1. Five Steps To Successful Writing!

2. There are five steps to writing a high scoring essay. STEP ONE - Understanding the Prompt The first step in taking a writing test will be reading and understanding the prompt. Make sure you understand the prompt; understand exactly what you are to write about. If you do not understand the prompt you could write off topic and you would receive a low score no matter how well you write.

3. Determine whether the prompt is asking you to write an expository or persuasive essay. The key word for an expository essay is EXPLAIN. The key words for a persuasive essay are CONVINCE or PERSUADE. Understanding The Prompt:

4. If you are writing an expository essay you will be looking for reasons. Remember to use word pictures or examples to support your reasons. This is a great opportunity to use vivid language and strong verbs. If you are writing a persuasive essay you are looking for arguments. Remember to use a strong voice arguing your side of the issue. Use persuasive word choices as well as transitions. Determine the key words from the prompt that you will use throughout your essay to let the reader know you are on topic, especially in the introduction.

5. Understanding the Prompt - Sample Writing Situation: Most children have a favorite toy. Directions for Writing: Before you begin writing, think about your favorite childhood toy. Now write to explain why this childhood toy was your favorite. First determine if the prompt is expository or persuasive. What words will help you decide? Next, make sure you read the prompt again very carefully and decide exactly what the topic is and what you are to write about specifically. Finally, determine the key word or words that you will need to repeat throughout your paper, especially in the introduction, so the reader knows you are on topic.

6. Planning "The Happy Alien" The most important thing to do after you understand the prompt is planning how you will construct your essay. With a good strong thesis, the paper will be easy to write. Make sure all three parts of the thesis are strong enough for effective elaboration. Remember to use verbs in each part of your thesis statement. It is a good idea to spend several minutes planning since the strength of the paper will be a result of your planning effort.

7. Thesis Statement: _______________________________________ _______________________________________________________ Happy Alien

8. Reason – use verbs! Thesis Statement: _______________________________________ _______________________________________________________ Reason – use verbs! Reason – use verbs! Write thesis statement here, using verbs and three reasons. Topic

9. Favorite Toy – G.I.Joe change his clothes pretend that we were in the desert or jungle. His body withstood any punishment. Thesis Statement: G.I. Joe was my favorite toy when I was younger because I could make him any kind of military man by simply changing his clothes, I could pretend that we were in hot jungles or dry deserts, and his body withstood any punishment I could dish out. Planning Sample: Prompt: Explain what toy was your favorite and why.

10. Introduction The introduction is very important because the reader or scorer will probably form an opinion of your paper within the first few minutes. It is vital that you have an attention-getting introduction so the reader knows they have a good writer right away. The introduction must grab their attention but not wander away from the topic. Make sure you mention the prompt within the first three to four sentences.

11. The Body of the Essay (Paragraphs two, three, and four) Each of these paragraphs should... begin with a transition. be about one specific part of the thesis. show effective elaboration. end with a concluding sentence.

12. Copyright 2002 Linda Dampier The Conclusion The conclusion is the last chance to convince the reader that your paper is a high scorer. If your paper has been strong all the way to the conclusion, it is vital to keep it strong through the conclusion to maintain a high score. If your paper has been weak in any areas, the conclusion is your chance to raise the score.

13. In a persuasive essay the conclusion gives you a chance to summarize your arguments and make a final persuasive intent to the reader. In an expository essay it is a chance to make the reader think about your topic. Make sure you leave the reader with something to think about by giving a "gift" to them in the conclusion. Use a quote, a thought provoking question, or an inspirational statement.