Factoid Fridays

The Process Students write a 4-paragraph essay that is due every 2-3 weeks, on an article of their choice.

The Objectives To include more non-fiction text in an engaging manner. To allow for student choice in writing assignments. To practice writing regularly.

Mad minute- What do you include in an essay? List everything that your group can think of in 60 seconds MLA formatting, thesis, topic sentences, hook, concluding paragraph, title, citations, TLCD, commentary, body paragraphs

Table Discussion: What is a thesis? The sentence (or sentences) that summarizes the entire essay The sentence that identifies what you are going to talk about The claim or the big idea of the essay. Thesis is debatable and defensible

Example Bullet Outline- What is the best pet? Thesis- A dog is the best pet TS-They can protect or save you R-Dog who rescued a boy who was lost PE- Max- saved us from a house fire TS-They are caring and loyal R-Japanese dog at the train station O- Ryan’s dog is very loyal to his mom and loses it when she isn’t home

Format of a Persuasive Factoid Friday Essay Introduction FATt sentence and thesis (Main claim for your whole paper) Body 1 2-chunk minimum (longer is fine) One reason that supports your main claim. (Reasons are an intermediary step between the thesis and evidence). Evidence that supports your reason. Body 2 2- chunk minimum (longer is fine) A second, different reason that supports your main claim. Conclusion Why is this issue important? What did you learn? Why should we care? What are the bigger conclusions we can come to about people/society/technology/sports, etc.

Things to remember MLA formatted (Use your checklist) No shorter than four fully-developed paragraphs. If you don’t capitalize properly, or use basic spell check, I will return your paper without a grade. Type your code name on your essay where you would typically write your actual name.

How to begin? Two methods One option- Start with a FATt sentence and then your thesis. Perhaps better . . .Before you decide on your claim: Read carefully in your groups and annotate. Then outline. Write your body paragraphs (which include the reasons for what you believe) Then go back and write your intro and conclusion. Keep in mind that your introduction (for now) can be short- just a FATt sentence followed by your thesis.

Questions What should the title be?- Something related to your thesis, but not “Factoid Friday” or the title of the article itself. When is this due?- Next block through classroom and in hard copy. Do we need citations and a Works Cited page?

Thesis vs. Topic sentence Thesis- main argument the essay Topic sentence- main argument for the paragraph Both= debatable and defensible

What is the best pet? Thesis-A dog is the best pet. TS (reason) 1-Sense how you are feeling PE-Max crying with me as a child O-Hobie licking her tears TS (reason) 2- They can save your life R-rescue dog after accident O- Will- house fire- dog barked to alert people