Reading and Responding Attacking the essay

When you write an essay you should be attacking the big themes and ideas of the text rather than merely demonstrating you understood the narrative.

Thesis – contention (essay question answer = contention; main point you wish to convince the reader of) Assertion (3-4 assertions; big ‘contestable’ statements; claims to support your contention) Examples (brainstorm examples for each assertion) Sort (which example works where; don’t repeat/reuse examples) Order (order your assertions; think about the logical progression of the points of your essay)

Starting approach Thesis – contention (essay question answer = contention; main point you wish to convince the reader of) Assertion (3-4 assertions; big ‘contestable’ statements; claims to support your contention) Sort (which example works where; don’t repeat/reuse examples) Examples (brainstorm examples for each assertion) Order (order your assertions; think about the logical progression of the points of your essay)

And again… Keywords Thesis – contention (essay question answer = contention; main point you wish to convince the reader of) Assertion (3-4 assertions; big ‘contestable’ statements; claims to support your contention) Example (brainstorm examples for each assertion) Sort (which example works where; don’t repeat/reuse examples) Order (order your assertions; think about the logical progression of the points of your essay)  

What is the function of the topic sentence? (or assertion) It is your key idea for the paragraph It relates directly to the essay topic It must be thought provoking It should provide a solid basis for discussion

A TOPIC SENTENCE NEVER… Describes an event. If you do, then you become trapped into retelling the story. NO…DON’T GO THERE!

Effective topic sentences Are about ideas Set you up to make a point You then use the rest of your paragraph to develop the point made in your topic sentence by explaining further and giving examples.

Writing sentences Subjects and Predicates Topic sentences have subjects (nouns) and predicates (verbs) The predicate, or verb part of the sentence, has a pointer Everything in the paragraph should point in the same direction

Topic sentences are complex sentences Complex sentences are made when you join two or more sentences together with a conjunction. The second clause gives extra detail and makes a sentence more sophisticated and explicit. A complex topic sentence enables deeper discussion of the topic.

Engaging Introductions and Conclusions: The Hourglass Model A good essay starts with a short, broad, general comment that is relevant to, and engaging of, the reader, and that can lead into the topic of the essay. The essay then narrows to focus in on the topic and the text. At the point of conclusion, a good essay once again widens its scope and links back to the reader, leaving them with a thought-provoking question, an insightful comment that relates to humanity/society at large and that, in the best case scenario, links back to the opening comment in the introduction. Consider ending with a quotation from the text/topic. Both the opening and closing comments should seek to connect with the reader, highlighting those aspects of the text that can be applicable to them.

A GOOD INTRODUCTION A well written introduction is the key to a successful essay. It should deal closely with the topic and the issues you are intending to deal with. It must provide a definite response to the topic.

An introduction… includes you are writing about – essay topic – key words Puts forward your contention States the author and text Signposts the IDEAS of you body paragraphs (but these are GENERAL IDEAS not character specific) Is 5-8 sentences long: 1-2 sentences to introduce the text 1-2 contention 3-4 sentences IDEAS

To reiterate: AN INTRODUCTION NEVER… Repeats the topic in the opening sentence Does not ignore the topic. Uses phrases like: ‘In my opinion’ or ‘I agree’ NO…DON’T GO THERE!

A GOOD CONCLUSION A well written conclusion ties off all the threads of your ideas.

A conclusion… Wraps up your essay/ties off all your arguments Does not include specific examples Contains no new ideas Presents a resolution of the contention Is best when it finishes with the perfect quote.

To reiterate: A CONCLUSION DOES NOT… Introduce new ideas End with ‘In conclusion’ or ‘To sum up’ Just summarise your points. NO…DON’T GO THERE!

Formula (1 x topic sentence) + details/supporting arguments + textual evidence = Very good paragraph + textual evidence + linking = excellent paragraph

Your turn…