Writing An Essay

1
Writing An Essay
2

• An FCAT writing prompt consists of two parts
• The Writing Situation part introduces the topic.
• The Directions for Writing part helps you think
  of the main idea for your essay and directs you
  to write about it.

TIP Remember to keep a positive attitude! If you
think you cant write an essay on the topic, you
are probably right. If you think you can write on
the topic, you are right again. Make your choice
and CHOOSE your attitude!!!
3
Example of a Florida Writes Essay
Prompt Writing Situation The principal at your
school has asked students to come up with ideas
for an end-of-the-year eighth-grade school
trip. Directions For Writing Think about a trip
that might be enjoyable for your eighth-grade
class. Now write to convince your principal to
select your idea for the class trip.
Tip Remember your essay will be scored
addressing four major elements focus (STAY ON
TOPIC), organization (FOLLOW YOUR PLAN, USE
TRANSISTIONS), support (EXAMPLES AND VIVIDS), and
conventions ( GRAMMAR, CAPITILIZATION,
PUNCTUATION).
4
Prewriting Make sure you understand the prompt.
Identify your purpose and audience. Use the RAFT
Strategy. Plan your essay.
Tip After you read your essay prompt take five
to ten minutes to jot down ideas that come to
mind (brainstorm). Write to develop your points
by elaborating, and by using examples, vivids,
and transitions!!!! Remembersay it, explain it,
and give an example!
5
Plan your essay. An outline will help organize
your beginning (introduction), middle (body), and
end (conclusion). Here is one example I.
Introduction (Thesis statement) Introduce reason
or ideas A. Reason or idea B. Reason or
idea C. Reason or idea II. Body A.
Transition Reason or idea 1 1. State
it 2. Explain it 3. Give an
example B. Transition Reason or idea 2
1. State it 2. Explain it 3.
Give an example C. Transition Reason or idea
3 1. State it 2. Explain it
3. Give an example III. Transition/Conclusion
A. Restate thesis statement B. Wrap up
reasons or ideas C. Leave the reader a
gift
6
Another Example
Thesis statement
Reason or idea
Reason or idea
Reason or idea
1.Transtion/ State reason or idea 2. Explain
it 3. Give an example

1. Transtion/ State reason or idea
2. Explain it
3. Give an example

1.Transtion/ State reason or idea 2. Explain
it 3. Give an example
7
Prewriting consists of 4 steps Step 1 Make sure
you understand the prompt. Look for clue
words. Tell-narrative Explain-expository
Persuade or Convince -persuasive Step 2
Brainstorm your ideas and details related to the
topic. Plan your support with vivid examples.
Remember to identify nouns and brainstorm for
vivid verbs. Show dont tell Step 3 Compose a
thesis statementa statement of your main idea
(lead). Examples of leads a question, bold
statement directed to your reader, a vivid
description, flashback, and so on Step 4 Choose
your main points or reasons and organize them in
an order that makes sense.
8
Drafting Drafting is writing the actual
essay. Follow your outline to keep your essay
organized and focused. REMEMBER Use transitions
to keep your essay organized and flowing from one
idea to the next. Use them at the beginning of
your body and conclusion paragraphs. Indent each
new paragraph! Use examples with vivid
descriptions to support your points. Remember
there are five details at your fingertipsyour
senses!!!! Describe what you might see, hear,
taste, feel, or smell!!!
9

Revising Do Not SKIP THIS STEP! Revising is
rereading your draft and making changes so that
your ideas are more clearly communicated. You
SHOULD strengthen your ideas that are poorly
developed and eliminate ideas that weaken your
essay. Remember this is the core of your essay.
Take the time to reread your essay and use
proofreading marks to make your corrections.
10
Editing and Proofreading Reread your essay
closely. Check your use of punctuation,
capitalization, spelling, and sentence
construction. Remember that neatly correcting
your errors does not count against you! It will
HELP your score.
Tip Use ALL the time allotted for your essay
writing. It is better to get it right the first
time!!!
11
Now you are ready to write an awesome essay. You
have all the tools. Its up to you to use them!
12
You are a writer! You can do this!
13
GO FOR IT!!!!!