Writing With PEARLSA systematic approach to writing

Mr. Edom

PointsExamplesAnalysisRelationshipsLanguage/LengthStyle/Substance

PointsTHESIS• Is it debatable? Defendable?• Does it address the prompt?

TOPIC SENTENCES• Do they address the thesis?• Are the verbs active?

Examples

TEXTUAL EVIDENCE• Do they directly support the topic

sentence?• Are they brief?• Are there 1-2 examples from the text

for each topic sentence?• Is the citation in MLA format?

Analysis

OFFER AN EXPLANATION• How does the example support the

topic sentence?• Why is the example important?• Are there at least two sentences of

analysis per example?

Relationships

• How does the topic sentence serve the thesis?

• Is there a transition to the next topic sentence (first, second, finally, accordingly, as a result, consequently, likewise)

Language/LengthIs the language and length just right?

Formal Language

▸Scholarly writing▸Literary analysis

essays▸Business writing

Informal Language

▸Narrative essays▸Reflective essays▸Personal

correspondence▸Email, texting

Don’t use “I”

in scholarl

y writing!

Style & Substance

• WHAT you say is more important than HOW you say it.

• Substance serves style.• Everything serves the thesis.

What an AP Grader Looks For• Points

• Thesis hints/outlines structure of argument

• Structure is evident immediately though paragraphs

• Topic sentences introduce ideas (not evidence)

• Examples• 1-2 quotes from the text, per

paragraph at minimum

• Analysis• 2 sentence minimum per

example• Explanation of evidence is

substantive, original, insightful

• Relationships• Topic sentences relate back to

thesis

• Language/length• No use of “I” or “me”• Language is neutral and

academic in tone• Includes intro, body, conclusion

in 4-5 well developed paragraphs of 8-10 sentences (or more)

• Style/substance• Timed writing gets to the point

without fluff

Understanding FeedbackShort Answer Rubric• 5s include a skillful introduction/hook;

responsive to prompt without being formulaic; ample textual evidence; extended and insightful analysis; analysis provides clear relationship to the prompt, thesis, and overall meaning of text; sophisticated use of language and appropriate style

• 4s responsive to prompt; textual evidence; competent analysis; analysis provides clear relationship to the prompt, thesis, and overall meaning of text; less mature use of language; minor lapses in style

• 3s responsive to prompt; fewer textual examples; less thorough analysis; minor lapses in language and style

• 2s student misreads prompt or misinterprets text; analysis is grossly underdeveloped; language or style renders the argument unintelligible

• 1s offbase and underdeveloped

Grade Conversion

• 5/A• 4/B• 3/C • 2/D• 1/F• NS/NOT SCORE

Notes:A 3 on the AP exam is a

passing scoreThe exam is scored on a

curve, so how you perform in relation to your peers matters

The Nine Point RubricGrade Conversion• 9/A• 8/A-• 7/B• 6/B-• 5/C• 4/C• 3/D• 2/D-• 1/F

…and Other Markings• PEARLS are used to

quickly evaluate the content of your paper

• P+ signifies “good point, while a P- signifies a poor thesis or weak topic sentence

• Turnitin.com will give you comprehensive grammar feedback, with an option to review grammar rules

Strategizing for Improvement

• Read your paper aloud to yourself; you will catch mistakes by “hearing” them

• Interpret your score and teacher feedback• Ask questions if you cannot read the teacher’s

handwriting• Be aware that your early writing scores are our baseline

for the year, and represents your starting point; it takes time to develop into a great writer

• Make a plan for improvement• Note your score and create a list of three goals you have

for improving your writing• List questions you have about writing• Keep in mind that clear thinking is reflected in clear

writing• Keep a positive attitude and open your mind to

suggestions• Pursue tutoring in writing for extra attention