Evidence, Elaboration, and Citations
Record an acceptable way of citing textual evidence.
Answers will vary.
(Author, page #)
What is the MAIN purpose of writing a claim/thesis?
To answer the prompt accurately AND completely
Why is it important that writers are using transitional words/phrases when writing?
It helps student writing come across as more sophisticated and helps it to flow better. Use of transition words/phrases are also part of student FSA scores!
If you act out while in the media center, what will happen?
Answers will vary.
Test will be invalidated, phone call made home, and a referral will be written.
How long is your FSA Writing exam?
2 Hours (120 minutes)
What is the MINIMUM amount of textual evidence you should have when you are writing a body paragraph for an argumentative essay.
Students should have a minimum of THREE pieces of evidence...
TWO for your reason.
ONE for your Counterclaim.
What are the three things you need to do when writing a counterclaim?
Reason for other side, evidence for other side, elaboration on why the other side is wrong.
When starting a new paragraph, what is a proper transitional phrase that can be used?
Answers will vary.
Additionally, Furthermore, Moreover, Also, etc.
Plagiarism - Known as copying the text.
How long should students spend planning for their essay?
15-20 minutes. Afterwards, students should begin writing and use all the time given.
Write two sentences of elaboration using imagine for one sentence. Professional sports are too much of a risk to athletes' health because they do not understand the effects it will cause them later down the line. For example, “concussions increase the risk of mental illness like dementia” (Smith, paragraph 3)
Answers will vary.
Imagine having severe headaches everyday, confined to dark, dimly lit rooms, all because you followed your dream. This is an unfortunate reality for many professional athletes who put their bodies on the line every day/night.
all because
What part of your introduction MUST be done properly to ensure your essay is on-topic?
Students must make sure they write a claim/thesis that answers the prompt correctly.
Write down two possible transitions for evidence!
Answers will vary.
According to the text, the text states, etc.
What is the MOST important reason your essay be written using formal language?
Answers will vary.
When writing is written formally, students will be taken more seriously. Students that do not write formally WILL receive a zero.
If you are having trouble elaborating, what should you do?
Answers will vary.
Use an elaborative technique, use personal experience, make elaboration/story up.
What is it called when you put evidence into your own words? Is this an acceptable form of recording evidence?
Write a counterclaim for the following claim + reason. Remember your stem!:
Students must have mandatory gym class because it will help them to grow their self-confidence.
How do you wrap up a Body Paragraph when writing an informative essay (S-Summary)?
Transitional phrase to conclude and rephrase your claim + reason in a different way.
How can you guarantee a zero on your Writing FSA?
Answers will vary.
Not citing evidence, copying text, writing an inappropriate essay, writing an essay that is off topic, or writing too little.
What are the three categories that you are scored on when your FSA Writing exam is being graded?
Purpose, Focus, Organization - Writing is on-task, essay is organized, transitional phrases are used, includes necessary parts.
Evidence and Elaboration - Evidence is cited properly and used to support your thinking and Elaboration explains how evidence supports reasons/claim/thesis.
Conventions - Grammar (Capitalization, Sentence Formation, Spelling)
Use an elaborative technique to elaborate on how the following evidence backs up the supporting reason:
Claim + Reason: Violent video games result in children showing violent behavior in school and elsewhere.
"Two teenagers in Tennessee who shot at passing cars and killed one driver told police they got the idea from playing violent video games" (British Broadcasting, par. 5).
Answers will vary.
Imagine going to Walmart and picking up a copy of one of the most popular game series for your child - Grand Theft Auto. You purchase the game for them at their request - knowing it will make them happy but never realizing the future consequences...
Write a final statement as for the following conclusion paragraph.
Therefore, social media continues to play a dangerous role in the lives of children throughout the United States. Social media is resulting in screen addiction and even in some cases self-harm. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Answers will vary.
If children continue using social media at the same rate, their futures, self-esteem, and overall well-being will be in jeopardy!
Add the transitions to this paragraph!
1. _______________________________________, professional sports are too much of a risk to athletes' health because of the long-term effects of their injuries. 2. __________________________ "about one-third of all players develop chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). (Johnson, 3) _________________________ of their concussions (getting hit in the head too hard), retired players are suffering with memory loss and find it hard to focus as they get older. 4. ___________________________
a child that falls off a bike without a helmet on and has trouble focusing for the rest of their life because of the injury. 5._____________ professional athletes can be negatively affected by the risky sports they play.
Answers will vary.
1. First reason is,
2. The text states,
3. As a result
4. This is similar to
5. In conclusion,
How do MOST of the students receive zeros on the Writing FSA do so?
Most students who receive a zero on the Writing FSA copy text and do not provide enough elaboration.
What is it called when you explain why the other side of the argument's reason and evidence is wrong? Why is it important to do this when writing a counter claim?
It is called the Rebuttal. You need to include it because if you don't, your audience may think you are switching up your argument and arguing for the other side.