Building+an+AP+Essay

BUILDING AN AP ESSAY


 * 1) Carefully read the prompt.
 * 2) Underline words which give specific, direct, important instructions/topics to address.
 * 3) Pull out and bullet words/directions underlined.
 * 4) Brainstorm answers for the bullets.
 * 5) Use these answers to develop the thesis (DO NOT USE WORDS FROM THE PROMPT).
 * 6) Based on the prompt, decide how many paragraphs to use to address the prompt.
 * 7) Pre-write for the bodies.
 * 8) Take 12 minutes (tops) to pre-write for the thesis and body paragraphs.
 * 9) Begin Writing


 * 1) Introduction
 * 2) AG (Attention Getter) – Eye catching sentence
 * 3) One sentence to narrow into thesis
 * 4) Thesis sentence which addresses the prompt


 * In B. or C. name the work and author.
 * Write two three sentences maximum.


 * 1) Body Paragraph
 * 2) Transition
 * 3) Topic Sentence – this supports a point in the thesis
 * 4) Concrete Detail – the first __example__ which supports the topic sentence
 * 5) Commentary – __explain__ how the example supports the topic sentence (__explanation__)
 * 6) Commentary – __elaborate__ on how the example is a support & connects to theme
 * 7) Concrete Detail – this is the second example which supports the topic sentence
 * 8) Commentary
 * 9) Commentary
 * 10) Concrete Detail – third example which supports the topic sentence
 * 11) Commentary
 * 12) Commentary
 * 13) Concluding Sentence – go back and wrap up the point of the topic sentence without repeating the same words; reiterate the subject


 * Move commentary around to fit your paragraph. Use two commentary for every concrete detail.
 * Use three concrete detail for every paragraph as a rule of thumb.
 * For a four paragraph essay, add a fourth concrete detail to each paragraph.
 * For a five paragraph essay, use three concrete details; then one paragraph with only two concrete details, if you get in a bind.

“I think…;” “I will discuss…;” “You …”
 * 1) Conclusion
 * 2) Use all commentary. Keep it short.
 * 3) Address a real world application with a broader sentence. DO NOT REPEAT THESIS!
 * 4) Final shot….Leave them thinking….go back to AG possibly
 * // “CANDY OR KILLER PHRASES //**** ” ** : “…Shakespeare is a classic author…;” “… Shakespeare is one of the greatest authors…;” “This essay will…;” “In this essay…;” “An example of strong diction is…;”