Writing Explanations

The following transitional phrases would be used to introduce ______.

This evidence proves...

This evidence supports the claim because...

This means that...

• Evidence

• Explanations

• The topic sentence

• The summary sentence

True or False: Transitional phrases such as "The text states" and "This evidence proves" are optional.

• True

• False

What part of this explanation sentence needs to be deleted? This evidence supports my point because...

• My point

• Because

• This evidence

• Supports

After your topic sentence, the next part of the RACES strategy is C. In this part you should...

• Cite (use) the author's name

• Cite (use) your resources

• Cite (use) evidence

• Cite (use) explanations

transitions

• when there’s enough support to make the argument convincing

• a way to describe an argument when it’s based on logic/common sense

• words, phrases, or clauses that help the reader see how your ideas fit together to support your topic

• facts, details, examples, etc. that support the writer’s reasoning

An essay presents ....

• a free flow of ideas in no specific order

• an expression of emotions

• your thoughts with organization and pre-planning

• writing without specific structure

The order of paragraphs in an essay is...

• introduction, body paragraph(s), conclusion

• body paragraph(s), introduction, conclusion

• thesis, introduction, body paragraph(s), conclusion

• introduction, conclusion, body paragraph(s)

Your thesis or claim should be ....

• at the beginning of your introduction

• at the end of your introduction

• repeated with slightly different words in your conclusion

• answer 2 and 3

Each body paragraph should include

• a hook

• a thesis

• details, examples, and explanations

• no more than three sentences

Your conclusion should contain

• a restating of your thesis

• a brief summary of your main ideas

• a thought-provoking questions or a call to action

• all of the above