WHAT IT IS:

From The Writing Revolution, Although is a strategy for increasing students’ analytical thinking in written responses.

HOW IT WORKS:

When considering a writing prompt or question, the teacher may rewrite the prompt with a subordinate clause that begins “Although…”. In doing so, the prompt addresses the topic from another aspect and encourages students to consider the ideas in a new way.

For example, rewrite the prompt:

“How do plants produce oxygen?” to instead be

“Although plants produce oxygen, …” where students must finish the sentence.

For another example, rewrite the prompt:

“What is the author’s purpose?” to instead be

“Although the author’s purpose is primarily to inform, …”

Additionally, consider using other subordinating conjunctions to begin prompts, such as “Before…” or “Despite…”.