Author: Mullins, Carole

Ready. Set. Write.

1.       Read the question carefully.
2.       “CIRCLE” the words in the task that tell you what to do(i.e. Identify, Explain, Provide, Describe, etc.)
3.       Draw a “BOX” around any number words (i.e. list 1, 2, 3, etc. things)
4.       “UNDERLINE” any main idea in the task.

Writing Situation: We have read both “from Texas v. Johnson Majority Opinion” and “American Flag Stands for Tolerance.” The authors agree that Americans should be allowed to burn the American flag in protest because it is a demonstration of Freedom of Speech with is provided for in the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America. 

Writing Task: Write an essay and analyze the difference in tone between the two texts. Please use specific, relevant evidence from the text to explain and support your thinking.

Under the “Do” column, write the action words you circled in the task.
Under the “What” column, write the corresponding main idea (what you are to do).

Consider the Writing Situation and Task. Determine each of the following:
Subject- (What is the question you are asked to explain?  Form this answer as a question!)
Type- (What type of writing will you do? Essay, speech, email, letter, article,blog?)
Role-(What is your role as the writer? Student, son, daughter, volunteer, citizen, athlete, friend, or employee)
Audience--(To whom are you writing? Hint: The writing situation will Give you enough information to infer this.)
Purpose--(For what purpose will you write? To inform, to explain, to defend a position?)

STRAP adapted from The Write Source. 2007