1. Attention Getters or Hooks
Thesis Statement
Bing, Bang, Boom

2. Good writing starts with a good Attention Getter or Hook
Good writing starts with a good Attention Getter or Hook. Whether it is an Informative, Narrative, a Response to Literature, or a Argumentative Paper, there is no excuse to bore your reader! Besides, if you can’t prove to your reader that you can write an interesting attention getter/hook, why would they want to read on?

3. WHAT PAPERS USE THEM?
EVERY GENRE OF PAPER NEEDS AN ATTENTION GETTER/HOOK OF SOME KIND. IT’S JUST UP TO YOU TO CHOOSE THE ONE THAT IS MOST APPROPRIATE. THIS IS BASED ON THE INTENT OF THE ESSAY AND THE AUDIENCE. YOU NEED AN ATTENTION GETTER/HOOK FOR:
INFORMATIVE
NARRATIVES
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS
LITERARY RESPONSE

4. Anecdote
Student Example: It is 2:00 a.m. and in the silence of the night a thick, slick bodied snake slithers through the bush with three sharp horns on its snout: this is the rhinoceros viper.
Professional Example: SEATED IN SILENCE ATOP A BROKEN COLUMN, halfway up the stone cathedral called Devils Tower, my feet dangling over 400 feet of air, I’m entranced. Two tiny white-throated swifts are chasing each other, deftly cutting left and right, up and down, along the vertical walls of rock. Their agility is astonishing. They buttonhook and corkscrew, wheel and reel in the sky.

5. Interesting Fact
Student Example: Smoking in teens may be slowly declining, but the use of tobacco is higher than ever.
Professional Example: Harry Potter has added to his billions with a whopping $24 million domestic haul from midnight screen of his latest adventure

6. Interesting Observation
Student Example: According to most high school students, Japan is full of video games, ninjas, and short people. Yet a trip there might tweak their thinking a bit. Professional Example: In the world of action sports, the big 3-0 usually spells the twilight of an athlete’s career. After years of bone-shattering falls, tweaked muscles, and torn ligaments, it’s hard to keep up with the fearless teenagers and 20-year olds. But don’t tell that to JJ Thomas, a pro snowboarder from Golden. After an illustrious decade-long career –which included a bronze medal at the 2002 Olympics—he’ll turn 30 in April and is still competing with the kids.

7. Startling Statement
Student Example: Imagine you wake up one day and, BAM, your home was being destroyed. Okay, so the chances of that actually happening aren’t very high, but to the fish in Canyon Lake, that possibility might become reality.
Professional Example: If you’d visited Franklin Park Zoo late last December, you might have been privy to a rare sight: two gorillas in the act of baby making.

8. Quotation
Student Example: “I stayed. I even went back after he beat me which was wrong.” That’s what 22 year-old Rihanna told ABC news in an interview after her boyfriend, Chris Brown, beat her. Professional Example: “Marriage is a wonderful institution.” Groucho Marx once observed, “but who wants to live in an institution?” Well, for the past few centuries, most people seem to.

9. POSSIBLE HOOKS: Fact/Statistic Simile/Metaphor
Nearly 1/3 of the population of Europe was killed by the plague.
Tone/Mood
The bodies piled up in the streets of London, untouched, uncared for, mourned by the frightened masses that were left behind wondering when it was going to be their turn to die.
Simile/Metaphor
The Black Death swept across the land like a broom brushing away people as it would dirt.
In the Middle of the Action
The trebuchet cranked back slowly, then released suddenly, launching the stone up and over the walls of the city.

10. POSSIBLE HOOKS: Dialogue
Definition
The Black Death was an unstoppable disease caused by the fleas carried by the rats that co-habitated with the people of Medieval Europe.
Dialogue
“I see there’s been no improvement,” the apothecary sadly admitted, looking at the small girl trembling and sweating with fever before him.
Onomatopoeia
Sssssss. Sizzle. The fever burned through the victim’s body.

11. POSSIBLE HOOKS: Lyrics
Staccato three word lead
Rats. Sewers. Filth. London was not a city of great cleanliness.
Lyrics
“Ring around the rosie. Pockets full of posies. Ashes, ashes, we all fall down!”
Theme
Some people believed that the Plague was sent to punish the evil on Earth, but they would soon learn that the disease knew no such ethics. It did not distinguish its victims.

