ELD Benchmark Essay Information

Essay Introduction

Goals of Introduction  Grab the reader’s attention  Bridge  Present sub- topics; forecast  Present thesis; argument

Step #1 The Hook  Begin with a quote,  A statistic,  A brief anecdote,  Opposing view,  An analogy,  Relevant questions (not “Have you ever…”)

Step #2 The Bridge  Connect hook to forecast  Meaning for hook Why you chose it

Step #3 Forecast  Preview subtopics  Brief details  Body paragraphs

Step #4 Thesis  Thesis  One sentence  End of paragraph  Constant referral  Restate often

Example

Body Paragraphs

Goals of Body Paragraphs  Introduce a subtopic  Present supporting details  Analyze details  Refer to thesis  Transition to next subtopic

Goal #1 Introduce subtopic  Topic sentence Subject of paragraph Possible transition from previous paragraph

Goal #2 Present Details  Lead-in and set-up data  Write author/title in sentence  Use data cards Paraphrase Summary Direct quote  Citations

Goal #3 Analyze details and refer back to thesis  Commentary or analysis  Connects detail (quotes/data) to thesis  Educated opinion

Goal #4 Transition/Conclusion  Repeat details and your analysis as needed  Transition to next paragraph  Or conclude paragraph

Sample Body Paragaph Format  Topic Sentence  Lead-in/Set-up then data (citation)  Student Analysis  Lead-in/Set-up then data (citation)  Student Analysis  Closing Sentence

Conclusion Paragraphs

Goals of Conclusion Paragraph  Paraphrase or restate thesis  Review or summarize main points  Make a final impression on reader

Goal # 1 Thesis  Transition from previous paragraph  Do not use “In conclusion…”  Stress importance of thesis  Use different words

Goal # 2 Review Main Points  Summarize body paragraphs  Brief, a few sentences  Don’t repeat introduction

Goal # 3 Final Thoughts  Echo the introduction (anecdote)  Challenge reader  Call to action  Look to the future  Pose questions