Writing Conferences Complete the half sheet detailing what you would like to discuss during your conference. Please don’t give general feedback – “I need help!” Turn it in, stapled to the front of your color-coded essay.

Announcements: No Red Ink activity due Friday! There are two activities posted; each one will be worth 50 points for a total formative grade out of 100. Our Town starts in a week! Who needs a book? We have limited copies!

But my essay was great! Why did I get a 3?!?!?

Let’s read a sample essay! This essay is a 3. It has all the components it needs to be sufficient/satisfactory. Thesis Body Paragraphs (with examples and analysis!) Conclusion What can we add to this essay to make it stronger? How can I revise this to make it a 4?

Strategies for a 4 Introductions and Conclusions Tie-ins Thesis Statements Varied Sentence Structure Diction Punctuation Sentence types Purposeful and Unique Examples Unique personal view Engaging and thoughtful connections

FYI: You are not expected to use ALL of these strategies! Choose 2-3 that you can really master and use in your next essay.

introductions and Conclusions The Tie-in/ Similarity Using purposeful diction that ties the intro and conclusion together Using a metaphor to introduce the topic and then bring similar diction up again in the conclusion Be careful with the length! Don’t add several sentences to your intro just for the metaphor. Also, don’t be overly cheesy with your comparisons!

introductions and Conclusions The Tie-in/ Similarity Introduction – When a friendship is rooted in mutual love and understanding, it creates a strong foundation for the friendship to blossom. However, the process doesn’t end there. Just like a gardener, one must tend to the bloom in order to protect it against outside forces. When individuals share a genuine friendship, they support each other through thick and thin; in addition, friends who love each other without judgment or bias share a deeper connection. Tie-in sentence for conclusion – Generally speaking, a friendship that grows from a place of unwavering support and unconditional love will stand firm through life’s storms.

Introductions and Conclusions Thesis Options Clear and straightforward The power of a true friendship lies in supporting each other through life’s challenges and loving each other unconditionally. Purposeful use of semicolon and transition word/phrase When individuals share a genuine friendship, they support each other through thick and thin; in addition, friends who love each other without judgment or bias share a deeper connection.

introductions and Conclusions Connect - Explain how your two examples are connected Connect your examples together to link your two body paragraphs Conclude - Why this is an important subject to you, society, or literature? Connect your lessons from your two body paragraphs together

unique Sentence Structure Use of a semicolon ; plus a transition word or phrase Creates a more complex sentence pattern Connects the two clause ideas Use of all caps Emphasizes point being made Adds to sense of urgency Use of a dash  Indicates a pause Places emphasis on what follows Use of intentional fragments Emphasizes individual words Use of ellipsis … Changes the rhythm of the sentence Use of unique sentence structure (long compound or complex sentences followed by short choppy sentences)

Example + Analysis + Lesson Examples Thoughtful & engaging Unique experiences or view of the world (personal example) Connect ideas in an interesting way (relate two body paragraph examples) Analysis How is your example showcasing your reason / characteristic? Without the individual in your example doing what he/she did, how would the scenario have been different? Why is your example important at all? Lesson What thematic idea can we take from your example? What can society learn from your example?

Let’s look at these strategies in action! How do these techniques add depth and voice to the essay? Which 3 of these strategies could you use in your next essay?

Now it’s your turn! Now that we have examined what makes a four, it’s time to put those skills into practice. With a partner, choose one of the two prompts and write a partner essay. Be sure to focus on: Every sentence connecting back to a thesis that thoroughly answers the prompt. Meaningful transitions between sentences and paragraphs. Relevant examples and insightful analysis with a “unique perspective” A variety of sentences (use semi-colons, dashes, introductory clauses, etc.)