12. The Thesis Statement A Road Map for Your Essay ESSAY Introduction
Body Paragraph #1
Body Paragraph #2
Body Paragraph #3

13. What’s a thesis statement????
Introduction
Thesis Statements
What’s a thesis statement????
After you have brainstormed and you have some main ideas of what you would like to write in your essay, you can begin thinking about writing a thesis statement.

14. Definition: Thesis Statement
A thesis statement is a complete sentence that contains one main idea. This idea controls the content of the entire essay. A thesis statement that contains main points or subtopics also helps a reader know how the essay will be organized. Look at the introductory paragraph below. See if you can identify the thesis statement and main points or subtopics.

15. Thesis Statement
When I was young, I always knew that I wanted to become a teacher someday. When I played, I would often gather my dolls together and pretend to teach them how to do math problems or how to read a book. As I grew older, my desire to become an ESL teacher became clearer as I did some volunteer teaching overseas and in the United States. As I look back on my reasons for becoming a teacher, there are three reasons that stand out. They are: my love for the English language, my innate interest in how people learn, and my desire to help other people .
The thesis statement contains the main idea that controls the content of the essay.
Main points or Subtopics in the thesis or nearby help the reader know how the essay will be organized

16. Thesis Statement Another Example
Psychologists have argued for decades about how a person’s character is formed. Numerous psychologists believe that one’s birth order (i.e. place in the family as the youngest, oldest, or middle child) has the greatest influence. I believe birth order can have a significant impact in the formation of a child’s character based on my own experience growing up in a family of four children. Birth order can strongly affect one’s relationship with parents, relationships with others, and how one views responsibility as an adult.
The thesis statement contains the main idea that controls the content of the essay.
Main points or Subtopics in the thesis or nearby help the reader know how the essay will be organized

17. Key Features Thesis Statement
states the main idea of the essay in a complete sentence, not in a question.
is usually at the end of an introduction.
states an opinion or attitude on a topic. It doesn’t just state the topic, itself.
often lists main points or subtopics.
does not directly announce your main topic.

18. Main Idea in a Complete Sentence
Key Features
Main Idea in a Complete Sentence
Since the thesis statement is the main
statement for the entire essay, it should express
a complete thought and be a complete sentence.
The thesis statement is asserting an opinion or
idea, so it should not be a question. Look at the
examples below to see how they can be made
into thesis statements.

19. Main Idea in a Complete Sentence
Key Features
Main Idea in a Complete Sentence
The sport of cross-country running.
This is not a complete sentence.
The sport of cross-country running has allowed me
to get in better shape and meet some interesting people.
Thesis Statement
This is a question, not a statement.
Why do I want to be a teacher?
Being a teacher is a great profession, because it allows me to work with students and be creative.
Thesis Statement

20. A Complete Sentence Another Example
The problem of pollution in big cities.
This is not a complete sentence.
The problem of pollution in major cities can be
alleviated by limiting the number of cars allowed to
drive on city streets and creating more efficient public
transportation systems.
Thesis Statement
Why should marijuana be legalized?
This is a question, not a statement.
Marijuana should be legalized because it is not any
more addictive than tobacco and it can provide
numerous medicinal benefits for those suffering from
terminal illnesses.
Thesis Statement

21. Key Features
Location
English readers like to know what an essay will be about near the beginning of the essay rather than at the end.
This is why the thesis statement is often found at the end of the introductory paragraph.

22. Key Features
Location
For most of my life I have lived with bad health, smelly clothes, and a chronic cough. My children and husband begged me to stop the habit that caused these conditions, but I couldn’t. The habit of smoking had wrapped its addicting arms around me and was slowly strangling me until one day I realized I had to stop. This realization came after three terrifying events occurred in my family.
The thesis statement comes at the end of the introductory paragraph. This sentence tells the reader that he/she can expect to read about the events that caused the author to stop smoking in the rest of the essay.

23. Location Another Example
Maya Angelou is an accomplished African-American author in the United States. While growing up, she suffered tremendous hardship. Some of her most difficult life events are portrayed in novels and poems such as, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and, Still I Rise. Her written works often include strong themes such as perseverance through trials, love for family, and passionate optimism.
The thesis statement comes at the end of the introductory paragraph. This sentence tells the reader that he/she can expect to read more about how Maya Angelou expresses these themes in her writing.

