The Structure of an Essay Writing an Essay 101

Farther vs Further Is there a difference? Word of the Day Farther vs Further Is there a difference?

Farther vs Further FARTHER means physical advancement in distance. FURTHER means "to a greater degree," "additional," or "additionally." It refers to time or amount.     Examples) It is farther down the road. (For distance physically traveled.) You read further in the book. (To a greater degree than where you are now.) You further your education. (To a greater degree than what you have now.)

Exercises 1)How much __________ do you plan to drive tonight? 2)I've reached the end of my rope with this dog chewing up the carpet. I just can't go any _____________. 3)Do you have any _______________ plans for adding on to the building? 4)How much __________ do I have to run, Coach? 5)That's a lot _____________ than I want to carry this machine and tripod! 6)The _____________ that I travel down this road, the ____________ behind schedule I get. 7)How much ___________ do you intend to take this legal matter? 8)I want to ___________ my career by taking some management courses. 9)It's not that much ____________ to the gas station. 10)How much ____________ do I have to read in this text?

There are three main parts to an essay: The “Introduction” The “Body” The “Conclusion”

The Introduction The Introduction “introduces” what you want to see. It gives the reader an “invitation” to keep reading.

The Thesis The Introduction contains a “thesis statement.” The thesis statement expresses the central point of an essay.

How do I lead my reader to the Thesis statement? There are several ways to begin your essay, and more specifically, your introductory paragraph.  The following are some options: - Begin your essay by asking a question - Begin your essay by telling a very brief story - Begin your essay by using a quote - Begin your essay by stating an interesting fact - Begin your essay by telling a joke - Begin your essay by offering a description

Brainstorming Diagram your thoughts!

Practice! Write an introduction for the following topic: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? “Children should begin learning a foreign language as soon as they start school.” Use specific reasons and examples to support your position. Directions: First brainstorm, then write out an introduction.

The Body The body should support the introduction and thesis. The body will usually have at least three main paragraph separations

The Topic Sentence The Topic Sentence expresses the main idea of a paragraph Directions: Now write a topic sentence for three body paragraphs

The Conclusion The conclusion summarizes the main points and gives the reader a feeling of closure The conclusion must not introduce any new points Think of the conclusion like the bow on a present. You tie it up at the end. Directions: Write a conclusion for your essay

Your Homework: Write a “Persuasive Essay” (说服性争辩) on any topic you like. Try to pick a “controversial” subject (有争议的 ) What is a Persuasive Essay? In persuasive writing, a writer takes a position FOR or AGAINST an issue and writes to convince the reader to believe or do something.

An Introduction for your Persuasive Essay The introduction has a "hook or grabber" to catch the reader's attention. Some "grabbers" include: 1. Opening with an unusual detail: (Manitoba, because of its cold climate, is not thought of as a great place to be a reptile. Actually, it has the largest seasonal congregation of garter snakes in the world!) 2. Opening with a strong statement: (Cigarettes are the number one cause of lighter sales in Canada!) 3. Opening with a Quotation: (Elbert Hubbard once said , "Truth is stronger than fiction.") 4. Opening with an Anecdote: An anecdote can provide an amusing and attention-getting opening if it is short and to the point. 5. Opening with a Statistic or Fact: Sometimes a statistic or fact will add emphasis or interest to your topic. It may be wise to include the item's authoritative source. 6. Opening with a Question. (Have you ever considered how many books we'd read if it were not for television?) 7. Opening with an Exaggeration or Outrageous Statement. (The whole world watched as the comet flew overhead.)

Structure Persuasive Essay Outline I. Introduction: Get the readers attention by using a "hook." Give some background information if necessary. Thesis or focus statement. II. First argument or reason to support your position: Topic sentence explaining your point. Elaboration to back your point. (Use statistics or research, real-life experiences, or examples) III. Second argument or reason to support your position: Elaboration to back your point. IV. Third argument or reason to support your position: V. Opposing Viewpoint: (This is optional, however highly recommended, so that the reader will know you have considered another point of view and have a rebuttal to it.) Opposing point to your argument. Your rebuttal to the opposing point. Elaboration to back your rebuttal. VI. Conclusion: Summary of main points or reasons Restate thesis statement. Personal comment or a call to action.

Choose any topic you’d like! Here are some ideas to get you thinking: Reality television as a positive or negative cultural phenomenon Plastic surgery programs Makeover programs Hip-hop music lyrics Disney films Images of women in the media Images of minorities in the media Images of homosexuals in the media Illegal music downloading Violent video games Violent movies Television, movie, music, or video game ratings Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction" Sexual imagery in the media MySpace and Facebook as a cultural phenomenon Internet cyberstalkers Internet pornography Internet filters Internet privacy issues The effect of cell phones on society The effect of iPods on society The amount of television and other media used by children Advertising in the public schools Advertising that targets children Alcohol or cigarette advertising Requirements for children's educational programming Public radio/public television Celebrity gossip and the paparazzi

How you will be graded: