Practice prompt 2 the 11 minute essay

A step-by-step approach to essay writing using Gretchen Bernabei's 11 minute essay strategy.

1. The 11-Minute Essay A sure fire way to Not Panic when you get an Essay Prompt

2. Focus on the “truism” The makers of the STAAR prompt do not expect you to “argue” this topic. The prompts are called “truisms” because they are “true” for all of us. So we have to prove that.

3. Topic: Explain why failing is an important part of success. Let’s write a draft of this essay in 11 minutes. 

4. For one minute only, write what this topic means to you. This is your opening paragraph.

5. Take a breath. Indent. For three minutes, write about this topic as you have seen it in movies. You can write about more than 1 movie. This is body paragraph 1.

6. Take a breath. Indent. For three minutes, write about this topic as it relates to your life or someone you know. This is body paragraph 2.

7. Take a breath. Indent. For three minutes write about this topic as you have seen it in a book, history or a current event. This is body paragraph 3.

8. Take a breath. Indent. For one minute, write about the impact or importance of this topic on society in general. This is your conclusion.

9. YOU’RE DONE with a 1 st draft!! What now? Leave it alone for awhile. Go work on the reading part of the test. When you’re ready, go back and REREAD your rough draft. We’ll work on adding details next week. Correct mistakes and type your final copy. 