1. Writing Conferences
Complete the half sheet detailing what you would like to discuss during your conference.
Please don’t give general feedback – “I need help!”
Turn it in, stapled to the front of your color-coded essay.

2. Announcements: No Red Ink activity due Friday!
There are two activities posted; each one will be worth 50 points for a total formative grade out of 100.
Our Town starts in a week!
Who needs a book? We have limited copies!

3. But my essay was great! Why did I get a 3?!?!?

4. Let’s read a sample essay!
This essay is a 3. It has all the components it needs to be sufficient/satisfactory.
Thesis
Body Paragraphs (with examples and analysis!)
Conclusion
What can we add to this essay to make it stronger? How can I revise this to make it a 4?

5. Strategies for a 4 Introductions and Conclusions
Tie-ins
Thesis Statements
Varied Sentence Structure
Diction
Punctuation
Sentence types
Purposeful and Unique Examples
Unique personal view
Engaging and thoughtful connections

6. FYI:
You are not expected to use ALL of these strategies! Choose 2-3 that you can really master and use in your next essay.

7. introductions and Conclusions
The Tie-in/ Similarity
Using purposeful diction that ties the intro and conclusion together
Using a metaphor to introduce the topic and then bring similar diction up again in the conclusion
Be careful with the length! Don’t add several sentences to your intro just for the metaphor.
Also, don’t be overly cheesy with your comparisons!

8. introductions and Conclusions
The Tie-in/ Similarity
Introduction – When a friendship is rooted in mutual love and understanding, it creates a strong foundation for the friendship to blossom. However, the process doesn’t end there. Just like a gardener, one must tend to the bloom in order to protect it against outside forces. When individuals share a genuine friendship, they support each other through thick and thin; in addition, friends who love each other without judgment or bias share a deeper connection.
Tie-in sentence for conclusion – Generally speaking, a friendship that grows from a place of unwavering support and unconditional love will stand firm through life’s storms.

9. Introductions and Conclusions
Thesis Options
Clear and straightforward
The power of a true friendship lies in supporting each other through life’s challenges and loving each other unconditionally.
Purposeful use of semicolon and transition word/phrase
When individuals share a genuine friendship, they support each other through thick and thin; in addition, friends who love each other without judgment or bias share a deeper connection.

10. introductions and Conclusions
Connect - Explain how your two examples are connected
Connect your examples together to link your two body paragraphs
Conclude - Why this is an important subject to you, society, or literature?
Connect your lessons from your two body paragraphs together

11. unique Sentence Structure
Use of a semicolon ; plus a transition word or phrase
Creates a more complex sentence pattern
Connects the two clause ideas
Use of all caps
Emphasizes point being made
Adds to sense of urgency
Use of a dash 
Indicates a pause
Places emphasis on what follows
Use of intentional fragments
Emphasizes individual words
Use of ellipsis …
Changes the rhythm of the sentence
Use of unique sentence structure (long compound or complex sentences followed by short choppy sentences)

12. Example + Analysis + Lesson
Examples
Thoughtful & engaging
Unique experiences or view of the world (personal example)
Connect ideas in an interesting way (relate two body paragraph examples)
Analysis
How is your example showcasing your reason / characteristic? Without the individual in your example doing what he/she did, how would the scenario have been different?
Why is your example important at all?
Lesson
What thematic idea can we take from your example?
What can society learn from your example?

13. Let’s look at these strategies in action!
How do these techniques add depth and voice to the essay?
Which 3 of these strategies could you use in your next essay?

14. Now it’s your turn!
Now that we have examined what makes a four, it’s time to put those skills into practice. With a partner, choose one of the two prompts and write a partner essay. Be sure to focus on:
Every sentence connecting back to a thesis that thoroughly answers the prompt.
Meaningful transitions between sentences and paragraphs.
Relevant examples and insightful analysis with a “unique perspective”
A variety of sentences (use semi-colons, dashes, introductory clauses, etc.)