Deconstructing the Prompt Defineidentify the task set by

Deconstructing the Prompt • Define/identify the task set by the prompt • Consider what needs to be addressed in the response • Decide how best to respond

Introductions • A hook or lead: Consider using a quote, question, anecdote, or statement of intrigue to create your hook or lead. • A connection between the hook/lead and thesis. • Thesis statement describing the subject and opinion.

Introduction Example • Topic: Think about whether school libraries should provide Internet access for students. Now write to persuade state legislators whether school libraries should provide Internet access for students. • Introduction: A project is due tomorrow. Judy and David still need more research. They struggle to get it done in school, but limited resources in their Learning Resource Center, they cannot make the deadline. Judy is on the brink of failing the class. If only she had an interface in which could be instantly achieved, such as Internet access. Some state legislators believe that school libraries should not provide Internet access for students; they are incorrect to think this way. The Internet is a gateway of information for young minds. There will be students who attempt to misuse the Internet, but this problem can be dealt with. Combined with other computer programs, the Internet can be a powerful learning interface.

Introduction Example • The library is first and foremost a resource center. Why, then, would the resource center deny what is probably the biggest and most helpful resource in existence? The Internet is hailed as one of the greatest inventions of mankind because of how quickly information can be shared. The days of looking through books as the sole resource for information are gone, and it would be foolish to deny that by not allowing Internet access in libraries.

Body Paragraphs • Topic sentence: A strong, clear, organizing sentence which consists of a subject and opinion that works directly to support thesis. • Transitions: Words or phrases used to connect ideas (e. g. , for example, for instance). • Supporting information: Relevant facts and details that are appropriate for the topic and relevant to the opinion in thesis. • Commentary: Sentences that explain how the information is relevant to thesis/topic sentence. These sentences are vital as they serve to reflect, analyze, explain, and interpret. Sentences of commentary also bring a sense of closure to the paragraph

Body Paragraphs • To summarize…. • Point – What is the overall paragraph going to be focusing on? • Evidence – What’s your example to support your overall point? • Explain – Why/how does your example tie into your overall argument?

Body Paragraph Examples • The Internet is a gateway of information. There are millions of sources one can choose from. Websites, message boards, and email all can help a student learn. For instance, a student can research report on dinosaurs. He/she can get accredited information from a website, then see how people react to the information on message boards, and afterwards, he/she can share this information with his/her fellow classmates through email. In this case, a student is able to gain experience of researching and communicating through the means of exploring the Internet.

Body Paragraph Examples • The Internet is now not only popular, but it is becoming a necessity. Millions of people rely on the web to conduct business, do assignments from school, and communicate with others that are unreachable by any other means. A computer is a link to almost all of the information the world has to offer, so why not allow students to access this world of unlimited information?

Conclusions • What did you say? – you should summarize, do not repeat your intro (literal) • What does it mean? (interpretive) • Why does it matter? (universal)

Conclusion Examples • In conclusion, the Internet is a great tool. Not putting it in libraries will simply restrict students’ growth rather than protect the popularity of books. If a faster and better way to access information exists, why wouldn’t we allow our schools to utilize this? It can only strengthen not weaken the education of students.