Organizing all the ideas in your head to make an essay…

1. Organizing all the ideas in your head to make an essay…

2. Introductions • Start with a hook! • Startling statistic • Fun fact • ShortAnecdote (no more than 3 sentences!) • Do something to grab that readers attention • Remember, they’re reading THOUSANDS.

3. Introductions… cont. • Provide the reader with a bit of background knowledge. • Just a sentence or two describing the current situation. • Last sentence in your introduction… THESIS STATEMENT! • Aim for a compound-complex sentence • Use those standard starter words as a crutch… • since, because, while, if • Include all the components of your essay (two, three, or maybe even four parts)

4. Body Paragraphs • Write 2-4 paragraphs that support your thesis statement (main idea) • Use a LOGICAL order. • Try one of these… • Put paragraphs in chronological order (time) • This is particularly good for essays with steps or directions. • Put paragraphs in order of importance • Start with your weakest idea and build to your strongest • Problem-Solution • Tell what the problem is in one paragraph and then suggest a solution in the next.

5. Persuasive Prompt Sample Persuasive Writing Topic Writing Situation Your favorite television show has been cancelled. The president of the television network has announced that he might change his mind about canceling the show if enough people write letters to complain about his decision. Directions for Writing Write a letter to the president of the television network to convince him or her to bring back your favorite show. Include specific details to support your position.

6. Generating Ideas Thesis: Full House was not only entertaining, it was family appropriate, and it brought many viewers to your network. Now what???

7. Conclusions Persuasive Only! • Talk about the ideas in different words than you did in your introduction and paragraphs. • Address the counter-argument • Ask or suggest that your idea be taken. • Now that you have heard my perspective, I hope that you will find the heart to see it through and bring “Full House” back to ABC. Not only will this bring smiles to people’s faces once again, but it will also benefit your network. I want to thank you for your time and patience with me.

8. Expository Prompt Sample Expository Writing Topic Writing Situation Your class has been given the opportunity to design a brand new television show for children. It could be a news show, a talk show, a game show, a cartoon, or any kind of show you want for children. Directions for Writing Write a report to be read to your class in which you explain your idea for the new children’s television show. Be sure to include specific details so that your classmates will understand what the new show will be like.

9. Generating Ideas Thesis: Because the network has space for a new show, one should be created that has a unique host and interesting guests who talks about current events, and it could even reward viewers who have a positive impact on their communities. Now what???

10. ConclusionsExpository Only! • Mention your previous ideas by putting the thesis in different words. (easier said than done, we know!) • Open the idea up to a wider audience. • By having a show dedicated to teens, we could celebrate the youth in this country. Students would love a show with a unique host. It would be great to educate teenagers about the current events happening in their world. Being the first network to have a reward system for the good the youth does would show the other television stations that NBC really cares about this nation and the people living in it.

11. Your Turn! • You will now begin a practice writing test! • We will have 100 minutes today and tomorrow. • We will pass out the packet JUST like you’ll receive next week. • We will give you suggested time line. USE ALL THE TIME! • Remember, once you have your ideas in order, it will be MUCH easier to create a solid essay! • Use an organization system that works for you. • Remember, you can have an • Expository Prompt OR • Persuasive Prompt