1. Writing Workshop

2. Expository Essay Purpose Elements Facts
To explain a topic in an organized, straightforward manner
Elements
4 paragraphs (introduction, body paragraph 1, body paragraph 2, and conclusion)
Facts
Expository essays will be on your English I STAAR test
Each essay has 26 lines
They are scored on a 1-4 scale, 1 being the lowest and 4 being the highest
NEVER use second person (you, you’re, yourself)

3. Short Answer Response Purpose Elements Facts
To answer a question in a constructed response that is usually limited to one or two pieces of text
Elements
Thesis, text evidence, explanation/analysis, concluding (or “So What”) statement
Facts
SARs will be on your English I STAAR test
There are two types of SARs: connecting and single
An SAR has 10 lines

4. Hook Purpose Hook writing resources Examples Facts
A hook serves to grab a reader’s attention and let him/her decide whether to continue reading or not.
Hook writing resources
Quotes, anecdote (amusing story), startling facts, a definition
Examples
QUOTE: General Patton once said, “If a man does his best, what else is there?”
ANECDOTE: There was nothing more isolating than being alone in a foreign country, with no cell phone, no money, and no ability to speak the language.
FACT: China is going to spend $850 billion to clean up its water supply over the next decade.
Facts
A hook is 1-2 sentences
It is the very first sentence of your essay

5. Thesis Statement Purpose
A thesis statement states your point of view over a topic. It is the heartbeat of your paper and what all of your ideas are revolved around.
Elements
Topic + Opinion + Why
Facts
ALL papers must have a thesis statement
Thesis statements belong in the last sentence of your introduction paragraph

6. Topic Sentence Purpose
States a point the writer wishes to make about the subject. It serves as the main idea of a body paragraph.
Facts
The topic sentence should NOT be too general or too specific.
Topic sentences state the main point/purpose rather than focus on just one detail

7. Transitions
Purpose
Transitions are words or phrases used to connect one idea to the next within an essay and/or paragraph.
Examples
Furthermore, in addition, on the other hand, in fact, alternatively, similarly, however, above all, on the other hand, in summation, all in all
Do NOT
Use the transitions “first,” “second,” “third,” “last” – these are elementary transitions. Be more creative!

8. Evidence Essay evidence Short Answer Response evidence Purpose Facts
Providing evidence provides concrete examples to validate your point of view.
Facts
Evidence is mandatory for all essays and short answer responses.
A paper based on hypothetical situations is a weak paper. Facts strengthen any point and/or argument.
Essay evidence
Pull from your own background knowledge using a current event, novel, historical event, song lyrics, poetry, etc.
Examples  September 11th, a Bible story, the riots in Baltimore, Anne Frank, Michael Jordan, MLK
Short Answer Response evidence
Pull a quote from the story or article you are reading and blend it in a sentence.
Correct  My English teacher always tells me to “blend text evidence” right in the middle of my sentences in order to “get a good grade.”
Incorrect  “Blend text evidence in order to get a good grade.” That’s what my teacher always tells me.

9. “So What” Statement Purpose Facts
The “so what” statement explains the importance of your point of view by connecting your ideas to a bigger picture.
Facts
An essay “so what” statement can challenge the reader or allow them to look to the future.
A short answer response “so what” statement acknowledges the author’s purpose.

10. Conclusion Purpose Elements of a conclusion
Conclusions stress the importance of the thesis statement and leaves a final impression on the reader.
Elements of a conclusion
Start specific by relating (not restating) back to your thesis statement.
End with a broad “so what” statement that will give your reader something to think about – think globally!