1. ISU Essay Writing Formal Structure Proper body paragraph structure including: a transitional word or phrase a topic sentence stating the first point an explanation of the topic a quotation; primary or secondary an explanation of how the quotation proves your point a summary statement

2. Formal Structure cont’d Formal language only no slang no informal language no contractions –write cannot, not can’t no personal pronouns- in my opinion or I believe

3. Formal Structure cont’d Proper grammar, sentence structure and MLA format-use the library homepage, click on either MLA Concordia, Purdue or use the Citation Machine Write in the present tense- Atticus Finch is not a good parent.

4. Introductory Paragraph Begin with a hook that generates interest in the general topic of your essay Introduce the novel and the author Relate the topic to your novel in more specific terms State your thesis. It may be one long sentence but more likely it may take several sentences to state all the points you intend to prove

5. Begin with a hook that generates interest in the general topic of your essay Men are from Mars and women are from Venus is a statement that demonstrates the differences between the sexes. However, one commonality is the belief that parenting is the most difficult job for an adult. Children are unique in personality, learning abilities and physical growth. Parents also are unique in their child rearing strategies Some parents are strict disciplinarians with many rules and high expectations while other parents believe an individual’s growth is healthier in an environment with flexibility, creativity and space to make errors and learn from them. Like children, parents also may be distinctive in that households may contain one or both parents to nurture the family.

6. Introduce the novel and the author Atticus Finch is a single father in a home with two children, in the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

7. Relate the topic to your novel in more specific terms On the surface, Atticus’ parenting style is casual and informal. He is close with his children but does not devote much time to their upbringing, instead leaving them in the capable hands of his nanny.

8. State your thesis. It may be one long sentence but more likely it may take several sentences to state all the points you intend to prove. Atticus appears to be a caring and devoted father in most circumstances but he also demonstrates some near fatal parenting errors that make him a less than ideal father. Atticus takes too many risks with his own life, especially when he goes alone to protect Tom Robinson from the mob. Atticus undermines Scout’s teacher over the reading issue when he should have discussed the problem with the teacher to maintain the respect Scout should have for her teacher now and in the future. Atticus does not make a proper attempt to shield his children from the topic of his case. His children are not mature enough to know about an issue like rape. Although he did not permit them to watch the trial, he certainly did not make it clear to the children or their caregiver to keep them ignorant of the situation. Atticus is a beloved character however he is not an ideal parent.

9. Sample Intro Paragraph Men are from Mars and women are from Venus is a statement that demonstrates the differences between the sexes. However, one commonality is the belief that parenting is the most difficult job for an adult. Children are unique in personality, learning abilities and physical growth. Parents also are unique in their child rearing strategies Some parents are strict disciplinarians with many rules and high expectations while other parents believe an individual’s growth is healthier in an environment with flexibility, creativity and space to make errors and learn from them. Like children, parents also may be distinctive in that households may contain one or both parents to nurture the family. Atticus Finch is a single father in a home with two children, in the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. On the surface, Atticus’ parenting style is casual and informal. He is close with his children but does not devote much time to their upbringing, instead leaving them in the capable hands of his nanny. Atticus appears to be a caring and devoted father in most circumstances but he also demonstrates some near fatal parenting errors that make him a less than ideal father. Atticus takes too many risks with his own life, especially when he goes alone to protect Tom Robinson from the mob. Atticus undermines Scout’s teacher over the reading issue when he should have discussed the problem wit the teacher to maintain the respect Scout should have for her teacher now and in the future. Atticus does not make a proper attempt to shield his children from the topic of his case. His children are not mature enough to know about an issue like rape. Although he did not permit them to watch the trial, he certainly did not make it clear to the children or their caregiver to keep them ignorant of the situation. Atticus is a beloved character however he is not an ideal parent.

11. Is this thesis statement A.Weak B.Average C.Strong

12. Why is this a strong thesis statement? A.It is provable B.It is arguable C.It is worth proving. It passes the so what test D.All of the above