Show:
FSA Steps
Miscellaneous
Prompt Types
Body Paragraphs
Introduction/Conclusion
100

What question is the following prompt "asking" you? (turn the prompt into a question) 

Write an explanatory essay to inform fellow citizens about the advantages of limiting car usage.

What are the advantages of limiting car usage? 
100
This is how you grammatically signal the beginning of a new paragraph when you are typing.
An indent made with the tab button or by hitting the space bar three times. 
100
What type of prompt is this? 


Write an explanatory essay to inform fellow citizens about the advantages of limiting car usage.

What is informative?
100
What is the first sentence of each body paragraph that reveals the subject of that paragraph.
Topic Sentence


 Remember: this should contain one of the subtopics mentioned in your controlling idea/thesis statement.*

*Unless it's a counterclaim paragraph. 

100
This is always the last sentence in your introduction.
Controlling Idea or Thesis Statement 


It's so important because it's like a map to the rest of your essay!

200
What's the first step you should take during the FSA writing exam?

Read the prompt and determine if it is argumentative or informative essay, and then turn the prompt into a question. 

200
You have this much time to read the prompt, read the sources, plan your essay, and write your essay.
What is 120 minutes?
200
These types of essays provide an analysis supported by evidence from a set of passages (sources).
Informative AND argumentative?
200
What phrases help link multiple pieces of evidence in the same paragraph?
Transitions.
200

This shape helps describe an introductory paragraph because it should start off broad, introducing basic information related to the general topic of your essay, and becomes more specific as it leads to your controlling idea. 


An upside down triangle. 
300

Step two of the FSA writing is...?

Read through the sources and begin highlighting evidence that helps answer your prompt. 

300
All FSA Writing citations should include what inside the parenthesis?
The source, followed by a period.


Example: According to a recent study "vehicle accidents among teens have increased by 6% since 2011, despite stricter laws for obtaining permits" (Source 2).  

300

Unlike informative essays, argumentative essays must include this element. 

Include the counter-claim?

Counter claims should address the alternative argument to your claim, however it should not be introduced in your introductory paragraph. Instead introduce the idea after you've presented the best information and evidence to support your argument.

300
After the topic sentence, you should include this to support your claim.
Evidence!


In the form of direct quotes from the text  or paraphrasing quotes into your own words. 

300

What is wrong with this introduction?

 Why should you care about limiting car usage? It may sound surprising, but America has already reached its peak when it comes to buying cars. More and more people around the globe have begun to realize the benefits of using alternative means of transportation. Places such as Vauban, Bogata, Paris, and even New York have implemented programs to encourage the limited use of cars. The idea of giving up such a comfort may sound tragic at first, but reducing car usage can save the environment and limit stress.

It begins with a question. 


DON'T BEGIN WITH A QUESTION!!!!

400
Step three of the FSA writing is __________.

Write a controlling idea/thesis statement including your 2-3 subtopics. 

400
In source one, it says "people who drive over one hundred miles a week are three times more likely to get into an accident than someone who drives less than 25 miles in that same time". 


Which word needs to be enhanced in this sentence? What could you replace it with?

What is "says" Answers will vary.
400
This essay communicates straight-forward, fact-based unbiased knowledge (gives no opinion).
Informative?
400
After evidence from the text is used, the writer then must use this to assert why the evidence is relevant and important to their argument/claim.
Elaboration and explanation. 
400
This is the most important part of your conclusion paragraph.
Restate your controlling idea/thesis. 
500
What is the most important part of writing your introduction? 
Making sure you answer the prompt and state a claim with an easily identifiable controlling idea that contains 2-3 subtopics.
500
Limiting car usage and is good for road safety.


Which word needs to be enhanced in this sentence? What could you replace it with?

"Good" Answers will vary.
500

What's an example of a strong counter-claim sentence for a counterclaim paragraph that is introducing the idea that material goods make people happier. 

Despite the fact that the overwhelming evidence proves that materialism causes individuals to be less happy, some research suggests that not all material goods are bad. 

Answers will vary


500
A way to embed this quote is:


"Some material goods are directly tied to happiness because they enhance experiences" (Source 3). 

While most goods become clutter after a few uses, it is important to remember that "some material goods are directly tied to happiness because enhance experiences" (Source 3). 
500
These are the two elements that make a thesis statement.
1. answer the prompt's question 

 2. introduce each of the subtopics of the body paragraphs (but NOT the counterclaim)