1. Do Now: Writing “Chances”

2. Think carefully about this statement
Maya Angelou was the first woman to read at a presidential inauguration. At the inauguration of President Bill Clinton in 1993, she read from her poem “On the Pulse of Morning.” Read this excerpt from the poem: “Lift up your eyes upon The day breaking for you. Give birth again To the dream. Women, children, men… Lifts up your hearts. Each hour holds new chances.”
Think carefully about this statement

3. Your task today:
Write an essay explaining the value of new chances. Your essay should be one page long and include two examples to support your argument

4. Prompt: Write an essay explaining the value of new chances.
For the next two minutes, write one sentence stating the value (or importance) of new chances. This can be your first sentence.
Hint: Use the language of the prompt to write your complete sentence.
Prompt: Write an essay explaining the value of new chances.

5. Take a breath and indent.
Think of a character in a movie, television show, or book who has received a new chance in life.
For the next four minutes, explain how this new chance was valuable or important in this character’s life. Remember to focus on explaining or proving your first statement.

6. Take a breath and indent.
Think of a current or historical event in which someone received a new chance in life.
For the next four minutes, explain how this new chance was valuable or important in this person’s life. Remember to focus on explaining or proving your first statement.

7. Take a breath and indent one more time.
In the next two minutes, end your essay by answering the question “so what?” - show your readers why this essay is important and meaningful.

8. Final Step!
Take three minutes to edit and revise your paper. Follow these steps:
Carefully and slowly re-read what you wrote.
Re-write sentences or add/delete words to make sure your point is clear.
Add transitions at the beginning of your paragraphs (first, for example, in addition)
Check to see that you have used the correct form of there, their, they’re; its, it’s; to, too, two.