To write a Text-Dependent Analysis (TDA) essay, follow these key steps:

Structure of a TDA Essay

• Introduction: Introduce the text(s) by naming the passage(s) and restate the prompt or question you are addressing.
• Body Paragraphs (2-3 paragraphs): Each paragraph should focus on a specific point that supports your answer.
• Conclusion: Summarize your main points and restate how the evidence supports your response

Writing Process

1. Understand the Prompt and Text

• Read the passage(s) carefully.
• Identify key words in the prompt.
• Restate the prompt in your own words to ensure understanding

2. Gather Evidence

• Find 2-3 examples from the text that support your answer.
• Use direct quotes or paraphrase correctly.
• Cite the text with page or line numbers when possible

3. Analyze and Explain

• Examine each piece of evidence.
• Explain what the evidence means and how it supports your answer.
• Infer deeper meaning or significance related to the prompt

4. Organize Your Writing

• Use transition words to connect ideas logically.
• Make sure paragraphs flow well and stay focused on the prompt

5. Cite Your Evidence

• Use quotation marks for direct quotes.
• Include the title, author, and page or line number if required.
• Avoid plagiarism by properly citing all sources

Tips for Success

• Brainstorm and plan your essay using a graphic organizer before drafting

• Write multiple paragraphs to fully develop your response

• Practice writing TDAs with class examples and gradually move to independent work

• Use sentence starters to introduce text evidence, such as "According to the text..." or "The author states..."

By following these guidelines, you can write a well-organized, evidence-based TDA essay that clearly answers the prompt using information from the text(s)