1. The of Writing

2. Let’s Practice Our ABC’s:
Write an essay in which you explain the influence of reality T.V. Discuss the impact this form of entertainment has on today’s teenagers. Be sure to use specific details and examples.

3. Attack the Prompt Cross out the words “Write an essay”
Circle any word that asks you to do something
Draw an arrow from each circled word to what it specifically tells you to do
Under the prompt, rewrite and number the circled words. Next to each word, rewrite what the word asks you to do

5. Brainstorm: What can I use to respond to this prompt?
Brainstorm a list of possible ideas/topics (at least 4)
Don’t stop at one idea/topic
Choose the strongest of the those listed
Which one do you know the most about?
Is it relevant to the task?
Does it support your response?
Brainstorm the details for the chosen idea/topic in the order of your rewritten prompt
Refer to your numbered list
Continue this process for each numbered point in your prompt

8. With an elbow partner… Share your brainstorm list
Cross out anything that is similar to that of your elbow partner. Remember, you don’t want to state the obvious
New ideas may pop up in your discussion; that’s fine!!! Just jot them down.

9. Choose the order Revisit your brainstorm lists
Choose the order of your response (organization) and number them in the order you intend to present this information. The prompt may be asking you to do one of the following things:
Show cause and effect
Explain the problem and solution
Compare and contrast

11. Now, Draft a thesis statement based on your ABC’s
Remember the thesis formula:
Topic (reality T.V.) + Opinion (What I think about it) + Why or How (because…)

12. Now, Draft a thesis statement based on your ABC’s
Remember the thesis formula:
Topic (reality T.V.) + Opinion (What I think about it) + Why or How (because…)
Reality TV highly influences and dictates the decisions and actions of teenagers because they are highly impressionable and seek acceptance at this vulnerable age.

13. This may seem like a long process, but…
that is because I walked you through the prewrite process. Once comfortable with the steps, this should take you approximately six (6) minutes or less.
2 minutes for ATTACKING the prompt
2 minutes for BRAINSTORMING
2 minutes for CHOOSING AN ORDER

14. Now you know your ABC’s, next time…
Write an essay in which you identify an thought-provoking universal theme conveyed by a specific piece of literature. Explain how the theme can be applied to a real-world event. Be sure to provide relevant details.

15. Timed Write #1

16. Timed Write #2

17. Timed Write #3

18. Your choice… Choose one of the timed writes to take to a final copy
Draft the essay as you’ve outlined in ABC

19. ABC Detect Errors BEFORE Turning the Draft In
Surface revision
Changing:
A word
A phrase
A sentence
VS.
Deep revision
Changing the:
Focus of the piece
Purpose of the piece
Sequence of the piece
Discourse
Point of view

20. “Pimp My Write”
Surface revision

21. “Pimp My Write”
Deep revision

22. never your final (unless it’s a timed write)
Your 1st drafts are:
never your final (unless it’s a timed write)
Drafts constantly evolve
not supposed to be pretty and error free
This is why we edit (surface) and revise (deep)