Writing Body Paragraphs The Book Thief

What is an Essay? What is an Essay? An essay consists of five paragraphs that prove a point. Writing must be clear, organized and easy to understand.

Essay and Paragraph Structure Introduction Paragraph Body Paragraph #1Body Paragraph # 2Body Paragraph # 3 Concluding Paragraph

1. Introductory Paragraph2. Body paragraph 13. Body paragraph 24. Body paragraph 35. Concluding paragraph

Body Paragraphs Each body paragraph deals with a different character from The Book Thief who overcomes adversity. Your three characters are listed in your Essay Outline from last week and have been approved by me. Hand in at the office by the end of today if you still haven’t completed your outline.

Body Paragraph Topic Sentence A topic sentence establishes the main idea of the paragraph. It restates the thesis as it pertains to one character. Essay Outline Character #1 = Paula Meminger (Mom) Adversity = can’t care for kids Helper = social workers Better life = Hubermanns care for Liesel Example Paula Meminger overcomes her inability to care for her children by asking social workers to find foster parents. The Hubermanns care deeply for Liesel and create a better quality of life for the girl.

Body Paragraph Topic Sentence A strong topic sentence clearly stating the adversity one character faces and the help they receive that creates a better life. Evidence (PROOF) and Explanation Explanation and proof (quote) of the adversity. Explanation and proof (quote) of the better life. Concluding sentence A concluding sentence states what you’ve proven in this paragraph and links the paragraph back to your thesis.

Turn to page 4 in your booklets.Draw a box around the topic sentence. Draw a line where the “adversity” stops and the people who help are introduced. Make a squiggly line under the “adversity quote” (how bad was it) Identify the points that show how Paula can’t look after her children.

Researching Quotes – Tomorrow Lab #1 Google search is your friend!! Do not reinvent the wheel.

Researching Quotes – Tomorrow Lab #1 Quotes must prove what you are trying to prove.

Researching Quote – Tomorrow Lab #1 Put your basic info right into Google Search Challenging finding quotes Spark Notes, your copy of the novel,

Tips for Writing Formal Essays Do not use personal pronouns (I, we, you) These suggest your essay is an opinion instead of factual Write in Present tense Do not use rhetorical devises or creative writing skills Do not use contractions (Can’t, won’t, couldn’t) Do not use slang or informal language

Tips for Writing Formal Essays Avoid using vague language (be specific) In an essay do not simply summarize your novel/play (assume that whoever is reading knows the novel/play well) In your body paragraph, be as detailed and specific as possible when explaining and supporting your evidence and quotations Use transition words to move smoothly from one idea to the next (in addition, lastly, for example, therefore)

And that is how it is done!