Power WritingPower WritingPower WritingPower Writing

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 Winfrey’s 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.

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 today’s society.

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.

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.

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

5-Paragraph Essay Format

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

Introduction• Use Power 0’s to introduce topic• Use Power 1 to narrow topic to

thesis statement

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

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