Writing A (Assertion) Writing C (Commentary)
 STEP 1: Use the same language from your thesis statement.
 STEP 2: be sure you are referencing the prompt question in your topic sentence
Viewers of reality television can tune in and learn about important but controversial issues that they may not learn about from their parents or teachers.
Writing E (Evidence)
 Step 1: Locate evidence you used to create your thesis statement viewers can tune in and learn about important but controversial issues
Shows such as The Real World and Road Rules have provided so much to viewers, including perspectives on gay culture and lifestyle, pregnancy, AIDS, abortion, racism, psychological disorders and so many more issues. These problems, though controversial, need to be brought to the attention of viewers. This type of reality TV educates real people about these problems and helps people who have these problems find comfort in knowing that there are others out there who experience the same things.
 Step 2: Pull out a piece of this evidence to use that is not longer than one sentence and effectively backs up your assertion. Rewrite in “E” word for word.
Shows such as The Real World and Road Rules have provided so much to viewers, including perspectives on gay culture and lifestyle, pregnancy, AIDS, abortion, racism, psychological disorders and so many more issues.
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Step 1: Interpret the evidence you’ve cited. In your own words say what this evidence means.
Step 2: Explain how this evidence supports your assertion.
Shows such as The Real World and Road Rules have provided so much to viewers, including perspectives on gay culture and lifestyle, pregnancy, AIDS, abortion, racism, psychological disorders and so many more issues.
Reality television shows that are popular among youth, like The Real Word, illustrate the lives of people in these circumstances, and therefore, educate viewers as well.
Thus, viewers, such as pregnant teens or people living with AIDS can learn from reality television participants about issues that go unrecognized in many homes and schools throughout the United
States.
Check Yourself!
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Does your assertion…
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Make an argument?
Read clearly and with purpose?
Does your evidence…
Back up your assertion?
Does your commentary…
 Interpret your evidence?
Relate back to you assertion?
 Answer the question, “so what?”
YES? Repeat this process with your next piece of evidence.
Turn in to your teacher.
NO? Edit and revise

Exemplar Finished AEC Paragraph
Viewers of reality television can tune in and learn about important but controversial issues that they may not learn about from their parents or teachers. In the article, “The Benefits and Costs of Reality TV,” Steve Buldini writes, “Shows such as The Real World and Road Rules have provided so much to viewers, including perspectives on gay culture and lifestyle, pregnancy, AIDS, abortion, racism, psychological disorders and so many more issues.” Reality television shows that are popular among youth, like The Real Word, illustrate the lives of people in these circumstances, and therefore, educate viewers as well. Thus, viewers, such as pregnant teens or people living with AIDS can learn from reality television participants about issues that go unrecognized in many homes and schools throughout the United
States. Buldini also notes, “These two shows opened up the lines of communications for people dealing with a vast amount of problems.” Without programs such as The Real World or Road Rules, people who live with fatal diseases or who may feel isolated because of their sexuality, may still be ignorant to the larger community of people just like them who live in this world. Reality Programming is a powerful tool in this regard.