2. Writing an Essay

3. Writing An Essay 1.The Introduction- Provides a hook to capture reader’s attention and a brief projection of subject 2.The Thesis- May be the last sentence of the first paragraph that presents central idea of essay 3.The Body- P aragraphs that support the thesis 4.The Conclusion- Restates the thesis in different words, summarizes content of essay, and generally extends ideas.

4. The Thesis 1.Think about the task- analysis of a poem. 2.Choose a poem that you want to analyze. 3.What was the theme and how did the writer accomplish that them. 4.Write a working thesis sentence. Writing is a process of discovery- A thesis may change as you realize what you’ve learned.

5. The Introduction Ways to begin your essay: May begin with a hook- surprising statement, rhetorical question, relevant quote, brief history. Title, author, general idea about the story. –1to 3 sentences. Focus paragraph to address the murders. –1 to 3 sentences Thesis (May be any where in intro)

6. Practice Write an Intro 1.Hook 2.Sentence with title and author 3.Sentences that summarize the poem and lead to thesis 4.Theis

7. The Body When writing the body of your paper remember that the paragraphs must support your thesis. Each paragraph must have a topic sentence, details and quotes from the text to support that topic sentence and a conclusion sentence that ties the paragraph to the thesis. Conclusion sentences aid in providing transition between paragraphs.

8. Body Paragraph Topic Sentence-Support for thesis –Paraphrase- restate in own words –Quotes- must be “tied” –Commentary- analyze quote for reader Conclusion Sentence- Ends idea and provides transition * This is a fluid method of paragraph organization.

9. The Conclusion 1) a restatement of the thesis statement, using language that "echoes" the original language. (The restatement, however, must not be a duplicate thesis statement.) 2) a summary of the three main points from the body of the paper. 3) a final statement that gives the reader signals that the discussion has come to an end

10. Revise for Style Title is italicized/underlined/quotations Single tense –present/past Concrete verbs/Concrete nouns Vary sentence patterns; Simple, Compound, Complex-combine sentences Use Parallel structure Check all pronouns, must have an antecedent No contractions Write out numbers under 100

11. Revise for convention Spelling- Have your used the spell check? Capitalization- Proper nouns, first word of the sentence Fragments- Sentence without a verb. Run-On- two sentences without a semicolon or an and. Punctuation- Periods, question marks, commas

12. Verbs For Analysis 1. Assert13. Embody25. Pervade 2. Clarify14. Empower26. Portray 3. Constrain15. Enhance27. Predict 4. Construct16. Ensue28. Refute 5. Construe17. Exemplify29. Regale 6. Convey18. Foreshadow30. Repudiate 7. Create19. Hint31. Reveal 8. Demonstrate20. Imply32. Revert 9. Depict21. Inspire33. Solidify 10. Discern22. Manipulate34. Suggest 11. Dispel23. Master35. Sustain 12. Elucidate24. Paint36. Transcend

13. Adjective for Analysis 1. Addled11. Detached21. Pious/impious 2. Aloof12. Dramatic22. Pompous 3. Benevolent13. Frivolous23. Restrained 4. Boring14. Humorous24. Sentimental 5. Cold15. Mournful25. Somber 6. Commonplace16. Objective26. Subjective 7. Condescending17. Ornate27. Tired 8. Confused18. Peaceful28. Tranquil 9. Cultured19. Pedantic29. Trite 10. Desolate20. Picturesque30. Wary