ESSAYS

​The HOME stretch!

This is the last week before your FAST writing and there is no better way to get better and more comfortable than to practice!

Open Ended

"What is an essay? What do you think makes a strong essay?"

​Argumentative Essay: Takes a stance on a topic, supports it with evidence, and persuades the reader.



Expository Essay: Explains or informs the reader about a topic with facts. No opinions!

​KEY DIFFERENCES

Argumentative - Persuade/Argue/ Claim and Counterclaim

Expository - Neutral / Inform with NO opinions

Multiple Select

What are the key differences between an argumentative essay and an expository essay? (select ALL that apply)

• argumentative persuades an expository does not

• expository remains neutral an and argumentative does not

• expository has a counterclaim and an argumentative does not

• expository informs and explains and an argumentative persuades.

Open Ended

Explain the purpose of a THESIS statement:

​WHAT IS A THESIS?

A thesis is ONE sentence that states the main idea of an essay. It tells the reader what the essay will be about and sets up the key points that will be explained or argued.

It is the LAST sentence of your introduction paragraph.

​THESIS


How do I write a thesis?

Argumentative - Counterclaim; however, restate the prompt with your claim and three reasons


Informative - Restate the prompt with three main ideas

Multiple Choice

The thesis in an informative/expository essay:

• has a counterclaim with a claim

• has 3 main points with no counterclaim

• starts in the first sentence of the intro

• argues a claim

​ARGUMENTATIVE THESIS Tesla's use a lot of energy from batteries which is bad for the environment; however, there are many advantages to owning a Tesla such as a superior range and fast charging capabilities, minimal operating costs compared to gasoline vehicles, and advanced technology features.

EXPOSITORY THESIS - Tesla cars are innovative electric vehicles that utilize advanced battery technology, autonomous driving features, and sustainable energy solutions to revolutionize the automobile industry.

Poll

How confident do you feel about your understanding of a THESIS statement?

• SUPER CONFIDENT!

• I'm somewhat in the middle

• I'M SCARED TO DEATH!!

• What is a thesis?

Multiple Choice

Which explains an expository thesis?

• Restate the prompt with an counterclaim

• Restate the prompt with three main points

• Three main points and a claim

• Three main points and a counterclaim

​EXPOSITORY THESIS EXAMPLES:

Regular exercise benefits both physical and mental health by improving cardiovascular fitness, reducing stress, and building muscle tone.

The Amazon Rainforest functions by producing oxygen, supporting diverse wildlife, and regulating the global climate.

​Introduction

• Hook (attention-grabber)

• Overview (brief background on topic)

• Thesis statement (main point of essay)

​Body Paragraphs (3 total)

• Evidence: Facts, examples, or research

• Elaboration: Explain how evidence supports the thesis

​Conclusion

• Restate thesis

• Summarize main points

• End with a final thought/Call to Action

Categorize

Options (9)

hook

thesis

overview

evidence

elaboration

topic sentence

restate thesis

summary

closing statement

Match these:

INTRO

BODY

CONCLUSION

​ELABORATION...

The process of explaining how or why your evidence supports your thesis. It adds depth to your argument by clarifying connections, providing reasoning, or expanding on details. You should have more elaboration than EVIDENCE.

EVIDENCE: "Studies show that engaging in at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day strengthens the heart and lowers the risk of heart disease."

Elaboration:
This means that individuals who maintain an active lifestyle are less likely to develop conditions like high blood pressure and heart attacks. Over time, consistent exercise helps the heart pump more efficiently, leading to better overall health.

Multiple Choice

What is the purpose of elaboration?

• to grab the readers attention

• it is to provide the reader the with main points of your essay

• explain how or why your evidence supports your thesis

• it is to summarize your whole essay

​Why use TRANSITIONS?

Transition words are essential in essays because they help create a smooth flow between ideas, making writing clearer and more organized. They guide the reader from one thought to the next, showing relationships between sentences and paragraphs. Without transitions, writing can feel choppy or disconnected.

​ Transitions for Beginning Paragraphs:

These words help introduce a new paragraph or idea.

• To introduce a topic: First, To begin with, One key aspect is

• To show contrast: On the other hand, However, In contrast

• To add information: Furthermore, Additionally, Another important point is

​Transitions Within Paragraphs (Between Sentences):

These words connect supporting details and make ideas flow logically.

• To show cause and effect: As a result, Consequently, Therefore

• To give examples: For instance, For example, Specifically

• To compare or contrast: Similarly, In comparison, On the other hand

• To summarize: In conclusion, Overall, In summary

Open Ended

Explain the importance if transition words in an essay.

Multiple Choice

Which transition word is best used at the beginning of a paragraph to introduce a new idea?

• Similarly

• As a result

• First

• The result is

Multiple Choice

Which transition word is best used within a paragraph to connect supporting details?

• Furthermore

• For instance

• To begin with

• On the other hand

​FINAL THOUGHTS:

1. Read and analyze the prompt. What type of essay is it? What is the essay focused on?
2. Prepare a planning sheet.
3. Read and annotate the sources and jot down evidence so you can go easily go back to it when you are writing.
4. Consistently go back to your prompt while reading the sources to help you extrapolate evidence.
5. Don't stress! Answer the question and argue or explain as best as you can.