24. States an Opinion or Attitude
Key Features
States an Opinion or Attitude
Good thesis statements often express a
writer’s opinion or attitude on a particular topic.
This makes the thesis statement more specific
and requires the writer to explain or prove
his/her opinion in the essay.
Look at the examples below.

25. Key Features States an Opinion or Attitude
Learning to play many musical instruments when I was young helped me to become a more intelligent and well-rounded person.
I learned to play many musical instruments when I was young.
This thesis statement is much better because it expresses how the writer feels about the experience of learning to play musical instruments. This thesis statement requires the writer to explain how and why playing a musical instrument made him/her a better person.
This would not be considered a good thesis statement because it is only expressing a fact. It doesn’t give the writer’s opinion or attitude on playing musical instruments. This thesis statement doesn’t give the writer very much to explain or prove in his/her essay.

26. An Opinion or Attitude Another Example
This would not be considered a good thesis statement, because it is only expressing a fact. It doesn’t reflect the writer’s opinion or attitude on Cancun. This thesis statement doesn’t give the writer very much to explain or prove in his/her essay.
Cancun is a popular vacation spot in Mexico.
This thesis statement is much better because it expresses how the writer feels about Cancun. This thesis statement requires the writer to explain how and why going to Cancun is a good choice for visitors.
Cancun is one of the best vacation spots in Mexico because of its comfortable climate and proximity to some well-known archeological sites.

27. Main Points or Subtopics
Key Features
Main Points or Subtopics
You can make your thesis statement more
specific by including main points or subtopics or supporting ideas.
By doing this, you give your reader a
clear idea of what will follow in the body
paragraphs of your essay.

28. Main Points or Subtopics
Key Features
Main Points or Subtopics
The large influx of people to California has had major effects on the state.
No main points or subtopics are named in this thesis statement.
main point or subtopic #2
The large influx of people to California has had major effects on the ability of the state to provide housing, electricity, and jobs for all residents.
main point or subtopic #1
main point or subtopic #3
This statement names three main points or subtopics. Can you find all of the main points or subtopics?

29. Inner-city public schools grapple with some serious problems.
Subtopics
Another Example
Inner-city public schools grapple with some serious problems.
No main points or subtopics are named in this thesis statement.
main point or subtopic #1
main point or subtopic #2
Some of the most serious problems in today’s inner-city public schools are the overcrowded classrooms, the low percentage of trained teachers, and the lack of resources such as textbooks for students.
main point or subtopic #3
This statement names three main points or subtopics. Can you find all of the main points or subtopics?

30. Don’t State the Obvious
Key Features
Don’t State the Obvious
In thesis statements, you should avoid using
statements like, “This essay will discuss…” or
“I’m going to write about…”.
Try to write a thesis statement that captures
your reader’s attention without announcing your main topic and stating the obvious.
Look at the examples below.

31. Don’t State the Obvious
Key Features
Don’t State the Obvious
In this essay, I am going to discuss the effects of long-term drug abuse.
Long-term drug use can have disastrous effects on one’s marriage, career, and health.

32. Don’t State the Obvious
Another Example
This essay will discuss some ways teachers can fight teenage drug abuse.
Teachers can fight teenage drug abuse by educating young people on its dangers and by being good role models.

33. Key Features
Review
states the main idea of the essay in a complete sentence, not in a question.
is usually at the end of an introduction.
states an opinion or attitude on a topic. It doesn’t just state the topic, itself.
often lists main points or subtopics.
does not directly announce your main topic.

34. The Bing, The Bang, and The Boom
The Five-Paragraph Essay

35. Did you say FIVE paragraphs?

36. Yes!
It’s easy with
the bing, the bang,
and the boom!
Let’s see how it works!

37. Essential Question: What is an essay?
An essay can have many purposes, but the basic structure is the same no matter what.
You may be writing an essay to argue for a particular point of view or to explain the steps necessary to complete a task.
Either way, your essay will have the same basic format.
If you follow a few simple steps, you will find that the essay almost writes itself.
You will be responsible only for supplying ideas, which are the important part of the essay anyway.
Don’t let the thought of putting pen to paper daunt you.
Get started

38. An essay is a group of paragraphs relating to one main idea
*An essay is a group of paragraphs relating to one main idea. *It always needs an Introduction Paragraph, Body Paragraph (s) and a Conclusion Paragraph! The bing, the bang, and the boom is a method for organizing your thoughts when you write an essay.

