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Writing Essays

Writing Essays. It is not as scary as you think!. What is an essay?. An essay is nonfiction. 2. Essays have a thesis statement – one statement that explains the main idea (comes at the end of the introduction) 3. Essays contain multiple paragraphs.

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Writing Essays

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  1. Writing Essays It is not as scary as you think!

  2. What is an essay? • An essay is nonfiction. 2. Essays have a thesis statement – one statement that explains the main idea (comes at the end of the introduction) 3. Essays contain multiple paragraphs. 4. The main job of the essay is to discuss the thesis statement or main idea. 5. Essays have an introduction paragraph, body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph.

  3. Kinds of Essays: EXPOSITORY EXPOSITORY: Expository essays require that the writer give information, explain the topic or define something. Since they are factual, they are written without emotion and usually written in the third person. That means that the use of the pronoun "I" is not usually found within the essay. Expository essays also have a distinct format: • Thesis statement that is supported throughout the paper • Paragraphs that directly relate to the overall topic with transition words • Conclusion that restates the thesis and supporting ideas. Nothing new is introduced in the conclusion.

  4. Kinds of Essays: NARRATIVE NARRATIVE:When you write a narrative essay, you are telling a story. Narrative essays are told from a defined point of view, often the author's, so there is feeling as well as specific and often sensory details provided to get the reader involved in the elements and sequence of the story. The verbs are vivid and precise. The narrative essay makes a point and that point is often defined in the opening sentence, but can also be found as the last sentence in the opening paragraph.      Since a narrative relies on personal experiences, it often is in the form of a story. When the writer uses this technique, he or she must be sure to include all the conventions of storytelling: plot, character, setting, climax, and ending. It is usually filled with details that are carefully selected to explain, support, or embellish the story. All of the details relate to the main point the writer is attempting to make. To summarize, the narrative essay: • is told from a particular point of view • makes and supports a point • is filled with precise detail • uses vivid verbs and adjectives

  5. Kinds of Essays: Persuasive PERSUASIVE: Persuasive writing attempts to convince the reader that the point of view or course of action recommended by the writer is valid. To accomplish this, the writer must develop a limited topic which is well defined and debatable, that is has more than one side. It is important that the author understand both sides of the position so that the strongest information to counter the others can be presented. • Narrow Topic • Strong information for YOUR point of view, but presents understanding of both sides • Uses strong language to demonstrate command of the topic

  6. Example ESSAY outline! Topic: March There are many superstitions about March. We often hear that "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb." This means that the first day of March is often stormy, and the last day is mild and warm. Another saying is, "April borrowed from March three days, and they were ill." This refers to the first three days of April, which are generally rough and blustery like March. Thesis statement:March is popular not only for it’s popular saying, but for many other reasons as well. Paragraph topic: Spring Break supporting: beach supporting: mountains supporting: relaxation Paragraph topic: March Madness supporting: brackets supporting: upsets supporting: Final Four Paragraph Topic: St. Patrick’s Day supporting: parade supporting: wear green! Supporting: “Everyone is Irish” Conclusion:re-state thesis: March is an exciting month full of big events and the signs of Spring. Final sentence: This year, may your March come in like a lion, out like a lamb and be filled with many exciting things in between.

  7. How Do I Start? • "Start writing, no matter about what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on. You can sit and look at a page for a long time and nothing will happen. Start writing and it will." -- Louis L'Amour

  8. Your Turn! • Make a simple essay outline about your favorite month! • Think, holidays, birthdays, weather, traditions, travel, hobbies or activities….

  9. MLA Paper Heading • On left upper corner: Susie Smith Mrs. Ballard ELA Hour 4 26 August 2013

  10. Week Timeline • Today: How to write an essay & Choose a topic • Tuesday: Research further in library over topic from 1960’s list, start outline • Wednesday: Work on Essay outline and begin writing • Thursday: Writing/typing/editing • Friday: Writing/typing/editing – Finish!! • Monday: Share and evaluate

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