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Introduction. Constructing An Essay. Thesis. Body . Thesis. Conclusion. Topic. The subject matter of the essay. What are you writing about? For the Purposes of this lesson our topic/question will be: Which pet is better, Dogs or Cats?. What is a Thesis?.
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Introduction Constructing An Essay Thesis Body Thesis Conclusion
Topic • The subject matter of the essay. What are you writing about? • For the Purposes of this lesson our topic/question will be: Which pet is better, Dogs or Cats?
What is a Thesis? • The thesis is your argument/opinion. • It should be one sentence. • It is developed through consideration of your topic/question. • Be sure your topic is narrow enough.
Strong Voice • Your thesis statement should be just that; a statement. • A thesis is strong when there is conviction behind the writer's voice. • There is no doubt behind the statement. Which Statement Is Strongest? 1. Cats are kind of better than dogs. 2. I think cats are better than dogs. 3. Cats are better than dogs. 4. Cats might be better than dogs.
The Introduction Looks like the top ½ of an Hour Glass Opening Statements General To Specific Note: Avoid using first person. Thesis • The introduction should begin general and end with your • thesis statement. • For our essay, for example, we may begin by talking about • pets in general and end by stating that cats are better than dogs.
The BodyThe Middle of the Hour Glass: The Bulk of the Essay • Depending on the length of the essay, the body can have anywhere from 3 paragraphs to 300 paragraphs. • This is where the thesis statement is supported with evidence or proof. • Each paragraph generally contains a different support for the thesis.
A Paragraph in The Body Each paragraph has a specific structure: State: A sentence about why your thesis is true, using a transition. Restate: A rewording of the first sentence. Prove: Your evidence. This is usually a quote or paraphrase from a text. Explain: A sentence or two explaining how your proof supports your thesis statement. Tie-In: Tie in the proof with your previous paragraph and the thesis
Preparing the Body • Preparing the body involves organizing the evidence for your thesis. • First you find x amount of items that support your thesis. (This depends on the length of the paper) • Then order them from strongest (1) to weakest support. • The most convincing way to structure your body is to begin with your second strongest argument. (Save the best for last) • Then arrange the support from weakest to strongest.
Let’s Try! Strongest 1. 2. 3. 4. Weakest 5. Cats are independent Cats are pretty Cats are clean Cats are smart . Cats are lovable
The ConclusionThe Bottom Of the Hourglass Specific To General Thesis • The purpose of the conclusion is to summarize your paper. • It begins with a re-wording of the thesis statement. • Then restate your support in the order that it appears in the essay: 25431. • Ideally the restatement of each support would be one sentence. • The last line of the conclusion should be a general thought about the topic (the zinger) • Or...possible further considerations. ZINGER
Questions? Now it’s your turn!