Essay Writing

1. Essay Writing

2. Basic Essay Format • Introduction: • Points to develop introduction– Leading up to thesis. Create a Hook and Transition • First point • Second Point • Third Point • Fourth Point • Thesis: • Body: • Topic Sentence: • 6 points to develop 2nd paragraph • Topic Sentence: • 6 points to develop 3rd paragraph • Topic Sentence: • 6 points to develop 4th paragraph • Conclusion: • 3 concluding points

3. Introductory and Concluding Paragraphs • Developing Introduction: • Compose Thesis • Decide on the type of Hook and write it • Write the transition • Draft into paragraph • Developing Conclusion: • Summarize main points and creatively restate the thesis • End with obvious closure and sense of completeness

4. Thesis Statement • Requirements: • States the essay’s subject– the topic being discussed • Reflects the essay’s purpose • Includes a focus– assertion conveying your point of view • Uses specific language • May briefly state the major subdivisions of the topic

5. Types of Hooks • This is your chance to “hook” your audience. Types of Hooks: personal examples quotations Facts or statistics rhetorical questions current events contrast to the thesis sentence

6. Writing with Examples for Supporting Detail • Personal Experience • Observations of Other People • Short Stories, Novels, Television, or Movies • Facts, Statistics, or Reports from Authoritative Sources

7. 10 steps in the “write” direction • Read the Prompt carefully. Notice Key words • Decide the purpose. (argue/persuade, evaluate, compare, contrast, describe). Rephrase the topic/question in your own words. • Decide whether to “downsize” the topic. • Brainstorm for ideas. • Organize ideas. Follow the basic essay format. • Write an introduction with a “hook” • Develop each of your main points. Use examples and details to fully support and develop. • Write a conclusion that packs some punch. • Revise. Use lively, clear words. Vary sentence beginnings and structures. Check for repetition and redundancy. Make sure formality of language is appropriate. Use transitions.

8. How to write an Essay • Use the following pages in your grammar book to find out the essentials to an essay. In your journal write the 3 main parts and then take notes from the book. • Introduction: • Grabs reader’s attention pg. 340-341 • Thesis: pg. 338-339 • Body: Supporting details: pg. 352-357 • Conclusion: pg. 346-347

9. Personal Essay: My Life as a High School Freshman • Introduction: Grabs reader’s attention Introduces Topic: Thesis: Establishes your ideas, feelings, opinions • Body: Supporting ideas and details about topic will come from your own experiences. Anecdotes—stories about yourself are necessary • Conclusion Concludes or restates your ideas, feelings and opinions Reflection of lessons learned from your experiences or your reason for writing the essay

10. Literary Analysis Essay • Introduction: Introduces Novel, Short story, or Poem title and author ‘s name of the work you are analyzing Summarize the work Thesis: establish your ideas or opinion of the work • Body: Supporting ideas and details about topic must come straight from the work or from creditable sources. Examples about topic from story must be quotes from the novel: parenthetical citation • Conclusion: Concludes or restate thesis

11. Persuasive Essay • Introduction: • Grabs reader’s attention • Introduces Topic • Thesis: Establishes your (writer) ideas, feelings, opinions pg. 338-339 • Body: • Supporting ideas and details about topic • Anecdotes—stories about topic • Facts and Statistics to support opinion • Address opposing view points • Conclusion: • Concludes ideas, feelings and opinions • Summarize • Call to action (persuasive)