Okay, writing an essay is difficult. Even frustrating? Thats because, like math, writing follows a formula. Once you understand the formula all you need to do is plug in the information to create the perfect essay. Please note that you NEVER skip lines, make lists, use bullets, or ask questions in a formal essay.


 

  • Create a graphic organizer that best helps you to answer the question. 

  • Select details from the passage(s) that support the main idea of each body paragraph.  NOTE: Book 3 requires that you use details from 2 PASSAGES. Often details from the short answer responses are useful in supporting your ideas in the extended response. 

  • ECHO the question and make a statement that responds to the question.

  • Write your response.  Use specific details (at least 2 from each passage). 

  • Reread the question to be sure you responded to all the tasks in the question. 

  • Reread and edit your answer. If you need to insert information, you can use a * and add it to your answer.  You must write in complete sentences.

Essay Ouline

 

1st Paragraph is called the introduction. This is where you will place your thesis statement (the main idea of your essay). The first paragraph or the introductory paragraph should be 2-3 sentances in length. It should grab the audiances attention so they will want to read on, and it should give the reader an idea of what the essay is about. Never start an essay by saying "In this essay I will talk about" or "My essay is about". Make a statement.

 

2nd and 3rd paragraphs are called the body. Each body paragraph will give one example that supports your thesis statement. Each body paragraph should be no less then 4 sentances, but can be longer. This is where you will give detailed reasons or examples that support your thesis statement.

 

4th Paragraph is called the Conclusion. Here you will restate your thesis in different words. Then you will write one or two sentances that ties the entire essay together. This paragraph should be 2-3 sentances long. You can say "In conclusion" but you can also say "As previously stated", "For the resons stated above", "As this essay explains" or "As my reasons prove".

 

I know you are still confused. Don't worry, I am going to give you an example.

 

 

Sample writing prompt:

The 1920's is considered a time of great change. What where the main contributing factors to this time period being called "The Roaring 20's" ?

 

Okay, so I have my writing prompt and I know that the essay will be about how the "Roaring 20's" got its name. Now I am going to jot down a few ideas about "The Roaring 20's".

·                  Prohibition (making alcohol illegal)

·                  Speak Easy's (illegal places to drink)

·                  Shorter dresses, showing legs, and arms

·                  Women cut their hair and stopped wearing corsets and hoop skirts

·                  Women continued the suffrage movement (fight for women's rights)

·                  Happened right before the great depression

I am going to choose two to four ideas that I think will be easiest for me to write about.

I am going to write about. I have chosen to write about the first 4 of my bulleted points.

 

Sample Essay

      The 1920's is considered a time of great change. There are several main contributing factors to this time period being called "The Roaring 20's". Two prominent contributing factors are the effects of prohibition and the changes in women's fashions.

      Prohibition is a law that was passed that made creating, selling, buying, or drinking alcohol illegal in the United States. The president felt that the consumption of alcohol made the citizens of the United States immoral. However, alcohol was already a huge business, people enjoyed it and people did not want to give it up. So it was created and sold illegally in clubs called "Speak Easy's". These clubs would often get raided and people would get arrested for working there or for patronizing the establishment. All of these illegal and underground activities is one of the reasons why the 1920's is called the Roaring 20's.

      In addition to laws changing, women changed. Ending the very formal and very proper Victorian Period, women rebelled against the fashions imposed by Europe and stopped wearing their tight corsets. They cut the bottoms from their long gowns to expose their legs, and removed the sleeves to expose their arms. Women also cut off their long feminine hair, as a way of asserting their break from tradition. This was considered improper of a woman before the 1920's, but it also contributed to the social "roar" of the times.

       As explained, prohibition and fashion reform for women where two contributing factors to the 1920's being called "The Roaring 20's". There are social changes in every generation, but not all of them can be thought of as such a "roaring" good time.

 

      As you can see my thoughts stay on topic, they are concise and to the point. In my introduction I simply explain what my essay will be about by writing a thesis statement. In this example my thesis statement was "There are several main contributing factors to this time period being called "The Roaring 20's". Two prominent contributing factors are the effects of prohibition and the changes in women's fashions." By that statement you know exactly what the rest of my essay was going to be about.

      My 2 bodies are at least 4 sentences each and they elaborate my 2 main points and apply them to my thesis statement.

      My conclusion restates my thesis in different words by stating “As explained, prohibition and fashion reform for women where two contributing factors to the 1920's being called "The Roaring 20's". And then I wrap it up with a final sentence.

 

You can use this formula to write an essay on any subject. Just plug in the information, and follow the outline! You won’t find this easy right away, but the more we practice the easier it will become.

 

After you finish writing your essay, PROOF READ YOUR WORK. Read it slowly to make sure that you did not leave out important words and that it makes sense. Use the 6 trait writing rubric to assess and grade your work, or ask a friend to do it for you. Good Luck!

 

 

 

 


 

Writing a Cover Letter


 

Cover Letter Template

Contact Information
The first section of your cover letter should include information on how the employer can contact you. If you have contact information for the employer, include that. Otherwise, just list your information.


 

Your Contact Information
Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code
Your Phone Number
Your Email Address

Date

Employer Contact Information
Name
Title
Company
Address
City, State, Zip Code

Salutation

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:


Body of Cover Letter

The body of your cover letter lets the employer know what position you are applying for, why the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow-up.

First Paragraph:
The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention the position you are applying for. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. Be clear and concise regarding your request. Convince the reader that they should grant the interview or appointment you requested in the first paragraph.

Middle Paragraphs:
The next section of your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Make strong connections between your abilities and their needs. Mention specifically how your skills and experience match the job you are applying for. Remember, you are interpreting your resume, not repeating it. Try to support each statement you make with a piece of evidence. Use several shorter paragraphs or bullets rather than one large block of text.

Final Paragraph:
Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow-up. State that you will do so and indicate when (one week's time is typical). You may want to reduce the time between sending out your resume and follow up if you fax or e-mail it.

Complimentary Close:

Respectfully yours,

Signature:

Handwritten Signature (for a mailed letter)

Typed Signature


 

Short Answer- Constructed Response Questions


Short-Answer Questions

1-2 paragraphs
 

  • Identify ALL the tasks in the question and circle them.

  • ECHO the question. 

  • Use specific details (at least 2-3) in your short answer. 

  • Reread the question to be sure you responded to all the tasks in the question.  If you need to insert information, you can use a * and add it to your answer.

  • Reread and edit your answer.  You must write in complete sentences. 
     

Examples:

Here is an example of a poorly executed short-answer question:
• Evaluation designed to assess a program as it develops is ______________________.

This question does a poor job of specifying exactly what information it is looking for. It’s conceivable that students could create any number of answers to this question. Changing the question to “The type of evaluation designed to assess a program as it develops is
called ___________” creates a more accurate question, clearly asking students to respond with the name of an evaluation type.

Here is a better example of the short-answer question type:
• The thin membrane that separates the inner ear from the external ear is commonly called the _____________.

This question is very clear in its desired response. In addition, it assesses recall of knowledge-level processing.

Short-answer question types can also include asking for definitions and short lists. For example:
• Briefly define insectivore.
• List the three states that comprise the west coast of the continental United States.