Essay Writing

The E.O.I. “Monster”

YOU CAN BEAT THE MONSTER and make it painless YOU CAN SUCCEED!!! YOU CAN BEAT THE MONSTER and make it painless by following a few simple steps and “rules”.

Typical 5-paragraph essay Introduction with topic sentence Body Paragraph with point & 3 facts/supports Conclusion

BEFORE you begin writing: *You should read your prompt at least “three” times. Why??? To make sure you understand mode & prompt *You should make an outline. Why??? You are graded on organization.

Think P.A.C.O. P-What is your purpose? A- Who is your audience? C- Content --What are your ideas for details, facts, or reasons? O- Organization --Think how you want to structure your paper.

Modes of Writing Expository--explain, tell how Descriptive—describe (all 5 senses) Persuasive---persuade or convince Narrative-- tell about a time when, tell a story Reflective—”reflect” back and write about a special moment or memory

What is a narrative essay? Has chronological order and sequence of events. Has action. Has conflicts or problems. Has dialogue. Has characters. Has a definite beginning, middle and end. Tells a story. Do you think there is a love story here?

What are the key words that show a prompt is narrative? WRITE A STORY or TELL ABOUT A TIME, or TELL WHAT HAPPENED NEXT You and your friend find a big box that is labeled “Do Not Open.” Your friend wants to open the box. Write a story about what happens next. Tell about a time when you made a serious mistake. Two little girls found a wallet on the sidewalk. Tell what happened next.

Use this type of web for a Narrative CLIMAX

How to get your story rolling Begin by describing a character. LaDarius Smith, a star on our school basketball team, is very lucky.

Get the story rolling with dialogue “What’s that smell?” the sophomores complained. “Finish your experiment and we’ll head outside to get away from it,” said their teacher. What punctuation goes with the words said? Did you say quotation marks? You’re right!

Get the story rolling Provide a “where” with prepositional phrases: Near the park Below the surface of the water In Chicago Throughout the crowded room Inside the lunchroom

Here’s an excellent beginning from a real student… It was an early Tuesday morning in Tokyo, Japan. The sun started to rise over Juan Lee’s house. Boom! Juan Lee and his friend Jen went to see what was with all of the commotion. Then the door came crashing down. It turned out that Juan’s Aunt Lee kicked the door down. How does he start his story? How does he grab interest?

include specific details so that your reader can follow your story. Prompt: Think about a time when something unexpected happened. Write a narrative essay in which you tell about an unexpected event that happened to you or someone you know. Be sure to include specific details so that your reader can follow your story.

Try to get the reader involved in your story *Try to get the reader involved in your story. *Use bright, strong, touchy images and expressions (“bright,” not in the meaning you are going to say that the sun is shining brightly, but in the sense the images you are using touch the soul of your reader). *Use dialogue! *Don’t be afraid to joke. *Don’t be afraid to sound funny or extraordinary. *Do not be afraid to question traditional views. *If you believe you have something new to say – say it.

Now… your turn…  Write a narrative about a person or character who overcame an obstacle or a difficult situation. The character must be a person from history or from literature, movies, or television.

What is a descriptive essay? DESCRIBES an object or place _use as many of your five senses as you can *sight *hear *smell *taste *touch

High School Descriptive Prompts 1. Think about your favorite season, and then write an essay describing that season. Include sensory details so that a reader can imagine what it is like to experience the season, and make sure it is clear from your description why this season is your favorite. 2. Think of a time when you experienced a rainstorm. In a composition, use sensory details to describe what the rainstorm was like so that a classmate could clearly imagine the experience. 3. Most people have a place where they feel comfortable and relaxed. Think of a place where you feel comfortable and relaxed. Picture it in your mind. In a composition, describe this place for your classmates so that they can imagine what it is like and how you feel there.

What is an expository essay? …Gives facts. …Explains. …Gives steps in a process. …Presents ideas in logical order or correct sequence.

What are the key words that show it is an expository prompt? Most people enjoy some type of music. Think about your favorite type of music and explain why you like that particular type of music. Sometimes even the best drivers can get lost at times. Explain how you would direct a lost man to get back to the interstate highway from your neighborhood. Tell how to make a hamburger. YOU WILL FINDTHESE WORDS IN THE PROMPT EXPLAIN or TELL HOW.

Sample Prompts: 1. Write an essay explaining the importance of being able to see a situation from another person's point of view. 2. Write an essay explaining why it is important to forgive. 3. Music plays an important role in every culture and in every individual's life. Write an essay explaining the role music plays in your culture or in your own life. 4. Write an essay explaining what makes a great leader.

1ST PARAGRAPH 2ND PARAGRAPH 3RD PARAGRAPH 4TH PARAGRAPH 5TH PARAGRAPH

Introduction Reason #1 (Evidence #1) Reason #2 (Evidence #2) Reason #3 (Evidence #3) OR Example Example Example Explanation/ Commentary Explanation/ Commentary Explanation/ Commentary Elaboration Elaboration Elaboration Conclusion = Transitions

What is a persuasive essay? You are asked to prove something. Give reasons why. Present arguments against your reasons. Show them to be false. Take a stand Ask or call for an action.

What are the key words that show it’s a persuasive prompt? 1. Your city council is considering a proposal that would ban the use of cell phones in privately owned businesses such as restaurants, movie theaters, and retail stores. Violators would be subject to a fine. What is your position on this issue? Write a letter in which you convince the city council to support your position, giving strong evidence for your reasons.

Persuasive Prompt 2. In some countries every young person must serve two years of military service. Should we have a similar policy in the United States? Write an essay stating your position on this issue and supporting it with convincing reasons. Be sure to explain your reasons in detail.

Persuasive Prompt Your state legislature is considering a bill that would require a person to earn a high school diploma before he or she could receive a driver's license. What is your position on this issue? Write a letter to convince your state legislature to accept your point of view. YOU WILL NOTICE THE WORDS PERSUADE, CONVINCE OR TELL WHY SOMEONE SHOULD DO SOMETHING.