Writing!

Why do we write?

Common Errors Literature is written in the present tense SPELLCHECK PROOF READ Tone – watch formality. NEVER use “I” in a formal paper.

Be sure of yourself! Make declarations and support You are proving a point; write like you are correct and support, support, support  The darkness may suggest  You can possibly infer  I think that

Basic Structure Introductory paragraph Body Paragraph Concluding paragraph

Body Paragraph Thesis / Topic sentence Evidence  2-3 supports for each idea Discussion  Explain how your evidence SUPPORT your topic sentence

Thesis goes here / topic sentence Support one Evidence/Quotes/Facts 1 Support two Evidence/Quotes/Facts 1 Evidence/Quotes/Facts 1ext Support Three Evidence/Quotes/Facts 1 Transition sentence / Conclusion sentence

Sample The addition of Alexander Ovechkin to the Washington Capitals changed the team for “loser” to one with a fair chance at the Stanley Cup. Ovechkin was signed with the Capitals in 2004; he was the number one draft pick, and several other teams tried to buy his contract. In his first game, Ovechkin scored two of the three goals to win the game. This feat brought hope to a team used to losing. In the season, Ovechkin finished as the lead rookie in goals, points, power-play goals, and shots. He was the third overall in scoring with 106 points, and his 425 shots lead the league to set a new NHL rookie record. On January 16 th, 2006, Ovechkin shot a goal that has been named “the greatest goal of all time.” This goal was shot through a difficult set up. It has been named one of the greatest goals in NHL history (Citation here). His consistency with scoring, coupled with his extreme ability, spurred his team to work their hardest. They went from a team that had a large losing streak, to playing in the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals.

Introductory Paragraph GENERAL INFORMATION More Specific information Thesis statement Fun video!

Introductory Paragraph Start out with something that will grab them. “I was covered in blood, but it wasn’t mine, so it was okay…” - Start with a question - Unusual, or startling fact / idea / opinion - Address the reader directly - Take a stand - Famous quote Video if time:

Add general information State what you are talking about Start general Add details – but not too much; that’s what the body paragraphs are for

THESIS STATEMENT 1-2 sentences Concise statement(s) on what you are going to prove in your paper. Is NOT just a restatement of the prompt NOT just a summary, though a line or two acceptable Superman

Thesis versus Topic Sentence Watch me!

Errors… Watch Repetition Watch simple sentences The thesis statement tells you what you are going to write about You should be able to pull body paragraphs straight from it. Watch common mistakes

Sample Thesis The fire! The furnace! Look over there! Elie Wiesel repeatidly listened to this while being deported to a concentration camp Elie Wiesel is a Holocaust survivor. He has witnessed grim things as a young man, only 15 years old. Elie Wiesel has seen death, been through a lot young, and made it through to the end of a bad time. Yet today he is a writer of many books and being a professor.

Sample American Football is a very popular sport in America. Every year, hundreds of thousands of fans watch games in the stadium or TV. The greatest quarterback in the NFL is always a matter of dispute, usually due to loyalty to their team. Donovan McNabb is the best player due to his agility, teamwork and recovery from a devastating injury back into prominence.

Sample Thesis The author Elie Wiesel was born on September 30, 1928 in Sighet, Transylvania, which is now part of Romania in Eastern Europe. He was the only son in a family of four children. He has two older sisters named Hilda and Bea and one younger sister named Tzipora. Eliezer Wiesel and his family was deported when he was 15 years old.

Practice… Create a thesis statement about:  Why Ms. Robinson is the best English teacher  Why every student should take English class  Why books are better than movies

Concluding paragraph Thesis statement rephrased General information (Big picture)  Show how your topic is relevant to the big picture Concluding sentence Video Here!

Assignment – Friday October 3 Write a conclusion paragraph for the Toyota Helix Please skip lines Turn into bin When done with paragraph, complete the three grammar worksheets

Donovan McNabb is one of the best players in the National Football League due to these qualities, as well as many more left unmentioned. His devotion to his team, and to the game, are what lend him toe respect of the Eagles fans and other football fans alike. He truly is a player for the ages – or at least the Football Hall of Fame.