1. Writing is an act of invention We think when we write We create something new

2. Paragraph 1: Introduction with thesis as the last sentence Paragraphs 2, 3,4: Body Paragraphs Paragraph 5: Conclusion

3.  Catchy opening/Hook/Grab reader’s attention  TRANSITION (do not let me fall into a pothole here…a good transition will show the relationship between the hook and the thesis of the essay by giving me enough info about the book to make the connection)  Last sentence of the introduction =THESIS  The one sentence that states what the entire will essay will prove – The premise or central argument  The most important sentence in the essay  Usually 3 pronged –but this is NOT a magic number….good essays can 4 paragraphs or 10…it depends on the assignment!

5.  General  Specific Thesis

6. Begin generally. Begin with a hook: Anecdote, Quotation, Question, Statistic Explain how your hook applies to the specific story. Transition: should show relationship between hook and thesis GENERAL SPECIFIC THESIS Thesis: Your specific argument. Thesis is the last couple of sentences of the introduction.

7. Thesis statements must include  Title and author (make sure to punctuate title properly, “short stories” and novels)  A statement about what your essay will prove  A “road map” that shows what each paragraph will be about GENERALLY and the order For example, {The novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee} {demonstrates an internal journey of the character Jem} {shown through the author’s use of the mundane world, mentors, and new enemies.}

8.  A provocative question  A startling statement (like a statistic or a fact)  An anecdote  An interesting quotation  An intriguing definition As your teacher, I will always finish reading your essays, but the reality is, I’ve often decided how much I am going to like it within the first few lines!

9. In 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark began an expedition that took them from St. Louis, Missouri to the Pacific Coast near current day Washington State. The purpose of the expedition was to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase. They used a Native American woman named Sacajawea to guide their trip. They ran into obstacles like the aggressive Lakota nation while still collecting valuable information about the region’s natural resources. This very typical physical journey mirrors the more internal journeys of characters growing up under difficult circumstances in novels. For example, the character Jem in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee must go on a journey of personal development when his father Atticus Finch decides to defend a black man. Since the story is set in Alabama in the 1930’s, Atticus is defying the culturally entrenched racism of the era. Ultimately, Jem is able to successfully complete his journey to adulthood because of his mentor and friends in spite of his new enemies.

10. http://www.quoteland.comhttp://www.quoteland.com (click here) According to Walt Whitman, ““Not I, nor anyone else can travel that road for you. You must travel it by yourself. It is not far. It is within reach. Perhaps you have been on it since you were born, and did not know. Perhaps it is everywhere - on water and land.” Whitman is trying to show us that every person must make a journey of their own. This journey often involves growing up or maturing. For example, Jem….

11. During the 1930’s, an average of ten black men were lynched in the South per year. While an improvement from earlier in the century, this statistic shows that the South still needed to continue on its journey of maturation away from racism. …

12. Will society ever be able to out-grow racism like an individual can? or Does the fact that a person is a racist make him/her completely evil? ***DO NOT start an essay with a question like “Have you ever wondered what it would be like to grow up in the South?” or any of its equivalents because if I answer, “No,” I AM NOT HOOKED!***

13. Draw a conclusion Answers the “ SO WHAT ?” question Specific (Re-state the Thesis) Personal application Societal application Literary application General

14. Why does this topic matter at all—to me, to society, etc.? Draw a conclusion. Writing is an act of invention. INVENT a reason! Think of why the work is being taught in school. Are there any universal themes? Do the characters reflect qualities in human nature we relate to? When was the book written? Why?

15. Literary Application A comparison to a similar piece of writing This story is reminiscent of Mildred Taylor’s Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, which tells of a similar young man’s journey, only from the point of view of a young former slave.

16. This story teaches parents a valuable lesson. When parents act as positive role models, they can greatly influence their children’s thinking and values. Only with this kind of moral strength will children find the strength to do the right thing in the face of evil.

17. I personally relate to this story because I have grown up in an adverse situation as well….

18.  A provocative question  A startling statement  An anecdote  An interesting quotation  An intriguing definition

19. Whatever you choose to do, it should relate to the essay as a whole, particularly to the introduction, and it should NOT read like a review.

20. Some students find it easier to begin with the thesis and body paragraphs. You may want to write the introduction and conclusion LAST.

21. Ideas don’t come out of the air. WRITE TO DISCOVER. Write to Think!