TEXT RESPONSE PLANNING GUIDE

STEP 1.

WRITE THE TOPIC IN FULL AND UNDERLINE THE KEY WORDS.

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STEP 2.

EXPLAIN THE KEY TERMS OR IDEAS IN THE TOPIC

Word or ideas

Meaning, examples or questions raised

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STEP 3.

BRAINSTORMING THE TOPIC AND QUESTIONING THE QUESTION

In the space below, write down everything you think relates to the topic and any
questions you may wish to answer in your essay. Who, what, when, why and how
questions may be useful here. You could start to gather some appropriate quotes and
examples from the text.

STEP 4.

THE INTRODUCTION

You need to provide a brief introduction to the text (title, author, director -if studying a
film) and parts of the text that are relevant to the topic (characters and events). Make
a statement that clearly addresses the topic- it may also indicate your opinion about
the topic.

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STEP 5.

THE MAIN BODY OF THE ESSAY

FIRST PARAGRAPH
The general point to be made in this paragraph is ____________________________________
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Specific examples/quotes to support this point are:

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SECOND PARAGRAPH
The general point to be made in this paragraph is ____________________________________
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Specific examples/quotes to support this point are:

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THIRD PARAGRAPH
The general point to be made in this paragraph is ____________________________________
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Specific examples/quotes to support this point are:

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STEP 6.

THE CONCLUSION

Make sure you give a clear, personal response to the topic. Sum up your main points
that support your response and try to say them in different words. Do not introduce any
new information in the conclusion.

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