2. Lincoln-Way Style! At Lincoln-Way we have a formula for successful writing that you will be using in every English class. This formula gives you:  Clear directions for how to organize every paragraph  Clear expectations as to what the teacher wants

3. The Thesis Statement The Tie That Binds A Thesis Statement is: One sentence that clearly states the main point of your entire paper A reference point for all of your entire paper because every single sentence should written to PROVE that your thesis statement is true A Thesis Statement is NOT: A list previewing all of the points you’re going to make in your paper

4. One SOLID Lincoln-Way Paragraph looks like this: 1. Topic Sentence 2. First Assertion 3. First Evidence 4. First Elaboration 5.Second Assertion (including transition word) 6. Second Evidence 7. Second Elaboration 8. Clincher Sentence

5. A Topic Sentence is: The first sentence of a paragraph – it states one main point (argument) for the paragraph connects the main point of the paragraph with the main point of the whole paper (thesis statement) There is 1 topic sentence per paragraph

6. What is an Assertion? An Assertion: States one clear REASON the topic sentence is true Cannot be the exact same statement as the topic sentence You must be able to prove that it is true!!

7. What is Evidence? Evidence: Proves that the assertion is true Offers DATA (specific information!) Can NEVER EVER be the same statement as the assertion!!! For example: If your assertion claims that the sky is blue, your evidence cannot be the following: “According to Mr. Paulson the sky is blue.” Repeating something twice doesn’t prove it.

8. What is an Elaboration? An Elaboration: Explains WHY your evidence proves your assertion Uses YOUR OWN WORDS to: explain what the Evidence has proven but does NOT repeat the Evidence explain how the Evidence proves the Assertion explain how the Evidence proves the Topic Sentence and Thesis Statement Each elaboration is AT LEAST 3-5 sentences!!

9. What is the Transition Word? The transition word indicates that you’re moving from one idea to another. Some examples include: “Also” “In addition” “Furthermore” “Another” The transition word will be located in the 2 nd Assertion. “Toto – I don’t think we’re in the 1 st assertion anymore!”

10. What is the Clincher Sentence? The clincher is the final sentence of every paragraph and it serves 2 purposes: 1.Restate (with different wording) your topic sentence 2.Remind the reader (breifly) what your 2 assertions were

11. Example: In five years I hope to own my own home. One reason I hope to own my own home in five years is that I would like to start building equity instead of losing money every month. For example, every month I lose my $750 rent to the company that owns my apartment. If I owned a home, I would still have to pay a mortgage, but the money would go into my home and still be my own asset. In the future, it will be much more beneficial to have equity in a home because when I sell that home I will earn a profit. In addition, I would like to own my own home because I would like to decorate my home according to my own personal taste. Currently my apartment lease states, “Tenant cannot apply any paint or wallpaper to the walls inside or outside his/her apartment.” This shows that my personal taste does not matter to my current landlord. If I owned my own home, I would not have rules such as this one telling me what I could or could not do in regards to decorating. Because I would like to build equity and decorate my own home, I would like to be a homeowner five years from now.

12. The theme song that best represents me is “We are Family” by the Pointer Sisters. One reason “We are Family” illustrates who I am is that I have a large extended family, and we are all very close-knit. For example, all four of my grandparents and 75% of my many aunts, uncles, first cousins, and second cousins live in Morris, IL, where I currently reside. This information shows that my family is large and that I am close with even my more “distant” relatives. The example also shows that my family has made an effort to stay close to one another over the years, proving we value our family ties. Another reason, “We are Family” by the Pointer Sisters should be my theme song is that the song represents my views on what type of attitude every person should have as they face goals and challenges in their life. For example, one line in the second verse of the song states, “High hopes we have for the future, and our goal's in sight. No we don't get depressed. Here's what we call our golden rule: Have faith in you and the things you do” (“Pointer”). This lyric clearly shows my attitude on a day-to-day basis. I try to stay positive and work actively toward goals I believe in, such as having a family in the future and fighting against global warming. Because this song represents both my actual “family” and my philosophy for living, “We are Family” by the Pointer Sisters should be considered my theme song.