Elements of an Essay

1. Elements of an Essay Brainstorming, Thesis, Structure

2. Do Now • What are two questions you have regarding your essay assignment?

3. Objectives • Further understanding of writing a five (5) paragraph essay

4. Homework • Read chapter six of Call of the Wild and complete reading guide #6

5. Brainstorming – Example “Product placement” of foods in popular movies, TV shows Diabetes Heart attacks Health problems later in life Diet Popular fast foods available in school vending machines TV ads for unhealthy foods Obesity in children Exercise Genetics Time spent using computer or watching TV instead of being outside Funding for athletic programs

6. Thesis • The governing idea, proposition, claim or point • Has to be proved • Isn’t obviously true or factual • Must be supported with evidence in order to be fully understood • Should entice the reader to read more and generate questions

7. Thesis - Examples

8. An Effective Thesis • Demonstrates a clear understanding of what the writer will try to prove • Explains how the writer arrived at that view • A good thesis captures the reader’s interest and shapes his or her expectations

9. Structure - Introduction Goal – draw readers in and prepare them for what’s to come • Articulating the thesis • Providing basic information about the text, author, topic, etc. • Creating interest in the thesis • Establishing a specific motive for the essay and its readers

10. Structure - Body Goal – the essay’s “beating heart” • Presenting and analyzing evidence • Each paragraph must articulate, support and develop one specific claim • Use one (1) per paragraph to support the claim • Specific claim addressed in topic sentence • Every sentence should elaborate on this topic

11. Structure – Body: EVIDENCE • Evidence will gain credibility depending on how you prepare and present your argument • Show readers why and how each fact matters • Quotes are especially important, however, you must draw on additional facts

12. Structure - Conclusion Goal – show the reader why and how the experience was worthwhile • What sort of lasting impression do you want to create with the reader? • What do you want readers to take with them when they journey back to the “real world”? • Consider three (3) things: • Implications • Evaluation • Areas of ambiguity or unresolved questions

13. Structure - Conclusion • Two more things... • DON’T repeat what you’ve already said • Ensure to REINSTATE your thesis but DO NOT use it verbatim

14. Three Common Mistakes • Mismatch between thesis and argument or between introduction and body • The list, or “museum tour”, structure • Using solely “first, second, third, etc.” or “And this is also important” • Too focused on plot summary and description • Missing sub-ideas • Ensure to articulate, supports and develops this key claim