Essay Writing

Basic Essay Format Introduction: Points to develop introduction– Leading up to thesis. Create a Hook and Transition First point Second Point Third Point Fourth Point Thesis: Body: Topic Sentence: 6 points to develop 2nd paragraph 6 points to develop 3rd paragraph 6 points to develop 4th paragraph Conclusion: 3 concluding points

Introductory and Concluding Paragraphs Developing Introduction: Compose Thesis Decide on the type of Hook and write it Write the transition Draft into paragraph Developing Conclusion: Summarize main points and creatively restate the thesis End with obvious closure and sense of completeness

Thesis Statement Requirements: States the essay’s subject– the topic being discussed Reflects the essay’s purpose Includes a focus– assertion conveying your point of view Uses specific language May briefly state the major subdivisions of the topic

Types of Hooks This is your chance to “hook” your audience. personal examples quotations Facts or statistics rhetorical questions current events contrast to the thesis sentence

Writing with Examples for Supporting Detail Personal Experience Observations of Other People Short Stories, Novels, Television, or Movies Facts, Statistics, or Reports from Authoritative Sources

10 steps in the “write” direction Read the Prompt carefully. Notice Key words Decide the purpose. (argue/persuade, evaluate, compare, contrast, describe). Rephrase the topic/question in your own words. Decide whether to “downsize” the topic. Brainstorm for ideas. Organize ideas. Follow the basic essay format. Write an introduction with a “hook” Develop each of your main points. Use examples and details to fully support and develop. Write a conclusion that packs some punch. Revise. Use lively, clear words. Vary sentence beginnings and structures. Check for repetition and redundancy. Make sure formality of language is appropriate. Use transitions.

How to write an Essay Use the following pages in your grammar book to find out the essentials to an essay. In your journal write the 3 main parts and then take notes from the book.   Introduction: Grabs reader’s attention pg. 340-341 Thesis: pg. 338-339 Body: Supporting details: pg. 352-357 Conclusion: pg. 346-347

Personal Essay: My Life as a High School Freshman Introduction: Grabs reader’s attention Introduces Topic: Thesis: Establishes your ideas, feelings, opinions Body: Supporting ideas and details about topic will come from your own experiences. Anecdotes—stories about yourself are necessary Conclusion Concludes or restates your ideas, feelings and opinions Reflection of lessons learned from your experiences or your reason for writing the essay

Literary Analysis Essay Introduction: Introduces Novel, Short story, or Poem title and author ‘s name of the work you are analyzing Summarize the work Thesis: establish your ideas or opinion of the work Body: Supporting ideas and details about topic must come straight from the work or from creditable sources. Examples about topic from story must be quotes from the novel: parenthetical citation Conclusion: Concludes or restate thesis

Persuasive Essay Introduction: Grabs reader’s attention Introduces Topic Thesis: Establishes your (writer) ideas, feelings, opinions pg. 338-339 Body: Supporting ideas and details about topic Anecdotes—stories about topic Facts and Statistics to support opinion Address opposing view points Conclusion: Concludes ideas, feelings and opinions Summarize Call to action (persuasive)