When writing essays, it helps to do some prewriting activities before you start the actual essay. We have been doing this in class with graphic organizers, freewriting, and outlines.
Graphic organizers: Things like T-charts, mind maps/semantic webs, and Venn diagrams can help you brainstorm and come up with ideas.
Freewriting: this is when you sit down with the intention to write whatever comes in to your head, maybe about a certain topic, for a certain amount of time, maybe 5 minutes. This helps warm up your brain to get ready for the real writing.
Outline: This is when you organize your essay in to chunks, and get your ideas organized before you start putting sentences and evidence together in a formal essay.
What does every good paragraph need? Think PEEL!
Point- Make your point. This is your argument. What is the one thing you want the reader to know. What is your purpose in this paragraph?
Evidence- Back it up: support your argument with evidence and examples. Find facts and quotes to support your argument.
Explanation-Explain how the evidence supports your point. What do the facts mean? How do they support and make your point?
Link-Link this point to the next point in the following paragraph. How does this point link to your next point? What are some ways you can connect the two?
Graphic organizers: Things like T-charts, mind maps/semantic webs, and Venn diagrams can help you brainstorm and come up with ideas.
Freewriting: this is when you sit down with the intention to write whatever comes in to your head, maybe about a certain topic, for a certain amount of time, maybe 5 minutes. This helps warm up your brain to get ready for the real writing.
Outline: This is when you organize your essay in to chunks, and get your ideas organized before you start putting sentences and evidence together in a formal essay.
What does every good paragraph need? Think PEEL!
Point- Make your point. This is your argument. What is the one thing you want the reader to know. What is your purpose in this paragraph?
Evidence- Back it up: support your argument with evidence and examples. Find facts and quotes to support your argument.
Explanation-Explain how the evidence supports your point. What do the facts mean? How do they support and make your point?
Link-Link this point to the next point in the following paragraph. How does this point link to your next point? What are some ways you can connect the two?