Essay Writing IOI

1. Essay Writing IOI a)The Introductory Paragraph b) Body Paragraphs c) The Concluding Paragraph

2. The Introductory Paragraph • Include a general opening idea to hook the reader about your topic • Include the title, author and a brief synopsis of the play and its characters • Explain the three ways you will develop your thesis. (A B and C Points) • Put your thesis ( statement of opinion) in the last part of the intro paragraph

3. Tips on how to start writing the introduction • To begin, write a few general thoughts about your topic. For example if your essay is proving that the main character is a good father then you could open with a discussion about parenting. Remember it should be written for an audience who may have not read your novel.

4. Read the following Sample Intro Paragraph

5. Name Teacher Last name 1Class Date The True Silent Heroes in To Kill a Mockingbird Discrimination is an extremely serious issue in our society. It can take on various forms, such as racism, social inequality and prejudice based on religion, gender, age, or sexual preference. In today’s society, most people feel that discrimination in any form is wrong and hurtful, However this was not the case in the 1930’s. Harper Lee’s classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird, is set during a period where discrimination was part of everyday life and believed to be correct and ordinary. Atticus, a Maycomb County citizen and lawyer, is appointed to a case in which Tom Robinson, a Negro man, is accused of raping a young woman by the name of Mayella Ewell. Although there is sufficient evidence to suggest that Tom Robinson is innocent, the prejudice jury still convicts him with rape. Following the conviction, the violence does not end. In the final chapters of the novel, Bob Ewell attempts to fatally attack Scout and Jem, Atticus’ children. Boo Radley, a greatly discriminated and misjudged neighbour, comes to the children’s aid. Boo Radley, Tom Robinson and Atticus Finch are three of the heroes in the novel. Each man faces the injustice of discrimination in the 1930’s with dignity, hope and perseverance

6. Body Paragraphs • Follow basic paragraph format – Remember the hamburger bun – Topic sentence, Point/discussion, concluding sentence Guidelines- • a)Your first introductory sentence should restating your thesis but this time you will only mention the first idea that you will prove. • b)State your point and then describe the context of your first chosen quote which will support your idea. Tell us what is going on in the novel or play- yes this means describing a little of the plot. Is your quote from the beginning or middle of the play? Tell us who is involved in the scene and what you learn. • c) Follow rules for dialogue and write down what the character says. Rewrite the quote exactly the way you see it. If more than 4 lines, use a colon before it and keep it indented and justified on the page. • d) Discuss how this quote supports your thesis opinion. Why did you pick this quote in particular? How is it important? Add your opinions and state what the quote is about. Hint: pretend that the reader of your essay has not read the play so you are “teaching” the reader how this quote proves your thesis. Add a transition sentence and then start writing your next body paragraph

7. Sample Body Paragraph with quote Antonio is constantly showing his generosity and loyalty to his good friend Sebastian. By the end of Act two in the play, it is discovered that Sebastian survived the shipwreck and is on the island of Illyria without any money. Antonio risks his life to save his life and then gives him money to go sight seeing. Antonio says to Sebastian: _________________ _________________ _________________ Sebastian is grateful to have such a good friend who offers him his “purse.” He further tells Antonio to meet him later at the elephant pub so they can spend some more time together. That way Antonio can also know that he is alright.

10. The Concluding Paragraph • The Conclusion (approx. 1/2 page typed and dsp) Wrap up your essay -- use a transition word or sentence. • In a separate sentences, highlight and summarize your major points. Include all three of of the ideas that you proved in your body paragraphs. Use a new sentence for each idea. (hint go back to you’re ABC topic sentences) • Mention the title and author of the play again • Expand on your thesis by coming up with an extension idea of your essay. The goal is to make your reader think about how this topic impacts on society or add personal insights about the author’s purpose of this play or theme. Continue to avoid using “I think”

11. Share!

12. Example Graphic Organizers

15. Determining What’s Important and Summarizing • Proficient readers are active, purposeful, strategic and metacognitive. • Proficient readers construct meaning and learn from text by using comprehension strategies before, during, and after reading.

16. Determining What’s Important and Summarizing • We, as teachers, can help by: • Continuing to use teacher-developed graphic organizers with students • Teaching explicitly about which graphic organizers work best in which situations • Asking students to summarize and determine important facts using graphic organizers

17. Synthesis • Make a mental or written note of one situation in a course you teach where you could help students with their ability to find important ideas, summarize, or make notes using a graphic organizer.

18. Reading Comprehension Thank you!