THE POW

What does POW stand for? P - Proficiency O - of W - Writing What does this mean for you? You need to prove to the English department that you are a good enough writer so that when you move on to college, you will be prepared. This is a way to help you become better writers in the world.

Introduction Includes: TAG Summary Thesis

What is a TAG line? T - Title A - Author G - Genre There are multiple ways to write out this first sentence. But make sure to read it back through your head so that is makes sense grammatically.

Summary In 2-3 sentences, what is this book/play about? Pretend you were telling your friend about a movie you saw, but you didn’t want to ruin the whole thing. You are just giving us an overview. This is essentially what the summary should consist of! Simple as pie 

Thesis The dreaded thesis statement … not to worry, I have a few tricks up my sleeve! The thesis tells your reader what your essay is about The thesis statement is composed of 3 parts: The topic The opinion 3 supporting ideas/details The thesis should be the last sentence of your introduction paragraph!! No ifs, ands, or buts!

Thesis (The Roadmap of Your Essay) The thesis consists of 3 parts: Your topic – what it is your paper is talking about (usually a noun) Your opinion – what you think (usually a verb) Three supporting ideas/details Let’s do some practice …

WWII was the worst war in history because millions were killed, infrastructure was destroyed, and major economies collapsed. Dogs are better than cats because they are loyal, helpful, and cute. Students should read at night because reading is fun, it improves your mind, and it won’t get you into trouble. MySpace should be allowed in school because it promotes friendship, is a great way to find out your homework, and lets you meet cute girls or boys.

Choose one of the following topics and create a three-part thesis statement. Nascar Football or basketball or soccer Television Death metal music Computers Friendship Chicano rap Shopping Facebook TOPIC + OPINION+ 3 SUPPORTING DETAILS

The Introduction Looks like this: TAG line (1 sentence) Summary (2-3 sentences) Thesis (1 sentence)

The Body Paragraphs! Your body paragraphs MUST follow your thesis statement. Therefore your three ideas/details from the end of your thesis statement are going to be what your three paragraphs are about! The outline of your essay should look like this:

1st idea = what first body paragraph will be about 2nd idea = what second body paragraph will be about 3rd idea = what third body paragraph will be about IN THAT EXACT ORDER. * To make it easier on yourself, while you are writing, look back at your thesis statement before composing each new paragraph. In this way, you will know what that paragraph should be about! *

TIEA There is a special formula that I have discovered that makes supporting paragraph writing a breeze … it is called “TIEA” … these are magic letters  Here is what they stand for …

T = Topic sentence This is the sentence that comes directly from your thesis … remember?  This sentence tells what your paragraph is going to be about The reason a paper will make sense, even if everything else is lame

I = Introduce the Evidence/Examples Simplest way to introduce evidence is to use the “setting” – TIME AND PLACE In chapter 8, while Ralph and Piggy were walking down along the beach. Piggy finds a conch shell.

E = Evidence/Examples Specific evidence that will prove the point you have stated in your topic sentence Quotations Facts Summaries Events

A = Analysis Explain the evidence Comment on how and why it supports the thesis How does this evidence prove my topic sentence?

Length Your TIEA (supporting paragraphs) should be a MINIMUM of 5 sentences: 1 topic sentence 1 or 2 intro and evidence sentences 3 analysis sentences

A little more about TIEA Your topic sentence must say what your paragraph is about TRANSITIONS: Each of your paragraphs must contain a transition as part of the Topic Sentence

So far we have learned … The Introduction Paragraph TAG, Summary, Thesis (5 sentences) Thesis Your topic, your opinion, three supporting ideas/details Three TIEA Supporting Paragraphs Follow your thesis statement exactly 5 sentences Now we just need to add the conclusion

Conclusion Restate your thesis (using different words!) Sum up your ideas Comment on your ideas Connect your ideas to the real world (if possible) Try starting with “My essay is interesting for ANYONE to read because it shows …” (don’t really write this in your paper, just think it to yourself to help get you going with your conclusion)