Writing an Essay

Writing an Essay

An Essay has 3 Parts

Introduction
2-4 Body paragraphs
Conclusion

Introduction

• Has a hook to engage the reader

• Introduces the topic of the essay (Thesis Statement)

  • Often restate the writing prompt into a statement that includes the side or point you want to make.

Body Paragraph Structure: Topic Sentence

A paragraph starts with a topic sentence.
A topic sentence has ONLY ONE (1) point

Multiple Choice

Why is this not a good topic sentence?

Dogs are good pets because they are protective and fun to play with.

• It is about dogs.

• It has more than one point.

• It isn't true.

• It has no support.

Evidence

• Provide evidence in your paragraph to support your topic sentence or your point.

• Evidence makes it clearer and more specific

Evidence to Prove Your Point - Use Your Words!

• This is where you use your pre-write/graphic organizer

• Take one thing you plan to talk about (Dogs are good protection) that you have learned in your reading, but put it all in your OWN words.

• This should be understandable to your reader and shows you know what you are talking about

• Don't use any words that you don't understand

• Evidence gives your credibility as a writer.

Multiple Select

Which statements would make a good second sentence that uses evidence and your own words?

• The minacious tendency of canines exemplify their positive protective qualities.

• Dogs can sound threatening and scare people away - even when they're really big cuddle babies.

• Many dogs are naturally protective of their "pack" so will keep their family and property safe.

• Even a small dog's bark and bared teeth will make people think about breaking into a house or harming a person.

Support with Citations:
This is where you use the author's words or ideas

• Your quote must be the BEST support for the point you're making

• You must give CREDIT to the author, even if you are paraphrasing and putting the idea sort of into your own words

• You must put exact words from the reading in QUOTATION MARKS " "

• You need to use GTA for your 1st citation - genre, author, title

• After you have cited once, you can use a shortened form after that - (Author's name) also said or stated...

• Don't make the quote too long, just use what most proves your point

Multiple Choice

What is a good 1st citation? (GTA = Genre, Title, Author

• John Marks said, "Dogs..."

• In John Marks article he talks about how dogs...

• The article, "Dogs are Great" says that...

• In John Marks article, "Dogs are Great," it says, "Dogs make great..."

Do it Again!
What's your 2nd piece of evidence for your point?

• You should have at least 2 points of evidence to prove each point you are making

• Do the same thing again for your other piece of evidence

• This is where you have a good pre-write/graphic organizer (outline) that makes your life easier - just go back and pick out your evidence

• Don't say the same thing again, it must be a new piece of evidence

Multiple Choice

Why aren't these two good points to make in your paragraph?

Dogs can look fierce so they are good protection.

When dogs growl and snarl, they look scary.

• They aren't true.

• They say the same thing.

Conclusion

• Summarize your thesis and points

• But restate it in your own words, just differently so not redundant

• Ask the reader to think about or take action as a result of your topic and points you made