1. I think that...
I am going to write about…
I believe that…
Poetic Analysis 3: Turning your P.E.E paragraphs into a complete essay!
NEVER!

2. Revisiting what we know:
PEEL Brainstorming
Skin (Devices)
Under the Skin (Questions)
Substance (MY thinking)
Core (Poet’s main message)
P.E.E Writing
Point (Topic sentence)
Evidence (“Quotes” from the poem)
Explanation (How it all fits together / so what)

3. My examples: Paragraph 1
Point
In the poem, “Still I Rise,” Angelou uses similes to show her reader that no matter what anyone tries to do to her, nothing will ever keep her down. For example, the simile in line 4, “But still, like dust, I’ll rise” shows how Angelou can be stamped upon but will still rise up. She also uses similes in lines 7 and 8“’Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells / Pumping in my living room” and 19 and 20 when she says, “’Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines / Diggin’ in my own backyard” to show how people may see her one way, but she knows she’s still happy with her life. By using such strong similes, Angelou shows just how strong and resilient she actually is. Just as wealth springs for those who own gold and oil, Angelou shows her inner spirit makes her just as rich. Finally, the humor and sense of joy that Angelou uses in her writing elicits the same feelings of humor and joy in her readers. It is as if anyone could be motivated to have the same sense of strength she does!
Evidence
Explanation

4. Paragraph 2
Transition that links paragraphs together
In addition to similes, Angelou also uses repetition to show how she will continue to persevere against her oppressors. For example, the words, “I rise” are increasingly repeated throughout the poem (lines 4, 12, 24, 30, 32, 36, 38, 41, 42, and 43). The poet does this to show us how she continually rises up and overcomes her oppressors, no matter how much they try to keep her down. In fact, the more they try to keep her down, the more she remembers who she is and where she comes from, which in turn gives her the strength to continue to rise up more and more. This is particularly important because—as previously discussed—although her use of similes give the reader a sense of humor and joy in the poet’s journey, this repetition shows us that this is not an easy path to have to walk. However, she will continue to walk it, no matter what!

5. Forming an Essay: A brain frame for putting it all together
Peel / Brain Frame / Writing
Forming an Essay: A brain frame for putting it all together P1
Intro P2
Device #1 P3
Device #2 P4
Conclusion
Introduce subject w/ hook
Thesis statement
Point
Explanation
Point
Explanation
Restate thesis
Wrap it all up and leave the reader thinking something awesome:
SO WHAT?
Evidence
Evidence

6. Forming an essay: Introduction Paragraph
This paragraph hooks your reader into your writing and leads them to understand what you will be talking about. It usually ends with a thesis statement.

7. Key Terms in Expository Writing
Thesis statement:
A roadmap of what your paper will be about
What will each paragraph say?
What order is your paper written in?
Thesis statements and topic sentences are linked!

8. Introduction Paragraph Example
Great writers produce unique, interesting ideas. Great poets, on the other hand, not only create great ideas, but they also use poetic devices and figurative language to bring those great ideas to life. In her poem of persistence entitled, “Still I Rise,” Maya Angelou uses similes and repetition to bring her message of strength and perseverance to her readers.
Thesis Statement
POINT for Paragraph 1
POINT for Paragraph 2

9. Your turn! Hook your reader Introduce the topic generally
End with your thesis statement
Great writers produce unique, interesting ideas. Great poets, on the other hand, not only create great ideas, but they also use poetic devices and figurative language to bring those great ideas to life. In her poem of persistence entitled, “Still I Rise,” Maya Angelou uses similes and repetition to bring her message of strength and perseverance to her readers.

10. Forming an essay: Conclusion Paragraph
This final, thoughtful paragraph restates your thesis statement and sums up all your body paragraphs. It might also leave your reader with something to think about! SO WHAT?

11. Conclusion Paragraph Example
As previously stated, great poets use poetic devices to bring their ideas alive for the reader. Maya Angelou did this beautifully in her poem, “Still I Rise.” Her use of similes and metaphors carried the message that she will continually find the strength to carry on, no matter what her oppressors try to do to stop her. We readers should all be inspired to do the same!

12. Your turn! Restate your thesis statement Sum up your ideas
Leave your reader with an interesting thought or question to take with them.
As previously stated, great poets use poetic devices to bring their ideas alive for the reader. Maya Angelou did this beautifully in her poem, “Still I Rise.” Her use of similes and metaphors carried the message that she will continually find the strength to carry on, no matter what her oppressors try to do to stop her. We readers should all be inspired to do the same!

13. Putting it all together:
Once you have your introduction, body, and conclusion paragraphs in order, make sure you go back and add transition words and phrases to make your paragraphs flow and make sense all together.

14. Key Terms in Expository Writing
Transition words and phrases
Words and phrases that help link ideas and guide a reader between thoughts.
For example, in other words, another, similarly, on the other hand, more importantly, to conclude, etc…
For example…

15. Putting it all together! Woah…
Great writers produce unique, interesting ideas. Great poets, on the other hand, not only create great ideas, but they also use poetic devices and figurative language to bring those great ideas to life. In her poem of persistence entitled, “Still I Rise,” Maya Angelou uses similes and repetition to bring her message of strength and perseverance to her readers.
The first poetic device Angelou uses in “Still I Rise,” is similes. These similes show her reader that no matter what anyone tries to do to her, nothing will ever keep her down. For example, the simile in line 4, “But still, like dust, I’ll rise” shows how Angelou can be stamped upon but will still rise up. She also uses similes in lines 7 and 8“’Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells / Pumping in my living room” and 19 and 20 when she says, “’Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines / Diggin’ in my own backyard” to show how people may see her one way, but she knows she’s still happy with her life. By using such strong similes, Angelou shows just how strong and resilient she actually is. Just as wealth springs from those who own gold and oil, Angelou shows her inner spirit makes her just as rich. Finally, the humor and sense of joy that Angelou uses in her writing elicits the same feelings of humor and joy in her readers. It is as if anyone could be motivated to have the same sense of strength she does!
In addition to similes, Angelou also uses repetition to show how she will continue to persevere against her oppressors. For example, the words, “I rise” are increasingly repeated throughout the poem (lines 4, 12, 24, 30, 32, 36, 38, 41, 42, and 43). The poet does this to show us how she continually rises up and overcomes her oppressors, no matter how much they try to keep her down. This is particularly important because also her use of similes give the reader a sense of humor and joy in the poet’s journey, this repetition shows us that this is not an easy path to have to walk. However, she will continue to walk it, no matter what!
As previously stated, great poets use poetic devices to bring their ideas alive for the reader. Maya Angelou did this beautifully in her poem, “Still I Rise.” Her use of similes and metaphors carried the message that she will continually find the strength to carry on, no matter what her oppressors try to do to stop her. We readers should all be inspired to do the same!

16. Your turn! Put your paragraphs in order
Add transition words and phrases
Revise to ensure everything makes sense as a whole
Edit the conventions of your writing!