<p>On all of my FRQs in Literature, APEH and APWH I write my introductory paragraphs last. Basically, I just skip 6 lines or so and get working right on my body paragraphs. Then, I go back and fill my thesis statement etc with EXACTLY what I will be saying. I find it extremely difficult to formulate all that you will say in the first 5-10 minutes. Too often, I would remember something brilliant but have difficulty incorporating it as it was not in my thesis. Of course, for general essay planning, this isn't a good habit, you don't go to battle without a plan. But IMO, in the 40 minutes you get to write each individual essay this is the best way into tricking the graders into thinking you have a well-organized,well-planned essay.</p>
<p>To my literature teacher, this idea was extremely taboo for some reason when I brought it up 2 months ago, so I haven't mentioned it again. But in the past month, she's sort of been raving about my thesis statement and introductory paragraphs, likewise in APWH and APEH.</p>
<p>Does anybody else do anything familiar, and if not, what do you think of such a strategy. I find it's been working wonderfully for me, and my essays scores have gone up.</p>