Create a brainstorm list of how you will
respond to each part of the task. For example,
if you were writing about plants- your list
would look something like this:
Photosynthesis, cell wall, chloroplasts, green,
large vacuoles, oxygen, CO2 , water, enzymes,
cell membrane, leaves, root, stem, seed
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Brainstorming/Thesis Building
ModelProcess
Fact or Example
Reason or
supporting
idea
Fact or Example
Fact or Example
Fact or Example
Main Idea
Reason or
supporting
idea
Fact or Example
Fact or Example
Fact or Example
Fact or Example
Reason or
supporting
idea
Fact or Example
Fact or Example
See if you can improve the response by
using the Writing Checklist.
Rewrite the rough draft neatly into your
response folder. Make sure you leave
enough time to complete copying your
final draft. Use documentation and
reference any information from the
documents that you used.
Ex.– The river valleys were very fertile
(Document B).
When taking the Gateway, summarize what you
know and need to include from the documents.
Then make a list of things you know about the
task and use your list to make an outline, Venn
diagram, chart or other graphic organizer to
help you plan how you will write your response.
Include the information you will use from the
documents.
Write a rough draft of your response.
You SHOULD attempt to write a multi-paragraph
essay complete with INTRODUCTION, BODY, and
CONCLUSION.
You SHOULD NOT copy straight from the packet.
For example- do NOT write an entire essay saying :
Document A says…..Document B states…Document
C states….. and so on.
Do not copy the scenario as your introduction.
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Start with an attention grabber.
Transition from the general idea to a
specific idea (like an upside down
triangle)
Tell about the topic. Give background
information.
Your thesis statement is the most
important sentence in your introductory
paragraph. It explains your position and
your focus for the entire paper.
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A topic sentence should be the first sentence of
a body paragraph. It should explain the focus
for that paragraph.
Transition from your topic to your evidence
and support.
Your opinions are not facts! Draw from
background knowledge and the documents.
Explain how your evidence proves your point.
In your concluding sentence, tie the body
paragraph together, then prepare to move on to
the next paragraph
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Restate your thesis (reword it—do not simply
recopy the same words)
Retell the topics you discussed.
Offer your concluding thoughts and
observations
Refer back to your attention grabber.
Your conclusion should resemble a standard
triangle—start with specifics and move to
general discussion.
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After you write your first draft, read it over
and edit for spelling, grammar, etc.
(conventions)
If you make a mistake, cross it out and
continue writing.
Be sure you have cited the documents you
used. The graders will be looking for at least
one parenthetical citation. (conventions).
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Knowledgeable
Confident
Competent
And you will do well!
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Be on time. Doors will be locked at 8:00am!!
Be sure to bring several writing utensils.
Get a good night of sleep and eat breakfast.
Scientific research shows that both if those
things can help your brain to function better!