Category 1: Structural Blueprint (Organization)
Every informational essay should start with a.....
hook/grab the readers attention
When you use a direct quote from a text, you must put these punctuation marks around the words.
(Answer: Quotation Marks)
After you give a quote, you have to "Explain it." What does it mean to explain your evidence?
(Answer: Telling the reader HOW the quote proves your thesis/point.)
This is the most important sentence in your introduction; it tells the reader exactly what your essay will prove.
Thesis Statement (Pitch Fork)
This term refers to "tagging" the author or source so the reader knows where the information came from.
(Answer: Citation/Attribution)
This is the "Professional Voice" we use in school writing. It means you NEVER use words like "I," "me," or "you."
(Answer: Formal/Objective Tone)
These are words or phrases like "Furthermore," "In addition," and "Conversely" that help your ideas flow.
Transitions
True or False: You should always copy and paste an entire paragraph from the source into your essay.
(Answer: False—use only the most relevant part or paraphrase)
What is the first thing you should do when you receive a writing prompt?
(Answer: Deconstruct the prompt to identify the specific task and topic)
When reading a prompt, which two things must you identify to ensure you stay on track before writing?
The purpose + the topic
State how to start a "lead-in" for a quote from Source 1 that introduces a specific statistic or fact."
(Answer: According to Source 1, "..." or The author of Source 1 states that "...")
What is the very first thing you should do when you sit down to take the writing test?
Read and mark up the PROMPT so you know what to do.
What are the four main parts of a standard informational BODY paragraph?
Topic Sentence, Evidence, paraphrased evidence and Elaboration/Analysis
What is the difference between "Direct Quote" and "Paraphrasing"?
(Answer: A direct quote is word-for-word; paraphrasing is putting the author's ideas into your own words)
If a prompt asks you to "Explain the benefits of exercise," what is the Topic and what is the Task?
Topic = Exercise; Task = Explain the benefits.