Aim: What measures can we undertake to improve our essay writing prowess? Do Now: 1. Please hand in your HW. EQ: How to write an essay?

Volunteers! I need a few volunteers to read aloud their Introduction: –Be sure to inform the class about your thesis statement – where is it?

BEFORE You Begin Writing an Essay Organize your information -use a graphic organizer (you probably learned about ALL or some of the below listed with Jose or past teachers): *“4-Square” *Sandwich Method *Outline *List method -It doesn’t matter which one you choose…Use the style that fits you best!

The Introduction Communicates the MAIN idea(s) with a strong thesis statement * Here students must highlight (don’t mean literally) the points of the essay. *declares what will be proven Inform your “audiences” [readers] what your plans are as you proceed/writing this essay of yours. Must be CLEAR & Readable.

Introduction “Paint” a general overview of change and its impact on society, land, countries, etc. Change can be a very good thing, however, under particular circumstances can have totally different results/outcomes. The introductory paragraph should also include the thesis statement, a kind of mini-outline for the paper: it tells the reader what the essay is about. The last sentence of this paragraph must also contain a transitional "hook" which moves the reader to the first paragraph of the body of the paper. Introduction (1 paragraph – must indent each new paragraph)

Thesis Statements What is a thesis statement? -tells the reader what the essay will be about -tells the reader what point you will be making How do you write a good thesis statement? -look at your outline or theme/task *What are the main ideas and supporting ideas? Your thesis statement will have two parts. -The first part states the topic. -The second part states the point of the essay. *Or it lists the main ideas you will discuss

Thesis Statement A thesis statement clearly states the topic of a composition. It not only helps focus the main point of the essay by stating what you will PROVE in your paper, but it gives the reader an exact understanding of what will be covered. *A thesis statement declares your OWN unique perspective, you’re “taking” on the subject. EX: Australia is the best country for a vacation. OR: EX: TRCS is the best school in NYC in terms of preparing/molding young psyches [minds] for a better and brighter tomorrow. Once you have formulated a thesis you are ready to continue writing the essay.

My Introduction (If you read closely, you will notice my thesis statement within): Throughout history change of varying aspects have played a major role in the development of a country’s and/or region’s economy, society, political system, technological innovation, infrastructure, and other important elements that help to construct it. Acting as the “life-blood” of a given region, exchanging a multitude of items and/or services of great necessity from one location to the next, trade often plays a key role in the revitalization of a given civilization and its inhabitants. Taking into consideration the role and ultimate power of trade, one can clearly see the revolutionary role it played in Europe throughout the end of middle ages and onwards. Throughout the Crusades and even more so later on, the revival of trade arguably helped Europe gradually propel itself out of a long-lasting dark age that originated with the fall of the Roman Empire. In the end, trade played an instrumental part/role in the transformation of Europe’s rebirth of the Classical Age - an era where the ancient Greeks and Romans enjoyed a prosperous golden age. Today, we often refer to this rebirth as the era commonly known as the Renaissance. My thesis statement – please take note. Throughout my essay, this would be focus – I must set out to prove and clarify what I meant by this bold statement of mine.

Another Intro/Thesis Throughout the High Middle Ages (the back end of the Medieval era), after being stuck on the manor for countless years, long distance trade with the utilization of bullion was reintroduced to the people of Western Europe. This reintroduction came about as a result of the Crusades. In reference, the revival of trade had both a positive and negative outcome on the inhabitants of Western Europe.

The Body Paragraphs [a minimum of 3 paragraphs: 5-6 sentences each] Thoroughly address all elements of the task *use the rubric [ one will be given to ALL students] *use a lot of details to write as much as possible

The Conclusion Borrows some materials from the theme Repeats what was first stated in the introduction and proven in the body paragraphs –Did you PROVE the thesis statement? –That is the question student MUST keep in mind as they arrive at this point in the essay. Offers a final thought, recommendation or other analytical response