Essays

1. Essays Obj: You will learn to identify the different elements (parts) of an essay. Oh, and I should mention that you will get to practice each one 

2. Elements of An Essay • An essay consists of 5 main paragraphs: • The Introduction • 1st Body Paragraph • 2nd Body Paragraph • 3rd Body Paragraph • Conclusion Paragraph • Why are you learning this? • It’s like Jenga.

3. The Way Essays Jive • Direction: contains a strong thesis sentence that states the main idea and the course the essay will follow • Unity: makes a point and sticks to it. • Note: The paragraphs may differ, however they follow the point made in the thesis. • Coherence: logical (some things don’t change) • Support: detailed and specific discussion of thesis

4. Thesis Statement • This is the most important sentence in your essay. • Similar to a topic sentence, it tells the reader what to expect. • 2 Types of Thesis Statements: • With points included • Without points included

5. With Points Included • This the traditional approach. • A thesis statement with points presents the main idea and the supporting points, listed in the order you will discuss them in your essay. • Example: • Action, an exciting plot, and strong characters are essential ingredients for any movie. • Try this one: • If I were not in school today I would ________, ________, and ____________.

6. Without Points Included • This type of thesis sentence gives the central idea of the essay without listing the supporting points of discussion. • An example: If I were to go anywhere, I would travel to England. • Note: If you choose to do this, your topic sentences for each supporting paragraph MUST be easy to follow in order to create unity and coherence. • If I were able to travel anywhere I would go to _______________.

7. The Introduction • Purposes: • Draws your reader in • Presents the general topic of your essay (Restate) • Provides necessary background • Presents your THESIS STATEMENT (Answer)

8. Types • Broad to Narrow • Americans like movies. The Cinema has become one of the largest money making industries today. Because of this many books are being made into films. However, this does not always mean there is a smooth transition from book to screen. Often, movie versions are distorted, disappointing many fans. This essay will focus on the similarities and differences of O. Henry’s story, “The Ransom of Red Chief,” and the 1998 version of the film.

9. Narrow to Broad • Narrow to Broad • As I sit down in my theater seat and lean back, I can hear the anticipation in everyone’s conversation. The book we’ve all been waiting for has been made into a film. Watching book-to-film adaptions have become a popular mode for many teenage audiences. However, this does not always mean there is a smooth transition from print to screen. Often, movie versions are distorted, disappointing many fans. This essay will focus on the similarities and differences of O. Henry’s story, “The Ransom of Red Chief,” and the 1998 version of the film.

10. Body Paragraphs: • Building a paragraph • Note: Your topic sentences must follow your thesis. • Go back to your thesis on where you would like to travel. Now think of 3 reasons why you would wish to travel there. • Share these reasons with your podor as instructed. • This is the C: Cite Textual Evidence E: Explain/ Expand

11. Body Paragraph Example • One similarity between the 1910 short story and the 1998 film version the of, “The Ransom of Red Chief” is the use of situational irony. Within the short story, the kidnappers are faced with the decision to pay Mr. Ebenezer Dorset $250 in order to return their captive. After choosing to do so, they leave in the town of Summit in disgrace during the night. However, within the film, the robbers are given the same note from Dorset only to find themselves championing for little Red Chief’s freedom. This leads them to become deputized by the town of Summit. Though the differences are

12. Continued… appear to be contrasting elements between the two formats, each still maintains a pattern of unexpected endings. Another point of similarity to note is the…

13. Coherence • Note: Although it may sound like the most logical way to transition, using “First,” “Second,” and “Third” is not always the most thrilling way to communicate to your reader. • Try this: • Although it may seem that there were several points of similarity between the movie and film version of the story, there were also many differences. • Why does this work as a transition?

14. Conclusions: Gracefully,Bowing Out • Think of an uncomfortable phone conversation… • The odds are you made your goodbye short, to the point, and were very careful not to begin another topic. • Your essay’s conclusion should be the same (without being awkward  ) Generally, this last paragraph summarizes your main points and gives one final bow out. Note: This is the SUMMARIZE (or “s”) in our R.A.C.E.S.

15. Conclusion: Example Example: In conclusion, there are many particular points in which the 1998 film, “The Ransom of Red Chief,” differed from the original short story of 1910. These differences, though striking, did not ultimately affect the overall plot. Because of this, both the film and story can be considered an entertaining and vivid picture of what O. Henry may have been envisioning when he wrote his humorous tale.

16. Ransom of Red Chief • Yes, we are going to write an essay. • And, no, it won’t be too painful  • Your essay will be focused on comparing and contrasting the difference between the movie we watched and the original story by O. Henry. • Let’s look at the outline.

17. Set Up I. Intro II. Explain summary of “The Ransom of Red Chief” III. Contrasting Points (at least 3) IV. Comparison Points (at least 3) V. Conclusion (wrapping it up) THINK R.A.C.E. S. or Restate, Answer, Cite Evidence, Explain, Summarize!!!!!

18. A Break • Before we go over Pre-writing and Planning an Essay, let’s go over your worksheet on • FRAGMENTS AND RUN-ONS! Find one sentence on your sheet that was hard for you to understand. Raise your hand, and I’ll work it out on the board.