Essay Planning

7 Steps to Essay Planning

7 Steps to Planning an Essay

1. Understand the prompt. Is it argumentative or informational? Underline the prompt and rewrite it in your own words on your planning sheet. (Example: Are dogs or cats better pets?)

2. Read the text, articles, graphs, pictures for comprehension / understanding.

(NOTE: You may do Step 3 for each artifact before doing Step 2 for the next one. In other words, for each document, do Step 2 first then Step 3; then move to the next document and do Step 2 and then Step 3, then move to the next document and do Step 2 then Step 3, etc.)

3. Mark evidence in the text, articles, graphs, pictures. If it is an argumentative essay, be sure to mark evidence that supports all sides of the argument / idea.

4. Write the first part of your thesis.

An informational thesis will state the main idea of the essay, which relates directly to the prompt. (For example: Dogs make great pets for many people.)

which states your opinion / claim in regard to the prompt. (For example: Dogs are better pets than cats.)

5. Under the first part of your thesis, make a chart and organize your evidence* from the documents. Group your evidence into a few main ideas. (You may want to use a web before or after the chart to help organize your ideas into key words/phrases.)

*In argumentative writing, 6th grade only supports one side while 7th/8th need to address the counterclaim.

6. Write your full thesis.

In informational writing, your full thesis gives the main steps/reasons/ideas that support the first part of your thesis statement. (For example: Dogs are good pets for many people because they provide companionship and protection.)

In argumentative writing, your thesis includes the reasons / evidence you will use to support your claim.

(For example: Dogs are better pets than cats because they are friendlier, more cuddly, and loyal.)

7. Briefly outline the paragraphs (except the conclusion) - include topic sentences and evidence.*

Thesis: Dogs are better pets than cats because they are friendlier, more cuddly, and loyal.

Body Paragraph 1: (write the full baby thesis) Dogs are always happy to see you, which makes them a fantastic pet. (topic sentence)

Evidence: According to Pet Times, "When dogs see their owners ..." (evidence is abbreviated from table)

Discussion: This means that ...

(discussion point is abbreviated from table)

Evidence: "They lick your face and wag their tales" (Source 4)

Discussion: This is the best way ever for a pet to show its love!

Body Paragraph 2: (write the full baby thesis) Cuddling makes everyone happy and dogs are the best at it.

Evidence: Tom Bradshaw says, "Nothing cures a bad mood ..."

Discussion:

Evidence:

Discussion:

Body Paragraph 3** (use if you are writing a 5 paragraph essay): As a matter of fact, many people consider their dog to be more loyal than their best friend.

Evidence:

Discussion:

Evidence:

Discussion:

* Strive to include at least 2 pieces of evidence (with citation) in each body paragraph. Remember, your discussion points should be longer than your cited evidence.

Sample Essay Plan for Vinnie and Joe Boy

6th Grade Example Essay Plan for Middle School Gym Class

Example Essay Plan for Should Mandatory Gym Class Continue in Middle and High School?

(Note: This is a mini essay used as a learning tool. It only contains one short document whereas the FSA writing test will include multiple documents, some much longer.)

1. ( 1. Underline the prompt in the text: Your task is to write an essay in which you take a side as to whether gym class should continue to be required in middle and high school.

On paper WRITE: Should gym class continue to be required in middle and high school?

2. AFTER READING, WRITE: I read for understanding.

3. (MARK THE TEXT) WRITE: I marked the text in a way that makes sense for the prompt.

4. Gym class should continue to be required in middle and high school.

5. CREATE A CHART LIKE THE ONE BELOW (NEEDS TO FIT THE NEEDS OF THE PROMPT)

6. Gym class should continue to be required in middle and high school because it offers physical and mental benefits.

7. Body P1 The physical benefits of gym class are numerous.

a. develop fine and gross motor skills (P2)

b. promote muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, and flexibility

c. … reverse trend (of obesity)

Body P2 Mental benefits of gym class are also abundant.

a. learn cooperation and teamwork (mental), reduce stress (mental), and improve self-confidence and self-esteem (mental).