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Writing Essays . . .

Writing Essays. . . . 5 Part Form. Disclaimer!!!. This is ONE model of essay writing -- a good one, but not the only one! Variations exist regarding Method of citing Use of first person Form of the introduction Use of present tense, etc.

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Writing Essays . . .

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  1. Writing Essays. . . . . . 5 Part Form

  2. Disclaimer!!! • This is ONE model of essay writing -- a good one, but not the only one! • Variations exist regarding • Method of citing • Use of first person • Form of the introduction • Use of present tense, etc. • Your teacher may give special instructions. Follow them!

  3. What is an Essay? Essay Purpose

  4. Essay Purpose • An essay is a form of writing in which you try to prove a point or support an opinion (thesis) • You must give reasons for your ideas, and evidence to back up what you say • You must give the sources of your evidence if you use them!

  5. A Report is Different • In a report, you are presenting information that you have collected on a topic • You are not necessarily supporting a point/an opinion

  6. Opinions • EVERYTHING you write is an opinion, whether it is a persuasive essay, an opinion essay, or a research essay • It becomes convincing only when you back up your opinion!!

  7. Opinions • There are opinions, and then there are opinions . . . • You may be entitled to your opinion, but… • Your opinion needs to be supported if you plan on convincing anyone else!!!

  8. Support Opinions With… • Facts • Specific reasons • Logical arguments • Specific examples • Support of experts • Quotations • NOT just because YOU say so!!!

  9. How Should I Write My Essay? Essay Style

  10. Essay Style: Formal u An essay is not a chat room! • Write in full sentences, not point form • Never use slang, dialect, or short forms • Avoid contractions: • Use “did not” instead of “didn’t” • Use “would have” instead of “would’ve” or, even worse, “would of”!!! lol

  11. Essay Style: Objective • Use third person, unless your teacher gives you permission to use first person • Use: • he, she, it, they, those, them (3rd) • Do not use: • you, your (2nd) • I, me, we, us, myself (1st)

  12. How Do I Set Up My Essay? Essay Organization

  13. Introduction

  14. Opening Comments • Introduce your topic in general terms • Get the interest of your readers • Example: Students in public high schools are allowed to choose the clothes that suit their personality and make them feel comfortable. Catholic students, however, are denied this choice.

  15. Thesis • A thesis is made up of two parts: • Statement • Plan • The statement is what you are trying to prove • The plan is your list of proofs/ reasons/arguments

  16. Examples States the obvious! • Students in Catholic high schools wear uniforms. • Why should high school students have to wear uniforms? • Students should not have to wear uniforms because I think they are ugly. Not a statement. Not provable!

  17. Examples • Students in high school should not have to wear uniforms because they are too expensive, they are uncomfortable, and they limit students’ right to self-expression. • Students in high school should not have to wear uniforms because they are too expensive, they are uncomfortable, and they limit students’ right to self-expression. Good!

  18. Examples It is a good policy for high school students to wear uniforms because this prevents them wearing gang related clothing, it gives them a sense of belonging, and it stops people from judging others based on the way they dress. • It is a good policy for high school students to wear uniforms because this prevents them wearing gang related clothing, gives them a sense of belonging, and stops people from judging others based on the way they dress. Good!

  19. Body Paragraphs

  20. Topic Sentences • Every time you start a new paragraph (argument) you must start with a topic sentence that reminds the reader of your reason • Use key words from the thesis

  21. Examples • Thesis: Students in high school should not have to wear uniforms because they are 1. too expensive, they are 2. uncomfortable, and they 3. limit students’ right to self-expression. • Topic Sentences: • Special uniforms cost much more than regular clothing… • The uniforms students are required to wear are very uncomfortable… • If all students are forced to dress the same this violates their freedom of expression…

  22. Evidence • After the topic sentence, you give reasons, details, examples, and quotations that prove your point • Your opinion is only as good as the evidence that backs it up!!

  23. Conclusion

  24. Conclusion • Start the conclusion by restating your thesis and arguments • Finish up with… • Summary comments • Application • Suggestion for further thought

  25. Citing Sources Don’t Plagiarize!!

  26. The Catechism: Works Cited Catholic Church. Catechism of the Catholic Church. Ottawa: Canadian Council of Catholic Bishops, 1994. Catholic Church. Catechism of the Catholic Church. New York: Image, 1995.

  27. Or… Catholic Church.  Catechism of the Catholic Church.  2nd ed.  Vatican: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2000. There are many versions! http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/ http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM

  28. In-Text citation of The Catechism: • “The one God is triune in nature and consists of three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” (Catechism 1280). Because of this… • Direct quotation • Note: cite section or paragraph instead of page number.

  29. In-Text citation of The Catechism: • Because God consists of three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Catechism 1280) we always end our prayers by saying… • Paraphrase • Note: cite section or paragraph instead of page number.

  30. In-Text Citation of Movies • Include the work in the text lead up, not in a parenthetical reference • E.g.: Terry Gilliam’s film 12 Monkeys portrays James Cole as a Christ figure who is willing to sacrifice his life to save humanity.

  31. Works Cited 12 Monkeys. Dir. Terry Gilliam. Perf. Bruce Willis, Madeline Stowe, Brad Pitt. DVD. Paramount, 1998.

  32. In-Text Citation of Web Sites A • Local Hero teaches about the importance of respecting the environment, “Any movie that can raise the consciousness of its audience without preaching is a rarity, and this beautiful film manages to do just that.” (Internet Movie Database ¶8). In view of this, all …

  33. Citing IMDb Internet Movie Database. Local Hero. 2008. 3 March 2008. <http://imdb. com/title/tt0085859/> Date of site, then date you accessed the site.

  34. Works Cited

  35. Works Cited

  36. Good Luck!

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