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The Essay. Shaping the composition. The circle refers to the big picture. It is the topic ( subject ) of the essay. . In the beginning…. The Topic. The triangles represent information being presented from general to specific. What do the shapes mean?. General. Specific. The Topic.
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The Essay Shaping the composition
The circle refers to the big picture. It is the topic (subject) of the essay. In the beginning… The Topic
The triangles represent information being presented from general to specific. What do the shapes mean? General Specific
The Topic The Essay
The introduction is responsible for two jobs getting the reader’s attention (the lead) presenting the thesis statement (containing the topic and the controlling idea) The Introduction Paragraph Attention Grabber Thesis
The Topic IN
Each body paragraph starts with a topic sentence and then details to support that sentence. The Body Paragraphs Topic Sentence Detail Detail Detail Detail
The Topic IN B1 B2 B3
The conclusion wraps up the entire essay and should leave the reader with an impression or final thought. The Conclusion Ending thoughts
The Topic IN B1 B2 B3 C
Approaching the essay question Here are some steps to help manage an essay question.
Answering essay questions The topic of the entire essay is often found in the prompt of the question. Step 1Identify the topic of the question Step 2 Choose a controlling idea for the topic Step 3Combine the two to create a thesis statement Step 4 Using the thesis topic, create three subtopics Step 5 For each subtopic, create a controlling idea related to the thesis controlling idea Step 6 These become the topic sentences for each body paragraph
The Question Living in another country can be exciting and frightening. Often there are customs that make it difficult for visitors to feel comfortable. Describe three customs in your culture that a visitor from the United States should know before visiting your country. Be certain to provide convincing examples, details, and explanations.
Find the topic Step 1 Identify the topic of the question Customs in your country
Finding the topic and controlling idea in the question For Example: Living in another country can be exciting and frightening. Often there are customs that make it difficult for visitors to feel comfortable. Describe three customs in your culturethat a visitor from the United States should know before visiting your country. Be certain to provide convincing examples, details, and explanations.
Essay Topic (Main Idea) Unique Customs
Personalize the subject If you are from the beautiful country of Utopia, then your topic will be unique customs of Utopia
Finding the topic and controlling idea in the question For Example: Living in another country can be exciting and frightening. Often there are customs that make it difficult for visitors to feel comfortable. Describe three customs in your culturethat a visitor from the United States should know before visiting your country. Be certain to provide convincing examples, detail, and explanations.
The Thesis There are three customs in Utopian culture that a visitor from the United Statesshould know to be comfortable visiting Utopia.
Main Idea + Controlling Ideaa.k.a. “The Thesis” Unique Customs There are three customs in Utopian culture that a visitor from the United States should know to be comfortable visiting Utopia.
Brainstorm Possible Subtopics three customs in Utopian culture that a visitor from the United States • Bowing to greet • Don’t run with scissors • Eat with sporks • Don’t tip • Electric voltage is 220 • The trains run from 4:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Compare with the Thesis Pay attention to the “controlling idea” of the thesis to decide which subtopics answer the question and which do not. Which subtopics address “that a visitor from the United States should know to be comfortable visiting Utopia”?
Remove ideas not related to the controlling idea three customs in Utopian culture that a visitor from the United States • Bowing to greet • Don’t run with scissors • Eat with sporks • Don’t tip • Electric voltage is 220 • The trains run from 4:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Step 5 For each subtopic, create a controlling idea related to the thesis controlling idea Step 6 These become the topic sentences for each body paragraph
Body Paragraph 1 When greeting a person, you should bow. Details Details Details
Body Paragraph 2 In Utopia, people us a spork to eat. Details Details Details
Body Paragraph 3 It is considered rude to tip a person in Utopia. Details Details Details
Wrap up Create a conclusion that leaves the reader with a final impression.
Conclusion Americans who visit Utopia should remember that customs are different there.
The Topic IN B1 B2 B3 C