Timed Writing

Consider the extent to which social-networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter have become commonplace in mainstream society.  Write a well-developed essay in which you argue whether the use of these types of social-networking sites is either dangerous or beneficial to society. Support your position with arguments and examples drawn from your reading, studies, experience, and observations.

You must include some evidence of prewriting/brainstorming: a bubble cluster, outline, or web.

Intro:  Begin with an attention getter, even if it's one sentence.  For last week's TW, 90% of you ignored my request.  You started with "Valentine's Day is...."  That statement is better suited as your background statement, which is more adequately placed in the middle of your intro.  Your background tells the audience why we are having this discussion in the first place.  Usually you can get this idea from whatever is stated in the prompt.  Don't start your essay with that.  The last statement of your intro should be your claim.  In this case, you're making a claim of value.  Write a complex sentence that uses a subordinate clause.

Body:  From your prewriting, take the most important reason you have and develop that one as a body paragraph.  Clearly state your reason in the opening sentence of that paragraph.  Follow your reason with SPECIFIC examples.  Use the descriptive writing techniques for these.  Follow the examples with commentary, explaining why your reason is valid.

Check the time.  If you have time to develop a second reason, do so.  If you have time to develop a third reason, do so.  DO NOT END YOUR PAPER PREMATURELY! 

Conclusion:  Restate your position.  You can make a final appeal here.  You can make a statement that looks   to the future.  

Although you are writing a draft, be deliberately conscious of grammar, usage, and mechanics.  Vary your sentence structure.  Avoid saying, "In my opinion...."

Enjoy.  :)