Power Writing

1
Power Writing
2
Power 0

• Introduction
• Background information
• 4-6 sentences in length
• Example (Dinner Party Essay)
• When I was a child, my parents taught me to give
  generously to others. Giving to the Hurricane
  Katrina survivors and the Red Cross affected me
  in a positive way. When I watched Oprah Winfreys
  show on the disaster, I knew that my gift to the
  Red Cross would help people in need. I admire her
  efforts to aid individuals through her Angel Tree
  Network.

3
Power 1

• Thesis Statement
• Gives three subtopics to be discussed in the
  paper
• Example (Dinner Party Essay)
• Inviting Oprah Winfrey, Adolf Hitler, and
  President George W. Bush to my dinner party would
  allow me the opportunity to discuss current
  issues that are important to me and my place in
  todays society.

4
Power 2

• Topic Sentence for body paragraph
• Mentions subtopic from thesis
• Example (Dinner Party Essay)
• First of all, Oprah Winfrey has affected my way
  of looking at social issues today, and I would
  love to meet with her during my dinner party to
  discuss her views of American generosity in the
  wake of Hurricane Katrina.

5
Power 3

• Explanation/Support for topic sentence
• 5-7 sentences in length
• Example (Dinner Party Essay)
• Oprah is the type of person I strive to be in my
  daily life. Like her Angel Tree Network efforts,
  I give to charitable organizations. I am sure
  that Oprah could shed some light on problems that
  concern other countries as well, not simply the
  United States. After watching footage of
  Hurricane Katrina and the Tsunami that hit Asia,
  I feel that Oprah is the epitome of generosity. I
  spent time at a thrift store sorting clothing and
  other donated items, and I felt that my small
  contribution made a difference at the very
  least, it provided necessary relief for the
  owners of the store who could not afford to hire
  the necessary manpower. What Oprah has shown me
  by her personal efforts continues to affect my
  role in helping others.

6
Power Writing Format

• 0/1-2-3-2-3-2-3-1/0 (5 paragraph essay)
• 0/1 introduction
• 2-3 body paragraphs
• 1/0 conclusion

7
5-Paragraph Essay Format

• Introduction
• Body Paragraph 1
• Body Paragraph 2
• Body Paragraph 3
• Conclusion

8
Introduction

• Use Power 0s to introduce topic
• Use Power 1 to narrow topic to thesis statement

9
Body Paragraphs

• Begin with transition word
• Continue with topic sentence (Power 2)
• Write 5-7 additional sentences to elaborate on
  topic sentence (give support)
• End paragraph revisiting topic

10
Conclusion

• Do not begin with transition (not necessary)
• Revisit Power 0 discussion in introduction also
  revisit items mentioned within paper
• Mention three subtopics again
• Do NOT introduce any new info