Claim-data-warrant Using the Stoplight paragraph format Age of Shakespeare project

Introduction: Start broad end with a claim statement. Example: It is often from modest beginnings that greatness is born; such is the case with William Shakespeare. His writings are established classics, still entertaining audiences and readers today. Although Shakespeare’s beginnings were humble, he is probably one of the greatest playwrights and poets of the English language. (claim/ thesis statement)

Body Paragraphs: data-warrant Not a lot is known about Shakespeare’s early years. (topic sentence) He was born in Stratford upon Avon in April of (data )This fact is verified by an entry into the church record of his baptism. (warrant)

Not a lot is known about Shakespeare’s early years. (topic sentence) He was born in Stratford upon Avon in April of (data) This fact is verified by an entry into the church record of his baptism. (warrant) His father was a glover and able to send his son to school. (data) Young William probably attended the grammar school in Stratford, something that was not available to all children in Elizabethan England. (warrant)

Not a lot is known about Shakespeare’s early years. (topic sentence) He was born in Stratford upon Avon in April of (data) This fact is verified by an entry into the church record of his baptism. (warrant) His father was a glover and able to send his son to school. (data) Young William probably attended the grammar school in Stratford, something that was not available to all children in Elizabethan England. (warrant) As a young man, he met and married a woman with whom we would have three children, Anne Hathway, who was eight years older than he was (Nelson, p. 2). (data) There is a lot of speculation that this was not a happy marriage. (warrant)

Not a lot is known about Shakespeare’s early years. (topic sentence) He was born in Stratford upon Avon in April of (data) This fact is verified by an entry into the church record of his baptism. (warrant) His father was a glover and able to send his son to school. (data) Young William probably attended the grammar school in Stratford, something that was not available to all children in Elizabethan England. (warrant) As a young man, he met and married a woman with whom we would have three children, Anne Hathway, who was eight years older than he was (Nelson, p. 2). (data) There is a lot of speculation that this was not a happy marriage. (warrant) Not long after the birth of the twins, Hamnet and Judith, Shakespeare left Stratford and headed to London (Shakespeare timeline). (data) Why he left and what exactly he did after that is not known for sure (warrant). Clearly there is a lot that is unknown about the first couple of decades of Shakespeare’s life. (concluding sentence)

Not a lot is known about Shakespeare’s early years. (topic sentence) He was born in Stratford upon Avon in April of (data) This fact is verified by an entry into the church record of his baptism. (warrant) His father was a glover and able to send his son to school. (data) Young William probably attended the grammar school in Stratford, something that was not available to all children in Elizabethan England. (warrant) As a young man, he met and married a woman with whom we would have three children, Anne Hathway, who was eight years older than he was (Nelson, p. 2). (data) There is a lot of speculation that this was not a happy marriage. (warrant) Not long after the birth of the twins, Hamnet and Judith, Shakespeare left Stratford and headed to London (Shakespeare timeline) (data sentence) Why he left and what exactly he did after that is not known for sure (warrant). Clearly there is a lot that is unknown about the first couple of decades of Shakespeare’s life.

Continue with data and warrant sentences There is no documentary record of what Shakespeare does in the years that follow.(topic sentence) It isn’t until Robert Greene’s claim that he is an “upstart crow” that there is evidence of his work as a playwright in London (“Folger’s Shakespeare, p.3). (data) This was both a compliment and an insult to Shakespeare, but it also meant that he was becoming well-known in London. (warrant)

Conclusion: Start narrow, end broad. Shakespeare was a prolific playwright and poet, whose work continues to be popular centuries after his death. Considering his relatively short life, there are few writers who have achieved what he did. When universal themes are presented with such artistry, they undoubtedly will remain timeless.