39. Introduction Paragraph. Attention Getter/Hook. Thesis Statement
Introduction Paragraph * Attention Getter/Hook * Thesis Statement * Main Points/Subtopics: (the bing, the bang, the boom)

40. Paragraph Two Transition
Topic Sentence:The BING: (Weakest point, weakest argument, weakest example, weakest illustration, etc.)
Introduce/Lead in to Quote
Direct Quote
Analysis/Explanation of Quote
Closing Sentence

41. Paragraph Three Transition
Topic Sentence: The BANG: (second strongest point, second strongest argument, second most significant example, second cleverest illustration, etc.)
Introduce/Lead in to Quote
Direct Quote
Analysis/Explanation of Quote
Closing Sentence.

42. Paragraph Four Transition
Topic Sentence: The BOOM: (Strongest point, strongest argument, most significant example, cleverest illustration, etc.)
Introduce/Lead in to Quote
Direct Quote
Analysis/Explanation of Quote
Closing Sentence. .

43. Restate Main Points/Subtopics: (the bing, the bang, the boom)
Conclusion Paragraph
Transition
Restate Thesis
Restate Main Points/Subtopics: (the bing, the bang, the boom)
Closing Sentence/Clincher

44. TRANSITIONS
The glue
that holds
your thoughts
together

45. Contrast
On the contrary, contrarily, notwithstanding, but, however, nevertheless, in spite of, in contrast, yet, on one hand, on the other hand, rather, or, nor, conversely, at the same time, while this may be true. 
Addition
And, in addition to, furthermore, moreover, besides, then, too, also, both-and, another, equally important, first, second, etc., again, further, last, finally, not only-but also, as well as, in the second place, next, likewise, similarly, in fact, as a result, consequently, in the same way, for example, for instance, however, thus, therefore, otherwise.
Time
After, afterward, before, then, once, next, last, at last, at length, first, second, etc., at first, formerly, rarely, usually, another, finally, soon, meanwhile, at the same time, for a minute, hour, day, etc., during the morning, day, week, etc., most important, later, ordinarily, to begin with, afterwards, generally, in order to, subsequently, previously, in the meantime, immediately, eventually, concurrently, simultaneously.
Space
At the left, at the right, in the center, on the side, along the edge, on top, below, beneath, under, around, above, over, straight ahead, at the top, at the bottom, surrounding, opposite, at the rear, at the front, in front of, beside, behind, next to, nearby, in the distance, beyond, in the forefront, in the foreground, within sight, out of sight, across, under, nearer, adjacent, in the background.

46. Space
At the left, at the right, in the center, on the side, along the edge, on top, below, beneath, under, around, above, over, straight ahead, at the top, at the bottom, surrounding, opposite, at the rear, at the front, in front of, beside, behind, next to, nearby, in the distance, beyond, in the forefront, in the foreground, within sight, out of sight, across, under, nearer, adjacent, in the background.
Concession
Although, at any rate, at least, still, thought, even though, granted that, while it may be true, in spite of, of course.
Similarity Of Comparison
Similarly, likewise, in like fashion, in like manner, analogous to.
Emphasis
Above all, indeed, truly, of course, certainly, surely, in fact, really, in truth, again, besides, also, furthermore, in addition.
Details
Specifically, especially, in particular, to explain, to list, to enumerate, in detail, namely, including.
Examples
 For example, for instance, to illustrate, thus, in other words, as an illustration, in particular.
Consequence Or Result
So that, with the result that, thus, consequently, hence, accordingly, for this reason, therefore, so, because, since, due to, as a result, in other words, then.
Summary
Therefore, finally, consequently, thus, in short, in conclusion, in brief, as a result, accordingly.
Suggestion
For this purpose, to this end, with this in mind, with this purpose in mind, therefore.

47. Don’t know what to write about. It’s easy – MINDSET
Don’t know what to write about? It’s easy – MINDSET!! Use the bing, the bang, and the boom to help you write your 5 Paragraph Essay

48. Remember,
writing is easy
when you use
the Bing,
the Bang,
and the Boom!

49. The
End

50. References
PowerPoint Presentation by Ruth Luman: Modesto Junior College.
This project incorporates portions of copyrighted works. These items are included under the fair use exemption of the U.S. Copyright Law and have been prepared according to the educational fair use guidelines. They are restricted from further use.
Hearther Wolpert-Gawron