This is a quick reference guide for students as they develop body paragraphs in response to persuasive writing tasks, such as the EOC Writing SOL. The resource includes various strategies that students can use for elaborating on ideas and exemplar paragraphs based on a released SOL prompt.  This version has been simplified from the original (included below) for students who may struggle with some of the more advanced concepts or language in the original resource.  A Microsoft Word version is also provided for teachers who would like to present the information in one page for students. 

SOL PROMPT #16

Think about the benefits of working with a group or working alone. Which do you feel is more beneficial? Write to convince your teacher of your preference, either to work with a group or to work alone. Support your position with reasons and specific examples.

MODEL BODY PARAGRAPHS

One benefit of working in groups is being partnered with others who have different skills. For example, some students are more creative, some are skilled at writing, and some may be more comfortable presenting. While all students may be learning the same material, each will have a way to contribute and work with the concepts that they enjoy, so they will be more engaged. Also, the final product will be better because of the wider skill range.

Another possible benefit is that students can learn from each other, as they collaborate and communicate.  They will likely learn more from working with others and engaging in discussions they wouldn't have had if working on their own. Students can also get different perspectives and broaden their thinking as they hear from peers with different backgrounds and experiences. For instance, if students are looking at how a new law might affect people in the United States, three students who likely have different economic, racial or ethnic backgrounds, etc. will likely be able to consider more ramifications for different groups than one student working alone.

Though social interactions are sometimes difficult when members do not agree or someone works harder than others, students can learn to compromise or work through disagreements. These are real world skills that students need to learn how to deal with before they go into a workplace where they will be expected to effectively communicate with and work with others as well.

STRATEGIES   FOR   WRITING SOLID BODY PARAGRAPHS

THINK OF 2-3 SUPPORTING POINTS

Each can become the topic of a body paragraph.

HYPOTHETICAL or REAL EXAMPLES

Use these to get into details about your points. (“Suppose that…” or

“Imagine if…” or "In some cases...")

CLARIFY and EXPLAIN

What do your points and examples reveal, explain, or demonstrate?

WHY DOES THIS MATTER?

Think about the topic and your opinion about it. If we follow your logic, what will happen? What will happen if we don't? What can your idea apply to? (Different situations, fields, etc.)

Think about it:

Circle text in the paragraphs and draw an arrow to the strategy it demonstrates.

Try it out:

Choose a released SOL Prompt and try out using the strategies yourself.

Here is a direct link to released prompts from the Virginia Department of Education that students can use to practice these tips with as they prepare for the English SOL End of Course Writing Assessment: (http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/standards_docs/english/2010/online_writing/writing_prompts/eoc_writing_prompts.pdf)

Adapted from this original resource by Margaret Harris-Shoats: