1. Reading and Responding Attacking the essay

2. When you write an essay you should be attacking the big themes and ideas of the text rather than merely demonstrating you understood
the narrative.

3. Starting approach
Thesis – contention (essay question answer = contention; main point you wish to convince the reader of)
Assertion (3-4 assertions; big ‘contestable’ statements; claims to support your contention)
Sort (which example works where; don’t repeat/reuse examples)
Examples (brainstorm examples for each assertion)
Order (order your assertions; think about the logical progression of the points of your essay)

4. And again…
Keywords
Thesis – contention (essay question answer = contention; main point you wish to convince the reader of)
Assertion (3-4 assertions; big ‘contestable’ statements; claims to support your contention)
Example (brainstorm examples for each assertion)
Sort (which example works where; don’t repeat/reuse examples)
Order (order your assertions; think about the logical progression of the points of your essay)

5. What is the function of the topic sentence? (or assertion)
It is your key idea for the paragraph
It relates directly to the essay topic
It must be thought provoking
It should provide a solid basis for discussion

6. A TOPIC SENTENCE NEVER…
Describes an event.
If you do, then you become trapped into retelling the story. NO…DON’T GO THERE!

7. Effective topic sentences
Are about ideas
Set you up to make a point
You then use the rest of your paragraph to develop the point made in your topic sentence by explaining further and giving examples.

8. Topic sentences are complex sentences
Complex sentences are made when you join two or more sentences together with a conjunction. The second clause gives extra detail and makes a sentence more sophisticated and explicit. A complex topic sentence enables deeper discussion of the topic.

10. A GOOD INTRODUCTION
A well written introduction is the key to a successful essay.
It should deal closely with the topic and the issues you are intending to deal with.
It must provide a definite response to the topic.

11. An introduction…
includes you are writing about – essay topic – key words
Puts forward your contention
States the author and text
Signposts the IDEAS of you body paragraphs (but these are GENERAL IDEAS not character specific)
Is 5-8 sentences long:
1-2 sentences to introduce the text
1-2 contention
3-4 sentences IDEAS

12. To reiterate: AN INTRODUCTION NEVER…
Repeats the topic in the opening sentence
Does not ignore the topic.
Uses phrases like: ‘In my opinion’ or ‘I agree’
NO…DON’T GO THERE!

13. A GOOD CONCLUSION
A well written conclusion ties off all the threads of your ideas.

14. A conclusion… Wraps up your essay/ties off all your arguments
Does not include specific examples
Contains no new ideas
Presents a resolution of the contention
Is best when it finishes with the perfect quote.

15. To reiterate: A CONCLUSION DOES NOT…
Introduce new ideas
End with ‘In conclusion’ or ‘To sum up’
Just summarise your points.
NO…DON’T GO THERE!

16. Formula
(1 x topic sentence) + details/supporting arguments + textual evidence = Very good paragraph + textual evidence + linking = excellent paragraph

17. Your turn…