Getting Started
Analyzing the Prompt
- Read the whole prompt the entire way through first.
- Who is your audience?
- What kind of writing will you create?
Pre-writing/ Brainstorming/ Invention/
Gathering Ideas
·
What
do I find interesting?
·
So
What?
·
What
do I think?
Am I writing to show
what I know or to explore ideas?
Introductions
You know your introduction needs a
clear thesis statement. But what else do you put in the paragraph? Keep it
short! Include these items:
- Create interest (Exordium/Hook/Attention Getter)
- Provide necessary background information
- Identify your thesis
Exordium/Hook/Attention
Getter
- Strong claim (Imperative Statement)
- Question
- Quote
- Statistic or fact
- Anecdote (short story or joke)
Background
Information
·
In Literary Response, include the
title, author and a 1-2 sentence summary (synopsis)
·
In Research Essays, include a basic
explanation of the topic discussed.
·
In Persuasive Essays, include a
basic explanation of the opponent’s point of view.
·
In Personal Narratives, give a hint
the lesson to be revealed at the end of the writing.
Thesis
Your thesis statement will identify
your main idea and preview the rest of your essay. Aim to make this a single,
clear sentence. You will probably place your thesis at the end of your
introduction paragraph. One systematic way to write a thesis is by using the Argument+Evidence format. Make sure the "evidence" section uses parallel structure to list the
three reasons.
·
Argument Greek heroes have some major similarities with the typical
modern hero
· Evidence because they share the traits of self-sacrifice,
loyalty and courage.
Body Paragraphs
Body
Paragraphs should include a Topic
Sentence (leading or guiding idea), Evidence
(concrete details, proof, quotes), Commentary
(discussion, support) and a Concluding
Sentence. More complex paragraphs will include multiple examples of
evidence. Paragraphs should be between 8-12 sentences, with the Evidence and
Commentary sections being repeated for more evidence.
Topic Sentence
A
sentence to introduce the topic of the body paragraph, which corresponds to one
of the reasons mentioned in the “because” section of the thesis. This should be
a statement that you will have to prove throughout the paragraph.
Calypso demonstrates her self-sacrifice
when she allows Odysseus to leave her island.
Evidence
Two-three
sentences that explain the evidence be it a fact, statistic, quote, logical
reason, etc… If it is a quote, you will need to use a transition
that includes the context of the quote. Always make sure to set the
reader up with a way to fully understand your evidence.
Calypso reassures Odysseus of
her willingness to relinquish him when she states,
“Here you need grieve no more…I have pondered it,
and I shall help you go…” (Beers 653).
Commentary
Give
your discussion here on why your evidence helps to prove the topic sentence and
thesis. Do not use “I” or any personal pronoun!
Clearly, Calypso chooses to give up her
own desires of keeping Odysseus in order to prevent his
grieving.
Conclusion Sentence
This
sentence restates the main point and signals the closing of that specific idea
while preparing the reader for the next paragraph.
Calypso’s self-sacrifice results in her
own solitude and proves her loyalty to Zeus.
Quality Paragraph?
A
well-developed paragraph is organized around one topic, and is discussed fully
using examples (from text or research). All body paragraphs should work
together to prove your thesis. (link to rubric)
Conclusion
This is a paragraph that wraps up your essay and should include no more than 3-5 sentences. Make sure to restate your thesis in new words. You may want to end with a statement of universal truth or a charge to the reader.
