1. Warm Up
What are the characteristics of a good essay?

2. Structure of a Paragraph
T.E.A.
Topic Sentence – focus of the paragraph
Evidence –
2-3 Quotations from the text that support the Topic Sentence
Quotes should be no longer than 1 sentence
Includes attributive tag and page reference
Seth finds it “pretty cool to think that the cops didn’t like [Adam]” (Strasser 1).
Analysis/Commentary
Explanation of how the quotes support the topic sentence/thesis

3. The Organization of an Essay
Introduction Paragraph
General statement of the topic
Background information
Thesis – makes a claim and provides supportive reasoning
Body Paragraph to support thesis (TEA structure)
Conclusion
Restates the topic
Restates the thesis
Summarizes main points of the body paragraphs

4. Theme
An IDEA about Life!

5. Subject The topic of a work of literature
The subject can usually be stated in a single word or phrase
Love
War
Childhood
Growing up
Aging

6. Generalizations
A broad statement that applies to many individuals, experiences, situations, or observations.
Kind of conclusion that is drawn after considering as many facts as possible.
Themes are expressed as generalizations.

7. Theme
The general idea or insight about human life that work of literature reveals.
Can be stated in one or more sentences.
The theme on a subject of love might be: True love survives all obstacles.
The theme on a subject of war might be: War destroys the good along with the bad.

8. Universal Themes
Themes that can be found in literature from different times, countries, and cultures.
Cross genres as well as national boundaries, languages, customs, and historic periods.
An example of a universal theme is: A hero often must sacrifice something precious in order to reach a goal.

9. Genres The different forms of literature. Short stories Novels Plays
Poems

10. What is the function of a bridge?

11. On the Bridge
By Todd Strasser

12. Meet the Author Born in New York City on May 5, 1950
Studied at NYU for a few years before dropping out.
He is the author of more than 120 young adult books.

13. Text Discussion
Why do you think Seth follows Adam, even though he knows Adam is wrong?
What function does a bridge serve in “On the Bridge”?
When do you encounter bridges (metaphorically) in your life?
Identify a theme in this text. What elements of fiction help you identify this theme?

14. On the Bridge Essay

15. Homework: Quiz #2 on Wednesday Oct. 12th Dialogue editing
“Most Dangerous Game”
Tone and Mood
“Cask of Amontillado”
Theme
“On the Bridge”
Vocabulary
Extra Credit - Grammar