Writing Workshop/Prep

FCAT WRITES CHECKLIST
•    Solid, interesting LEAD
•    Strong, continuous FOCUS
•    Many vivid EXAMPLES/DETAILS
•    Try for at least three ELABORATIONS; ok to elaborate in intro or conclusion (see powerpoints and handouts)
•    Consistent LOGIC and REASONING, move from General to Specific
•    Natural embedded/flowing TRANSITIONS
•    Solid WRAP-UP (conclusion)
•    CONVENTIONS (reasonable); sentence fluency; vivid and mature word choice; voice. REMEMBER, there is no "YOU" in expository writing. The only "YOU" in persuasive is if you are addressing a specific reader, e.g. school board member, community leader... a specific individual. Sometimes writing a persuasive essay in letter form makes it easier because the format keeps a writer focused and organized.
•    USE PRECISE WORDS NOT FLUFFY, EMPTY, IMMATURE ONES (see precise words handout)
•    SEE MYTHS ABOUT THE WRITING TEST (Handouts)


I. THE INTRODUCTION
   1. Open this paragraph with some form of attention-getter.  Don’t spend too long on this unless you have a unique angle/approach that needs to be SHOWN not told. Keep it moving, don't get bogged down. Refer to handouts: "GOOD BEGINNINGS"  and "HOOKS"
   2. Spend the next two or three sentences making a smooth transition or segue into your direct and clear answer to the prompt.
   3. The last sentence of the introduction could be a clear, unmistakable answer to the prompt.  Here it might be smart to use synonyms of the words found in the prompt/writing instructions.
II. THE SUPPORT PARAGRAPHS
   1. The first sentence of the support paragraphs (SPs) should be a smooth transition from the previous paragraph.  DO NOT USE TRANSITIONS like “first,” “second,” “then,” “in conclusion.”  
  2. Make up or think of an example that fits what you are writing about.  Detail it; illustrate your point with vivid examples/support that doesn't tell us but SHOWS us what you mean.  The reader should be able to “see” what you’re trying to say.
   3. Close the SPs implying, inferring or stating how the example you have just provided answers the prompt.  Connect at some level, to the prompt again.  Don’t be overly mechanical about this, but make it clear what you are saying in this SP. Remember, your support should be organized so that one thing leads logically to the next. The second reason should somehow be connected to the first, and so on.
 III. THE CLOSING
    1. The first sentence should be, again, a smooth transition.  
    2. Recap what you have said in new words.  Also, add something new that would contribute to your case, as if you learned something or made a discovery during your essay writing journey.
     3. End with something thought-provoking.  Think of this as your closing argument in a court case and you are really trying to leave the jury with something to think about.
IV. EXTRAS
    1.  USE MATURE/NATURAL TRANSITIONS
    2. Do not start sentences with “Well,” “So,” or other such fillers.  They add nothing.
    3. One of the best things you can add to your writing is your personality.  It won’t cover bad writing or being off topic, but if you are on topic it will add much to your score.  Humor helps, but be aware of the point of diminishing returns.
    4. STAY ON TOPIC!! Elaborate! Support! but DON'T GET LOST!
YOU MUST INCLUDE TWO ELABORATIONS TO PASS.

It's ok to have a strong voice. Don't offend the reader. WHEN YOU FINISH THE ESSAY, REVISE BY ELIMINATING FLUFF and REPETITION. The scorers appreciate some last minute revision; revision and correction (spelling, grammar, word choice) makes the writer seem in control and competent.

Remember, an essay is like a journey from New York to Florida. Know where you're going before you get on the road. Get off for coffee, food, gas, etc. Take some side trips along the way but remember to get back to the road and stay focused on the journey and destination. On the highway, change is gradual. An essay has a life of its own. It smoothly travels from  point to point, county to county, state to state.

PERSUASIVE?  Remember to establish a clear position. Include a brief refutation that proves you understand the other side of the issue but still believe your position to be stronger. Save a compelling example of support for the end (after refutation) so that the reader identifies with your conviction and certainty.

Use quotes, proverbs, questions, startling statements. SEE THE FCAT Writing Rubric in handouts for additional tips and suggestions.

ELABORATE, ELABORATE, ELABORATE   but don't get LOST. Remember to get back to the road.