Writing Process and Argumentation Concepts

This video tutorial guides students through the process of planning and developing an argumentative essay. It begins with understanding the prompt about Prospero in The Tempest, followed by brainstorming reasons for and against empathizing with him. The tutorial then covers evaluating and condensing these reasons to create a clear thesis statement. The writing process is broken down into steps, emphasizing the importance of focusing on significant claims for the audience and purpose.

What is the primary focus when planning and developing your writing?

• The number of paragraphs

• The use of complex vocabulary

• The reasons most significant for your specific purpose and audience

• The length of the essay

Which step is NOT part of the writing process reviewed in the lesson?

• Editing and publishing the writing

• Reading closely and analyzing the text

• Generating and planning what to write

• Memorizing the text

What is the first step in the writing process?

• Drafting and revising

• Editing and publishing

• Generating and planning

• Reading closely and analyzing the text

What is the purpose of using a T-chart in brainstorming?

• To list all characters in the play

• To summarize the entire play

• To organize reasons for and against a prompt question

• To create a visual representation of the text

What does empathizing with a character mean?

• Agreeing with everything they do

• Criticizing their motives

• Understanding or feeling the feelings of another

• Ignoring their actions

Why is it important to select significant reasons for your argument?

• To confuse the audience

• To avoid using any evidence

• To ensure the argument is well-supported with evidence

• To make the essay longer

What is the purpose of condensing ideas when creating a thesis?

• To avoid making a clear argument

• To make the thesis statement longer

• To simplify and clarify the main reasons

• To include more complex vocabulary

Why might Shakespeare want his audience to empathize with Prospero?

• Because Prospero's motive for revenge is central to establishing the plot

• Because Prospero is a minor character

• Because Prospero is always portrayed positively

• Because Prospero is the only character in the play

What is a thesis statement?

• A summary of the entire essay

• A clear and specific statement that presents an argument and gives reasons to support the claim

• A list of all the characters in the play

• A question about the text

What is the final step in the writing process?

• Reading closely and analyzing the text

• Generating and planning

• Editing and publishing

• Drafting and revising