Attacking an EAP Prompt!

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Attacking an EAP Prompt!
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What is the point of the EAP Prompt?

• Measures the student's reading skills.
• -can you understand the point that the author
  is
• Measures the students ability to respond or take
  a stand on the authors opinion.
• -can you develop that point of view (using
  reasoning
• and evidence based on our class
  readings, or your
• observations to support your ideas.
• Measures the students ability to convey their
  response to the author in writing
• -can you put whats in your mind in a clear,
  cohesive
• statement a reader can easily
  understand

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What does an EAP question look like?

• The essay asks students to write in response to
  a prompt. The prompt will typically present
  complex ideas requiring the student to read it
  more than once!
• The prompt is usually free of figurative,
  technical, or specific literary references.
• What does this mean?

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Example Question
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• Directions You are to plan and write an essay on
  the topic assigned below. Before you begin
  writing, read the passage carefully and plan what
  you will say. You essay should be as well
  organized and carefully written as you can make
  it.
• In 1815, John Adams wrote to Thomas Jefferson
  the warwas no part of the Revolution. It was
  only an effect and consequence of it. The
  Revolutions was in the minds of the people, and
  this was effectedyears before a drop of blood
  was drawn at Lexington.
• Explain Adamss argument and discuss the
  extent to which you agree or disagree with his
  analysis. Support your position, providing
  reasons and examples from our readings from this
  unit.

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How do you begin constructing your response???

• 1. Break down the prompt
• -YOU MUST Reread and Annotate the prompt
• -YOU MUST identify the authors main point
• -YOU MUST determine whether you agree or
  disagree
• w/the authors points
• writing notes on prompt is critical!!!
• 2. Begin your outline
• -take your notes from the article organize
  into form
• ? organize your outline by paragraphs
• ?incorp. evidence and commentary into outline

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• 3. Start Writing
• Use the KISS method
• (Keep it Simple Stupid!)
• ?dont worry about grammar and vocab.
• Use your outline!!!!!
• ?work from the inside out
• -dont be afraid to start with evidence and
  
• commentary--build your s from the
  middle out
• Purpose of 1st Draft
• -just get ideas down / organize thoughts
• Purpose of 2nd Draft
• -correct grammar / transitions

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Remember You have only 3 objectives

• 1. develop a point of view on the issue presented
  in an excerpt
• 2. support your point of view using reasoning and
  examples from your reading, studies, experience,
  or observations
• 3. Write it clearly!!
• -follow the conventions of standard written
• English