How can it enhance GHSWT essays, and all essays?

Georgia Performance Standards

ELAAL11W1 (a-g)

You are already a good writer…

so why do you want to try this writing style?What are its advantages?How does it work?How has it been successful in the past?Can it guarantee success?Is it complicated to learn?

We never know…what the GHSWT topic will be, but we can be

prepared for almost anything by having this technique in our arsenal of skills.

There are no guarantees, but many past students have seen results.

It is not complicated, and it just gets easier as you use it.

It is not a strict formula, so you are free to alter the technique and use your own ideas.

As you can see…Major reasons for failing include repetitive

content, lack of focus, lack of varied supporting detail and lack of organization.

The Adverb Advantage helps with all of these areas.

It also reminds you to use your best and most varied vocabulary.

Complete the information on your guide as we discuss it.

We will begin trying this technique tomorrow, so focus your attention today.

First, always “TAF” the question. Many good writers forget this crucial step. If a student strays from this, he or she will not pass.Analyze and note (or circle):

Topic: what are its main parts?

Audience: to or for whom are you writing?

Format: a formal letter? An essay for a principal?

TAF this actual topic:Many schools across the country have instituted dress

codes; some have even begun to require that their students wear uniforms to school. Though some research shows that students in uniforms are better behaved and focus better on their studies, many of your friends feel that uniforms should not be required at your school. Write an essay to accompany a petition which will contain signatures of students opposed to uniforms. Your essay and petition will be sent to the superintendent of your district.

Some topics require you to choose a position (pro or con). Does this topic allow a choice of position? If determining a position, construct a quick pro/con chart to gather your thoughts and decide your position.

Plan and “web” your paragraphs.

Key topic andyour position(if needed)

Choose the best “PASSEF” adverb for each paragraph’s topic.

PhysicallyAcademicallySociallySpirituallyEmotionallyFinancially

What does each one mean?

For how many state practice topics do they help generate ideas ?

How can they be memorized?

What if they do not all apply?

What PASSEFS could be used for the sample topic?

Here are three:

Uniforms negatively

affect students….

Physically

Socially

Emotionally

The PASSEFS provide structure.

Use them as you:

discuss a possible thesis statement for an essay constructed as the web shows. (Check previous slide.)

Next, discuss a topic sentence for each paragraph.

Now each paragraph needs supporting evidence. Use the “5w’s and 1 h” to generate ideas. WhoWhatWhenWhereWhyHow

Practice with these. Will every one always apply? How will their use keep paragraphs unified? How can they make your paragraphs “FAT”?

A sample web:Physicall

y*Who: those

who feel uncomfortable

in a “borrowed”

style*What: feeling

of unattractivene

ss*Why: people

are made differently and have different coloring*How:

restrictive tailoring is not for everyone

Socially*Who: all who love fun styles*What: lack of individuality*When: every

school day*Where: in all school classes

*Why: because

personal stylematters to most young

people*How: high

school should be a time for fashion fun

Uniforms negatively

affect students…

Emotionally*Who: all who are

creative*What: feeling of

boredom and conformity

*Why: creativity doesn’t seem valued*How: school is not

supposed to encourage uniformity; it can

cause boredom and trouble

What are the PASSEFs again?P________________A________________S________________S________________E________________F________________

The PASSEF adverbs arePhysicallyAcademicallySociallySpirituallyEmotionallyFinancially

Why TAF the state’s topic?To determine the T_________________, A_________________

and

F_________________.

(Many good writers do not pass because their writing strays from the TAF outlined in the state topic.)

Now you’re armed with solid knowledge of topic (TAF), structure (PASSEFs) and strong supporting detail (5W’s and 1H). As you write and proofread…Try the CRAM method to save time. There

are just four decisions to make. Either

Cut, or

Revise, or

Add, or

Move your content, to make “FAT” paragraphs.

The next portion of your GHSWT Adverb Advantage handout reviews the conventions of strong, “FAT” paragraphs.

What are your thoughts about this technique so far?

To review…Try applying the TAF, webbing, PASSEFs, and 5W’s and 1H strategies to this topic:

You have decided to run for Student Council election. In this election year, we Americans have heard both positive and negative campaign strategies used by national candidates. Now, you must decide which type of campaign to launch. Write a speech, to be broadcast in all classrooms, in which you state whether or not you will attack your opponents’ policies. Provide convincing reasons for your position.

Remember…You can pass the GHSWT! You are already a good writer.