1. LESSON 12
ENGLISH 8

2. BASIC RULES IN THEME PAPER WRITING
Use the formal theme paper to be distributed by the teacher.
Write legibly.
Use standard black or blue-inked pens only; do not use neon-colored pens
Double-space by skipping every other line.
Maintain at least one inch margins on all sides.
Use only the front page; do not write at the back of the sheet. You may ask for second or third sheets from your teacher.
Indent the first line of each paragraph.

3. BASIC RULES IN THEME PAPER WRITING
Use the third person, except when directly quoting or in dialogues.
Do not use unnecessary abbreviations and acronyms.
Spell out contractions.
Use the active voice.
Avoid beginning your sentences with numbers and awkward beginnings (i.e., Because, etc.)
Use appropriate capitalization, punctuation, and transitional devices for clarity and coherence.
Cite your sources, if any.

4. A THEME PAPER CONSISTS OF A/AN:
introduction, body, and conclusion
thesis statement
minimum of three paragraphs, with 4-5 sentences per paragraph

5. STEPS IN THEME PAPER WRITING
Pre-writing
Think random thoughts about the topic
Organize your thoughts via an outline
While writing
Stay focused on the topic
Develop your main points by explaining, expounding, and by giving examples.
Post-writing
Proofread your work. Check for the correctness of the conventions of grammar, punctuation, and syntax
Edit and revise your work

6. TASK
Write a theme paper on your reaction to the excerpt from Below the Crying Mountain by Criselda Yabes.
Time-frame: 30-minutes