1. It’s Time to Write!!! There have been several changes in writing this year from last year, and today we are going to talk about those changes!! 6.2 I can write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic.

2. Last year... You read two non-fiction texts and wrote an essay (narrative, expository or persuasive) using evidence from both the texts in your essays.

3. This year brings new things!! You will TYPE two essays this year in February, in a set time period, just like the 8 th graders ( that time period has not been established yet). The texts will be Science or Social Studies based. The first essay will be an analytical summary of the text. The second essay will cover information from all texts. The essays will be informational/explanatory and argument essays. What does information/explanatory mean to you? What does argument mean to you?

4. Unpacking the Prompt 1.Take a LOOK at the prompt. After you have read, determine one central idea from the text and write an essay that both summarizes and analyzes how that central idea is conveyed through particular details. Cite evidence from the text to support your analysis. Follow the conventions of standard written English. Write your essay in the space provided on the next pages. 2.Circle words that are unfamiliar to you. 3.Underline words that you think are VERY important in order to understand the prompt. 4.Lets talk about these words and their meaning!!

5. Sample Prompt 1 st essay Please read “Stonehenge” by Marjorie Frank. In this text, the author develops several central ideas. After you have read, determine one central idea from the text and write an essay that both summarizes and analyzes how that central idea is conveyed through particular details. Cite evidence from the text to support your analysis. Follow the conventions of standard written English. Write your essay in the space provided on the next pages.

6. Sample Prompt- Essay 2 Please read “Stonehenge” by John Hudson Tiner. You have now read two texts about Stonehenge. Write an argument essay about which of the two authors best uses reasons and evidence to support ideas about the mystery of Stonehenge. Be sure to develop your point of view with reasons that are supported by facts and details from both texts. Follow the conventions of standard written English. Write your essay in the space provided on the next pages.

7. Summarizing 1.Find the topic. 2.Decide what the writer wants you to know about the topic. 3.Consider the author’s purpose or perspective on the topic. 4.Express this idea in your own words.

8. Glue your reading/ writing vocabulary sheet in your composition book. As we list words, write the word on the blank and the appropriate definition. Reading/Writing Vocabulary