Complete the following steps for the prompt below.
With the financial problems in our world today, many families are choosing to stay close
to home in place of a family vacation. The local paper is asking that readers recommend
ideas for family fun close to your area that is inexpensive but fun. Write a letter to the
editor of the paper in which you evaluate your idea.
Prewriting
Step 1: Identify the Purpose, Audience, and Context for the prompt. Write this information on your tree map plan.
Step 2: Complete a plan on a tree map. List your solution or answer to the situation, for example the best book, at
the top of the tree map. Then list one convincing reason (argument) on each branch.
Step 3: Write a thesis statement for your paper. Remember that this is the focus of the entire paper. It should be a
complex sentence. Use the formula dependent clause (start with a subordinating conjunction) + comma +
independent clause. Example: Since we have a problem at our school with students not completing
homework, I suggest that we create an after-school homework club. Some examples of coordinating
conjunctions are because, since, and when. Write your thesis statement on the tree map.
Introduction
Step 1: Write a hook for your paper. You may use a rhetorical question, a personal experience, or a quote.
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Step 2: Write two to three sentences that will connect your hook to your thesis statement.
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Step 3: Write your introductory paragraph on notebook paper. Skip ever other line so that it will be easy to edit.
The paragraph should begin with your hook, then your two to three sentences to connect the hook, and then
your thesis statement. Be sure to indent and use proper punctuation and capitalization. Also, write the paper in
the proper format: letter, essay, speech, etc.
Body Paragraphs
The paper should include three body paragraphs that given different reasons why your solution or idea is the best.
You should express each argument in a paragraph and then explain it with the three Es: explain what you mean,
show an example, and share a personal experience that connects to the topic. Each E should include two clear
sentences. Use the sentence starters to help you. Then you end the paragraph with a closing statement.
Step 1: Write a topic sentence for one of the three branches (arguments) on the tree map. Be sure that each
sentence is a complex sentence. Write the sentence in the space below. Then complete the three Es and the
closing statement for the first body paragraph.
Argument for Branch 1:
Topic Sentence: ____________________________________________________________________
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Explain what you mean
Possible sentence starters: What I mean is . . . or
In other words . . .
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Example: Use examples of what you are saying to support your argument.
Possible sentence starters: For example, . . .
or For instance, . . . .
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Experience: Make a personal connection to the argument. Be sure it is only two sentences long.
Possible sentence starters: One time I . . .
or One time my friend and I . . .
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Closing Summary Statement
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Close the body paragraph with a statement of analysis of the main idea (topic sentence)
Use a STRONG VOICE in your closing statement for each paragraph.
Include strong words such as: strongly recommend, without a doubt, absolutely
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Step 2: Complete the same steps for one of the other branches on your tree map.
Argument for Branch 2:
Topic Sentence: ____________________________________________________________________
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Explain what you mean
Possible sentence starters: What I mean is . . . or
In other words . . .
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Example: Use examples of what you are saying to support your argument.
Possible sentence starters: For example, . . .
or For instance, . . . .
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Experience: Make a personal connection to the argument. Be sure it is only two sentences long.
Possible sentence starters: One time I . . .
or One time my friend and I . . .
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Closing Summary Statement
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Close the body paragraph with a statement of analysis of the main idea (topic sentence)
Use a STRONG VOICE in your closing statement for each paragraph.
Include strong words such as: strongly recommend, without a doubt, absolutely
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Step 3: Complete the same steps for one of the other branches on your tree map.
Argument for Branch 3:
Topic Sentence: ____________________________________________________________________
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Explain what you mean
Possible sentence starters: What I mean is . . . or
In other words . . .
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Example: Use examples of what you are saying to support your argument.
Possible sentence starters: For example, . . .
or For instance, . . . .
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Experience: Make a personal connection to the argument. Be sure it is only two sentences long.
Possible sentence starters: One time I . . .
or One time my friend and I . . .
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Closing Summary Statement
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Close the body paragraph with a statement of analysis of the main idea (topic sentence)
Use a STRONG VOICE in your closing statement for each paragraph.
Include strong words such as: strongly recommend, without a doubt, absolutely
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Step 4: Now combine the topic sentence, the 3 Es, and the closing statement for each of the topics from your tree
map. Each set will create a paragraph. Notice that with 1 topic sentence, 2 sentences for each E, and 1 closing
statement that each body paragraph will include at least 8 sentences. Be sure to indent and use proper spelling,
grammar, capitalization, and punctuation. Write these three body paragraphs on the final copy on your
notebook paper after your introduction paragraph. Be sure to skip every other line.
Conclusion
Don’t simple restate your ideas. This is your last chance to convince your audience that your idea is the best. Be
sure to include the following in your conclusion.
Step 1: Now or Never Statement
This is a good way to start your conclusion. Some examples of now or never statements are listed below. Select one
to use in your conclusion.
The time to resolve this is now?
Come on now- can't we agree?
Why wait another minute?
Step 2: Creatively restate your three main arguments (the three topics for your body paragraphs). Be sure to
highlight your strongest argument. Use phrases such as: Most importantly,
Best of all, Most of all, or Especially keep in mind that to help you do this. Also include definitive words like certainly,
surely, without a doubt, absolutely, definitely within the paragraph to make your argument convincing.
Step 3: Create a call to action. Be sure to tell the audience directly what you want them to do. Be specific and state
clearly. Write this on the lines below.
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Step 4: Combine the parts to create a concluding paragraph. It should include a now or never statement, a creative
restatement of your 3 arguments with the strongest argument highlighted, and a call to action. Be sure that the
paragraph sums up what your paper is about and has at least 5 quality sentences. Be sure to indent and use
proper spelling, grammar, capitalization, and punctuation. Write conclusion on the final copy on your notebook
paper after your body paragraphs. Be sure to skip every other line.
Editing and Revising
Read over your paper and make necessary changes. Look for common error like spelling, capitalization, over used
words, etc.