 What I find most difficult is …. Finish the sentence stub Use written communication, not verbal Write the entire 7 min.

 Work with a partner and discuss the lead from the handout.  Be sure to answer the questions on the handout.

 A short story pertaining to the prompt that leads the reader to the thesis (what the essay is about).

 The week before my second birthday was my introduction to the world of Legos. My mother was busily getting ready for Christmas and needed to keep me occupied so she let me play with my 12-year-old brother's Legos. Although she did not think I would be interested, I sat on the carpet creating airplanes, cars and rocket ships for nine hours.  From “Buildings” by Mark R. Eadie

 Use this option to make a comparison that will lead the reader to what the essay is about (your thesis).

 My life often seems like a carnival, full of twists and turns in which I never know where I may end (simile).  Life is an ever-ending stream of water (metaphor).

 Beginning with a dilemma allows for the reader to see the problem which will then lead them to what the essay is about (your thesis).

 Throughout his entire life, Mark was known for making wise decisions. However, he doubted his choice of obtaining the answers for the upcoming assessment on Beowulf. If anyone found out, it would change his life forever.

 With your partner, identify the types of leads in used.  Be sure to explain why you feel this is an example of that type of lead.

 Emotional and passionate, Steven argued with his classmates. How could he not understand the significance of the decision he was about to make. His classmate felt as if the University of Michigan had no heritage.

 Now, lets see what we can do with the example lead from the handout.  We will use each type of lead to see which we like best.

 Create your lead for your essay. ◦ Remember, you want to hook the reader so they want to continue reading your essay.

 Now, read your leads to your partners.  Partners should listen attentively. ◦ Explain whether the lead makes them want to continue reading the essay ◦ Explain why they feel this way.

 Your thesis statement should come next.  A thesis statement lets the readers know what essay is about and/or your position on a certain topic.

 Write an essay explaining what you think is the most important invention.

 MUST, MUST, MUST HAVE A THESIS!  Making sure all my sentences do not begin the same way.  Using the dictionary for misspelled words  Using the thesaurus to elevate my diction (find better words)  Punctuation, capitalization  The thesis is the last sentence of my intro.

 There are five steps to the writing process ◦ Brainstorming and prewriting ◦ Rough draft ◦ Revise=make better ◦ Edit=correct any errors ◦ Final draft

 Place [brackets] around the first word of each sentence. ◦ The purpose of this is so the writer can see how they begin every sentence. ◦ There should be minimal (no more than 2) repetitive words to begin sentences.

 Underline or highlight every other sentence. ◦ The purpose is to show the writer their sentence structure. ◦ A writer does not want to have too many of the same types of sentences grouped together (simple, compound, complex, etc).

 Circle small words (diction)  Circle any words you may feel are misspelled.

 Locate and correct ◦ Punctuation issues ◦ Capitalization issues ◦ Subject/verb agreement and grammar