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 1st 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. 