An exemplar essay for the middle grades aligned to TCAP
As I’ve been working with school districts to close the gaps between their HQIM and the expectations of the TCAP writing task, I’ve noticed a need for strong mentor text.
Students have to read a high-level example of whatever it is you want them to write.
As you read, point out the moves in each paragraph.
Introduction:
- Hook
- Background information
- Thesis (answers the prompt)
Body Paragraphs:
- Topic sentence
- Evidence
- Commentary (explain and elaborate)
Conclusion:
- Restate thesis
- Concluding commentary
Adapt these components to fit the acronym you’re already using in your classroom.
The following mentor text is perfect for high fifth graders to low ninth graders and is based on a prompt found in Live Binders.
Remind students that these are the moves we make in an essay, and they can take as many sentences (or paragraphs) as needed to answer the prompt.
If you try it out let me know how it goes in the comments below! Cheering you on!
– Merideth
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