Analytical Writing ISSUE TASK Analyze an Issue Task

Analytical Writing ISSUE TASK • Analyze an Issue Task • Analyze an Argument Task Both measure persuasive writing and critical thinking skills

Difference Between Issue and Argument Task! • What are the differences?

Difference Between Issue and Argument Task! • Issue Essay deals with your ability to present an argument with your views, you ability to convince the reader to agree to your point of view.

Difference Between Issue and Argument Task! • the Argument Essay tests your ability to pick apart an argument written by another author, you ability to effectively critique the argument by providing proof

Issue Task • • • Presents an opinion on an issue Gives specific instructions Carefully read given issue Carefully read/follow instructions Develop a coherent argument

Strategies You are offered two issues • don’t spend much time choosing • choose issue if it aligns with interests Take time to think • critical thinking exercise • position/evidence • take notes

Brainstorm • List 3 – 4 agreements/disagreements • Use evidence/examples • Consider different perspectives

Organize • Write thesis around examples • List your evidence/examples • Note the function of each

Using Scratch Pad for Essays • Use the paper to do the thinking and organizing for you, just like with the verbal section. • One of the key things you are “graded” on is your essays’ organization. • Using scratch pad can help you organize your thoughts so you aren’t trying to do it as you write.

Start Simple on Issue Task • Read the ISSUE (know the difference between issue and argument!) task’s directions CAREFULLY, and then start by writing down at least 4 reasons you agree with the overall issue and 4 reasons you disagree. • You are taking a stand on this issue. • Use your scratch paper for this. • We will go over this more in the Essay Modules, but be thinking about how you organize your essays when looking at these modules.

Brainstorm! • Start by making a “T” and putting “I agree” and “I disagree” on either side of the boundary. • List at least 4 reasons for both. • Good answers look at both sides of the issue. • Think about who the issue applies to (to Americans? Old people? Young people? Italians? ) and who it doesn’t apply to. Use that information in your argument.

Organize! • Using the same chart, start organizing your response. • Develop your thesis statement out of the arguments that you are forming. • These positions need to form a function in your essay, so be sure to make the first argument make the most obvious reason you are taking a side on an issue. Then the next one the next most compelling, and so on. • Use each of the arguments as a paragraph theme. Then use the support you wrote down as the body of the paragraph. Don’t forget to mention opposing arguments.

Write Your outline • Start with the arguments that will support your thesis. That way you can’t be off of your argument…the arguments are the legs for your thesis. • Thesis (Intro). • Evidence. • Supporting material. …you just need to write a conclusion

Must have: • Topic sentences – announce subjects – link evidence/examples • Transitions – provide flow – indicate changes

Might have: • • • Specifics Quotes Big Words Analogies Rhetorical questions Commands

Practice • Use issues from pool • No time limit • Scoring guide • Essay response/Reader commentary

Find Sites With Practice Questions • Score. It. Now!™ Online Writing Practice Service allows you to use web based essay practice. • ETS Introduction to the Issue Task (see links in module 5). • Offers a pool of writing tasks and sample essays.

Scores 6 and 5. 5 • Sustains insightful, in-depth analysis of complex ideas; develops and supports main points with logically compelling reasons and/or highly persuasive examples; is well focused and well organized; .

Scores 6 and 5. 5 • skillfully uses sentence variety and precise vocabulary to convey meaning effectively; demonstrates superior facility with sentence structure and language usage, but may have minor errors that do not interfere with meaning.

Sample Issue As people rely more and more on technology to solve problems, the ability of humans to think for themselves will surely deteriorate. Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these considerations shape your position.

Sample Issue As people rely more and more on technology to solve problems, the ability of humans to think for themselves will surely deteriorate. Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these considerations shape your position.