First Steps

When going to write an essay, your first step should be to read the prompt! The prompt will tell you not only what you are writing about, but also what you should look for in the text.

Language Arts

Wagner

Take notes on the text!

Whether you are using T Chart, a Venn Diagram, or Cornell Notes, it is important that you take notes on the text. By doing so, you will be able to find quotes to back up your claim as you read. This will save you tons of time!

Language Arts

Wagner

Analyzing the Text

When reading a text, be thinking about not only the topic, but what the author's claim is.

In the story we read about pitbulls, the topic was pitbulls, but the claim was that pitbulls should not be banned from cities.

Language Arts

Wagner

Elaboration

Elaborating refers to the additional details that explain or further develop the evidence.

You could state, "I dislike Mondays," but elaborating on that would look like, "I dislike Mondays. My favorite day of the week is Friday, because it's close to the weekend, and Monday is my least favorite because it is furthest from the weekend. I enjoy weekends! I get to play video games with friends."

Language Arts

Wagner