POW+TIDE
Pull apart prompt
POW + TIDE / LL
Organize my notes
Write and say more
+
T- Topic introduction
ID- Important details
E- End
L- Links
L- Language
(3 or more)
P=PULL APART THE PROMPT
• What am I being asked to do?
• What should I write about?
• Circle key words and ask yourself: What am I
being asked to write about here?
• Suggestion: Turn the prompt into a question
that can be answered.
O=ORGANIZE MY NOTES
• Label paragraphs with main ideas if necessary.
• Highlight what is important.
• Create a list of categories (Example: A list of
comparisons and a list of contrasts.)
W=WRITE AND SAY MORE
• Begin writing
• Where do I start?
• Look back at where you “O”rganized your
writing.
T=TOPIC INTRODUCTION
• Restate and respond
• Hook your reader
• Main idea
• Topic sentence
• Site reference material
• List topics/subjects
I=IMPORTANT EVIDENCE
D=DETAILED EXPLANATION X3
• EVIDENCE from text (“I”)
• Cite specific examples from the texts.
• Elaboration (”D”)
• Give an explanation of the evidence cited.
E = End
• Conclusion / Ending
• “Sum up” your writing
• What did you just write about?
L- Links
L- Language
Links: Use appropriate transitions to clarify the relationships
among ideas and concepts
Language: Uses formal style, precise language, domainspecific vocabulary; Vary sentence patterns for meaning,
reader/listener interest, and style
A good informative/explanatory essay has important parts:
Informs and educates the audience (avoids “I”, “My” & opinion words)
Is interesting to read
Includes transitions (For example, However, Not Only, Otherwise, Instead, etc…)
Tells the reader the topic or purpose of the essay
Provides the reader information about the topic
Gives the readers additional details and examples about the topic
Demonstrates thorough understanding of the texts
Develops topic with textual evidence
Elaborates on textual evidence to strengthen examination