Formal Writing

The Beginning: What is a thesis statement? A thesis statement focuses on the main idea of an essay or a speech in one sentence.

The Beginning: Where is the thesis statement? The thesis statement is located in the introductory paragraph and it is explained with supporting evidence throughout the body of the essay or speech.

Example: Which of the following would be an example of a thesis statement? a. “I am going to tell you all about poetry.” b. “There are lots of things you can learn about the Periodic Table of Elements.” c. “Much can be said about converting percents, fractions, and decimals.” d. “The three branches of government that have its own powers and responsibilities are legislative, executive, and judicial.

Correct Answer: d. “The three branches of government that have its own powers and responsibilities are legislative, executive, and judicial.”

The Beginning: What is the Introductory Paragraph’s purpose? A well written introductory paragraph GRABS the reader’s attention.

The Beginning: Introductory Paragraph Includes: Hook Thesis statement

The Beginning: Introductory Paragraph Does not include: Concluding statement Orally ask, “What is a concluding statement?” Why don’t we include it in the intro?”

The Beginning: How to use Attention Getters One way to grab the reader’s attention: State an interesting or startling fact (Note: This adds curiosity to the introduction!)

The Beginning: How to use Attention Getters Another way to grab the reader’s attention: Begin your essay or speech by asking a question. (Note: This gets your audience thinking about your topic!)

The Middle: What are Transitions? Select words that are used to provide coherence to supporting sentences and paragraphs. Transitional expressions allow the sentences to flow smoothly and connect to each other. (Think of a musical instrument being played harmoniously!)

The Middle: Examples of Transition words to use First of all Because Secondly However Finally Meanwhile Therefore As a result In addition to For example

The Middle: Where are transitions found? Transition sentences are usually found at the first sentence of the paragraph.

The Middle: Examples of Transitional expressions “Another example is…” (give a personal connection!) “Although this appears to be the case…” (provide a different perspective!)

The Middle: What does this element do? Body paragraph Includes supporting details

The End: What does this element do? Concluding paragraph Usually restates the thesis statement in some form

The End: What does this element do? Concluding paragraph Lets the readers know that the composition is complete.

The End: Answer the question “So what?” Concluding paragraph Pose a new question Connect to a bigger picture Evoke a visual image Suggest results or a call of action Orally ask, “What does that mean: ‘Pose a new question’ ‘connect to a bigger picture’ ‘evoke a visual image’ ‘suggest results or a call of action’

Example: Which of the following would be an example of a concluding statement? a. “Because it is easy to see that littering is bad for the ozone layer and needs to be stopped, I urge you to consider your actions before making the problems at hand worse.” b. “I wonder how technology will affect us ten years from now.” c. “Now you know how this world is full of community service opportunities.” d. “Depression, drinking, and death are three issues that Edgar Allan Poe dealt with throughout his lifetime.

Correct Answer: a. “Because it is easy to see that littering is bad for the ozone layer and needs to be stopped, I urge you to consider your actions before making the problems at hand worse.”