EALRS and Essay Writing Process

1.1.1 Applies more than one strategy for generating ideas and planning writing. Generates ideas prior to organizing them and adjusts prewriting strategies accordingly Gathers information from a range of resources and uses an organizer to analyze, synthesize, and/or evaluate information to plan writing.

2.1.1 Applies understanding of multiple and varied audiences to write effectively. Identifies an intended audience. Identifies and includes information audience needs to know (e.g., defines scientific terms, makes no assumptions about audience’s prior knowledge). Identifies audience’s interest and knowledge of topic to determine emphasis.

2.2.1 Demonstrates understanding of different purposes for writing. Writes to explain and inform. Writes to learn (reading response journal, reflection, and self-assessment)--follows pattern.

3.1.1 Analyzes ideas, selects a manageable topic, and elaborates using specific, relevant details and/or examples. Narrows topic with controlling idea (thesis)· Selects details relevant to the topic to extend ideas and develop elaboration (e.g., multiple examples, anecdotes, statistics). Uses personal experiences, observations, and research to support opinions and ideas.

1.2.1 produce multiple drafts--- Rereads text and continues drafting over time.

1.3.1 Revises text, including changing words, sentences, paragraphs, and ideas. Rereads work several times and has a different focus for each reading (e.g., first reading — adding transitions; second reading — deleting unnecessary details; third reading — identifying areas where evidence is lacking and adding relevant information). Seeks and considers feedback from adults and peers. Records feedback using writing group procedure (e.g., records the first four words of each sentence to encourage variation of sentence beginnings). Evaluates and uses feedback (e.g., “I’ll use the word transformation to improve my word choice.”). Uses multiple resources regularly to identify needed changes (e.g., writing guide, adult, peer, criteria and/or checklist, thesaurus).

Essay Plan

PREWRITE

2.1.1 Audience 2.2.1 Purpose

To whom are you writing? What will they want to know?

Why are you writing? Choose ideas and details that match your purpose.

1.1.1 Gather information or organize it: Use a web, tree, or list.

• WEB : (Click for a sample web prewriting)

Put your central idea in the center circle of the web. Each line from the web represents a new idea and paragraph to support your central idea. Add lines (at least three, but preferably six) to each of the three supporting idea lines. On those lines write specific details (examples, explanations, evidence, elaboration, experiences, who, what, when, where, why, how) about EACH of your three supporting ideas. This organizes your work into three paragraphs, complete with your topic sentence ideas.

• TREE : (Click for a sample tree prewriting)

Put your central idea in the trunk of your tree. Each branch from the tree trunk represents a new idea and paragraph to support your central idea. Add smaller branches or leaves (at least three, but preferably six) to each of the three supporting idea branches. On those branches or leaves write specific details (examples, explanations, evidence, elaboration, experiences, who, what, when, where, why, how) about EACH of your three supporting ideas. This organizes your work into three paragraphs, complete with your topic sentence ideas.

• LIST : (Click for a sample list prewriting)

Put your central idea as the title of the list. Number 1-3 with six -eight spaces in between them. Write your three main ideas that support your title idea beside each number. In the spaces below each number, write specific details (examples, explanations, evidence, elaboration, experiences, who, what, when, where, why, how) about EACH of your three supporting ideas. This organizes your work into three paragraphs, complete with your topic sentence ideas.

DRAFT (Double space)

1.2.1 Analyzes task and composes multiple drafts when appropriate.

Refer to your prewriting plan.

Draft according to audience, purpose, and time. (Who? Why? When due?)

Assesses draft and/or feedback, decides if multiple drafts are necessary, and explains decision.-- after drafting, share with a peer who will ask you questions on your organization, details, sentences, voice, etc.

REVISE

1.3.1 Revises text, including changing words, sentences, paragraphs, and ideas. Rereads work several times and has a different focus for each reading (e.g., first reading — adding transitions; second reading — deleting unnecessary details; third reading — identifying areas where evidence is lacking and adding relevant information). Seeks and considers feedback from adults and peers. Records feedback using writing group procedure (e.g., records the first four words of each sentence to encourage variation of sentence beginnings). Evaluates and uses feedback (e.g., “I’ll use the word transformation to improve my word choice.”). Uses multiple resources regularly to identify needed changes (e.g., writing guide, adult, peer, criteria and/or checklist, thesaurus).

• Read your draft several times to organize, add details, combine sentences:

• ADD, CUT, REWRITE:

1. Reread you prewriting plan and your draft to check that you have stayed on topic for audience and purpose in your draft.

2. Reread to shorten some sentences and combine others for sentence fluency: begin sentences in different ways; write the first four words of each sentence-- do they all start the same? Rearrange the words in your sentences so the sentences start differently. For example:

The voters research about the candidates before voting.

Before voting, the voters research about the candidates.

3. Reread to make sure the sentences flow from one idea to the next with transitions.

4. Reread to add vivid verbs and specific nifty nouns. Delete (cut) unnecessary information.

5. Reread to add details and evidence-- show you really care about the topic by the specific details you add. Have you included a quote? an anecdote or example? another detail?

6. Reread to add your introduction (grabber beginning-- ask a question; thesis statement) and conclusion (summary statement, leave reader with a thought).

EDIT

1.4.1 Edits for conventions (see 3.3).

Reread your revised draft to correct all errors. Use a dictionary or computer to check your spelling. Check you Write Source for punctuation, spelling, capitalization rules. Ask a friend to edit also.

PUBLISH

Component 1.5: Publishes text to share with audience.

Write your final draft.