Write-Prep Anchor Chart for ELL Writers

Plan it. Write it. Upgrade it. Share it.

1) Goal Frames

Pick one and finish the sentence.

  • Inform: Today I will explain …
  • Describe: I want my reader to see/hear/feel …
  • Compare: I will show how X and Y are similar/different because …
  • Argue: My opinion is … because …
  • Narrate: First … then … finally …

2) 10‑Minute Planner

  • Brain dump (2m): write/sketch 6–8 ideas.
  • Sort (2m): circle best 3; cross out extras.
  • Order (2m): number 1–2–3 (start → develop → end).
  • Support (4m): add one example, reason, or detail for each idea.
Example/detail starters: “For example…”, “This shows… because…”, “One detail is…”

3) Paragraph Frame

Topic sentence

  • In my view, …
  • One important idea is …
  • Recently, I learned that …

Support

  • First/Next/Also/Finally, …
  • For example/For instance, …
  • This is important because …

Conclusion

  • In conclusion/Overall, …
  • This means that …

4) Sentence Upgrade Menu

  • Combine with because/so/but/although/when.
  • Precise verbs/nouns: go → commute, stroll; say → explain, argue.
  • Add detail with phrases: after school, on the weekend, in the lab.
  • Appositives (int.): Ms. Lin, my science teacher, explained the experiment.
It was raining. We stayed inside. → We stayed inside because it was raining.

5) Transition Ladder

  • Sequence: first, next, then, finally
  • Add: in addition, moreover, also
  • Contrast: however, although, on the other hand
  • Cause/Effect: because, so, therefore, as a result
  • Examples: for example, for instance, such as
COLOR KEY
Blue = order/example
Green = addition/place
Orange = contrast
Red = cause/effect

6) Quick Vocab Builder (3×3)

  • Pick 3 target words for today’s prompt.
  • Write 1-sentence definition (your words) for each.
  • Use each in a topic sentence.
  • Grammar check: underline the subject; circle the verb.

7) Peer Feedback (2‑minute swap)

  • Content: I can find your main idea. It is …
  • Organization: Clear/unclear. Maybe move …
  • Language: One sentence to upgrade is …
  • Praise + Next: I liked … Next time, try …

8) Self‑Check Before Submit

  • Clear topic sentence?
  • At least 2 supporting details/examples?
  • Used ≥ 3 transitions?
  • Subject–verb agreement and a/an/the correct?
  • Read aloud once for flow?

9) Different Paths, Same Goal

Beginners

  • Word bank + sentence frames.
  • Guided cloze (add verbs/transitions).

Intermediate

  • Include one complex sentence (because/although/when).
  • Add one quote or data point.

Advanced

  • Counterargument: “Some people think …; however, …”
  • Vary sentence openings and lengths.

10) 10–15 Min Mini‑Lessons

  • Topic sentences: sort good/weak; rewrite 2.
  • Transitions: insert into a jumbled paragraph.
  • Appositives: find one; add one to today’s draft.
  • Articles: quick practice with visuals; apply.
  • Verbs: keep tense consistent; fix 5 lines.

11) Weekly Cycle

  • Mon: Prompt + planner + draft
  • Tue: Mini‑lesson + upgrade
  • Wed: Peer feedback + redraft
  • Thu: 1:1 or small‑group clinic
  • Fri: Share + reflect: “One upgrade I used…”

12) Ready‑to‑Use Prompts

  • Inform: Explain how to stay focused when studying.
  • Describe: Describe your favorite place using five senses.
  • Compare: Studying alone vs. in a group.
  • Argue: Should phones be allowed in class? Why/why not?
  • Narrate: Tell about a challenge you solved.
Pro tip: highlight topic sentence in blue, transitions in green, articles a/an/the in orange, and because/so in red.
FAST ACTION KEYS

Draft faster with: Try → Notice → Fix → Grow • Record a 30‑second read‑aloud to hear flow • Use the Transition Ladder, Upgrade Menu, and Self‑Check before submitting.