Topic Sentence 2 Topic Sentence 3Closing Thesis: Main Idea Point 1 Point 2 Point 3 Point 1 Point 2 Point 3 Point 1 Point 2 Point 3 Any closing thoughts Feelings about the topic Para. 2 Para. 1 Para. 5Para. 4 Para. 3

 The introductory paragraph should begin with a hook, a way to grab the reader’s attention.  Once the reader is hooked, you should clearly state your thesis, located in the middle of your four square, and then make a statement about each of the three topics you are going to cover in your paper, located at the tops of the first three boxes.

 The basic information for your body paragraphs is already in your four square.  The top left box is your first body paragraph, the top right box is your second body paragraph, and the bottom left box is your third body paragraph.  Make sure elaborate on what you have in your four square, giving your reader important details, images, and examples.  Remember each body paragraph has its own specific topic. DO NOT stray from that topic.

 The points for the last paragraph of your paper are located in the bottom right box.  Remember, the last paragraph of your paper has to restate your thesis and summarize your three points in a new way.  It should also express any final thoughts or feelings about the topic.