Reading the question multiple times, organizing your thoughts into paragraph points, and finding concrete details to support your points. PREWRITING

A sentence with a subject and an opinion which form the backbone of your essay. Example: “One of the first indications that Proctor grows as a character is his revelation that the girls are frauds.” THESIS

Specific details that prove your thesis. They must be indisputable facts or direct quotes. Synonyms: examples, support, proof, evidence, and explications. Example: “For example, Proctor first tells Elizabeth that Abigail “told [that the children’s sickness had naught to do with witchcraft] to me in a room alone—I have no proof for it” (1270).” CONCRETE DETAIL

Your opinion or comment about something; not concrete detail. This is your interpretation on a concrete detail given. Example: (1) “The fact that he is willing to admit to his wife that he had spoken with his former lover alone is proof of his desire to improve their marriage, but Elizabeth’s suspicions push Proctor to anger.” (2) “He perceives her questioning a continuation of the criticism that has been ongoing since he confessed to the affair seven months previously, and his indignation reveals his guilty conscience as well as Elizabeth's unforgiving nature.” COMMENTARY

The first sentence in a body paragraph. This must have a subject and opinion. Your topic sentence should tell what the paragraph will prove. Example: “In The Crucible, John Proctor proves to be a dynamic character because he is doing everything in his power to show accountability for his guilty behavior.” TOPIC SENTENCE

The last sentence in a paragraph that tells what you discussed in that particular paragraph. Example: “In conclusion, John proved to be a dynamic character because he...” CONCLUDING SENTENCE

One concrete detail with two commentaries that analyze and discuss the fact. A good body paragraph will have 2 – 3 chunks. o To be Included in a Chunk: Concrete Detail Explanation of fact Explanation of why that fact proves your topic sentence and overall thesis CHUNK

You will write an informal essay about one happening during your summer vacation. It might include a special vacation, trip to the grocery store, night out with your best friend, etc. You will write your essay the way we recently discussed; first engaging in prewriting and including a thesis, topic sentence, concrete detail, commentary, and a concluding sentence in your essay. There should be a minimum of two concrete detail sentences and four commentary sentences within your essay. Label each part of your essay so that I know you are on the right track. Also, keep your prewriting because it will be turned in with your final essay. Remember, I will be reading these so keep them school appropriate and you will be sharing them with the class. YOUR ASSIGNMENT