FSA Writing Tips

Before Writing:

Analyze the Prompt:

- Read prompt before passages
- Identify PAT
- What is the Purpose?
- Who is your Audience? Write FOR the reader-- don’t just identify the audience, but how are
you including the audience in your response?
- What is the Topic?
- 2 bullet points = informative
- 3-4 bullet points = argumentative (because it includes counterclaim)

Point of View:

FIRST PERSON
First-person point of view is used to write stories/narratives or examples about personal
experiences from your own life.

EXAMPLE:
Several people have made a lasting impression on me. I remember one person in particular who
was significant to me. Dr. Smith, my high school English teacher, helped my family and me through
a difficult time during my junior year. We appreciated her care, kindness, and financial help after the
loss of our home in a devastating fire.

THIRD PERSON
Third-person point of view identifies people by proper noun (such as teachers, students,
players, or doctors) and uses the pronouns they, she, and he.

Third person also includes the use of one, everyone, and anyone. Most formal, academic
writing uses the third person.

EXAMPLE:
The bosses at the company have decided that employees need a day of in-house training. Times
have been scheduled for everyone. Several senior employees will be required to make five-minute
presentations. One is not eager to speak in front of others since he’s very shy. Another one, however,
is anxious to relate their expertise. The variation in routine should provide an interesting day for all
people concerned.
When writing your essay, keep a consistent and formal point of view
- DON’T switch point of view:
- The accident happened right in front of us so you could see who was at fault.
- The accident happened right in front of us so we could see who was at fault.

You can still use your personal experience in your essay, but limit referring to yourself directly:
- Instead of saying “I think the author is very convincing.” Take out “I” and say, “THE author is
very convincing.”

Introduction:
Body Paragraphs:

- Each body paragraph in an essay should develop one aspect of the thesis statement.
- Topic Sentence
- A one-sentence statement of the main idea of the paragraph.
- What is this paragraph about?
- Evidence & Elaboration
- You only NEED one quote per paragraph as long as elaboration is on point
- Elaboration > evidence
- Cheeseburger effect (more meat than cheese)
- Attempt to refer to every source (use formal evidence from at least two sources)
- Transitions:
- A word or phrase that bridges ideas between paragraphs or between sentences.
Conclusion:

After Writing:
- Read over your essay OUT LOUD (whisper read or mouth the words)
- Notice what might not sound correct and adjust it!

DO YOUR BEST :)