1. Work the Prompt: (What Am I Being Asked?)

PLANNING a.1. Work the Prompt: (What am I being asked?)

a.2. Choose a Side: (take a stand)

a.3. Scan Sources: (quick look to see what they are about and what side they take)

C: D: a.4. Create List of Evidence/Support: (jot down ideas that support your stand)...perhaps even some that are against it)

a.5. Thesis: (claim/stand + why—this should NOT be a list, but should incorporate the reason for your stand)

a.6. Inventory Sources: (read through then and underline/label portions that can be used in your body –write down new thoughts or arguments that you may come up with)

D INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH

Attention Getter: (shocking statement/generalization/anecdote)

Re-state Claim: (using DIFFERENT words let audience know your side)

Transition/Bridge: (include an argument from the opposition and REFUTE IT! Use transitional words to set up this part. Ex: It can be said that…..however… Some people claim….yet…. Indeed…..nonetheless. BEWARE!!! If you begin the transition with Although, Even though, Nonetheless, …etc… then phrase is REVERSED and you must complete it like this: Although many say…..the truth is… or Even though….it is

Thesis: (claim + why)

BODY #1

Claim: (argument you are trying to use as support for your thesis)

Support: (evidence in form of a source)

Analyze: (how claim is proven by source info stated)

Counterclaim: (mention opposing side of your claim BUT refute it RIGHT AWAY. Opposing side can come from a source and/or the refutation can come from source…NEVER should this part be STRONGER or LONGER than your support and evidence)

Transition: (Can be part of the refutation of the counterclaim. You are basically leading the conversation to the next topic) BODY #2 #3 #4 #5…etc

Claim: (argument you are trying to use as support for your thesis)

Support: (evidence in form of a source)

Support: (more evidence for your claim in form of a source)

CONCLUSION

Bring Full Circle: (DO NOT RE-STATE your thesis or your side. DO NOT USE “In conclusion,” “To End,” “Finalizing”…etc. Simply write thinking that you are to present the synthesis of all the information you provided)

Figurative Language: (include a metaphor, simile, analogy, etc…. Ex: Technology is the cancer that eats away a society without an eminent cure. Or Having courses in high school that teach how to handle finances shouldn’t be an option but a duty, just like it is a duty for a lifeguard to be knowledgeable on CPR since without this knowledge a person’s future can be at stake.)

Address BGI: (Big Global Issue Ex: Financial literacy is not just a problem facing American teens, for across the globe students of all ages are being less and less likely to be exposed to this type of subject matter. OR Technology has allowed for the advancement of third world countries and for the unification of the human race.)