English 11How to Write a Good Essay

Warm-UpEssay Prompt and Guide

Homework

Warm-UpEnduring Understanding:Writing is a process!

Essential Outcomes:•Identify and apply the parts of a good essay•Write a strong thesis sentence•Respond to a prompt in a concise well-developed multi-paragraph essay

What process do you use when writing an essay for an academic class? Be honest!

Why Should I Care About Writing?

• Writing is an essential job skill• Builds your ability to explain complex

positions• Develops communication and thinking skills• Helps give others feedback and helps others

give feedback to you.• Writing expresses who you are as a person

Multi-paragraph Essay Blueprint

• Introduction– Hook– Background– Thesis Statement

• Body Paragraphs– Topic Sentence– Supports– Concluding Sentence

• Conclusion– Restate Thesis– Summarize– Lasting Impression

Introduction Paragraph“You never get a second chance to make a first impression”

Parts of the Introduction Paragraph

• Hook• Background Information• Thesis

The Hook• It should grab your reader’s attention.

• Quote • Vivid description• Anecdote• Definition• Question

•Must transition into the paper’s topic

Hook: Quote

• A quote is a memorable line from a famous figure in history.

• Make sure to include author/speaker.

• Ex) Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Hook: Vivid Description• A vivid description is

like a photo- a single snapshot. Unlike an anecdote, it has no plot or action.

• Ex) The sweet smell of cotton candy floats in the air. Bumper cars collide in the distance. There is nothing like the county fair.

Hook: Anecdote • An anecdote is a short

story that leads the reader into your topic.

• Ex) Imagine a small child crying at the county fair because they cannot ride the rides the big kids do. Despite their wailing, the parent does not budge. In a similar fashion…

Hook: Definition

• Define a term that is closely related to your topic. Provide a definition that your audience may not know.

• Ex) Webster’s dictionary defines sarcasm as, “a witty remark used to convey insult.”

Hook: Question

• Ask a question to draw your reader into your paper.

• Ex) Is it true that sometimes love is not enough to overcome difficult circumstances? In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet…

Background Information

• Assume that your reader has never read the question

• What does your audience need to know?– Names– Dates– Quotes– Arguments

• If it is a text, then include the author, title and a brief synopsis of the story

Background Info- Examine the Prompt

Governor Jack Markell believes that bullying has escalated in Delaware schools. He also believes that students spend too much time worrying about socializing in school, rather than gaining an education. Due to this he is asking all Delaware schools to enforce a new school uniform policy. Write a multi-paragraph essay stating your position on the issue.

What does your audience need to know? Look for details…

The Thesis Statement

The Roadmap for Your Essay

• Main argument of your paper

• It introduces the reader to the rest of your paper

• No thesis statement?

So What’s the Formula?

Recipe for a Good Thesis

_______________ because ________________ , ________________ , and ________________ .Arguable Point Reason #1 Reason #2 Reason #3

Give Me an ExampleSmoking should be illegal because it can kill you, can harm those around you, and it is addictive and difficult to stop once started.

Body Paragraphs

• Topic Sentence– Transition for preceding body

paragraphs

• Support (Quotes)– Introduce each quote

providing some context– Explain the quote and why

it is relevant to the argument.

• Concluding Sentence

Topic Sentence

• A topic sentence tells the reader what the paragraph is going to be about.

• Use it to help remind the reader what your paper is trying to prove (thesis)

• It should have a subject, a verb, and a controlling idea.

• Ex.) One reason why schools should not enforce a uniform policy is because it limits students’ expression.

Supporting Sentences

• This is where you give more information about your topic.

• Ask yourself: How can I prove this is true? What examples can I give?

• Three supports per paragraph

If you use quotes as support

Don’t forget…

Adding Quotes- Lead-In

• According to movie analyst Kevin Jones in his novel Summer Blockbusters, “The Dark Knight sold more tickets in its opening weekend than any other movie in history” (Jones 252).

• Always introduce quotes with a lead-in• Quotes can’t stand alone.

Adding Quotes- State Quote

• According to movie analyst Kevin Jones in his novel Summer Blockbusters, “The Dark Knight sold more tickets in its opening weekend than any other movie in history” (Jones 252).

• State quote exactly as you see it.• Use quotation marks.

Adding Quotes - Parenthetical Citations• According to movie analyst Kevin Jones in

his novel Summer Blockbusters, “The Dark Knight sold more tickets in its opening weekend than any other movie in history” (Jones, 2014, p.252).

• A parenthetical citation shows where the information is from.

• Give author, date of publication, and page number. Separate the information with commas.

• Punctuation follows citation.

Adding Quotes-Explain Quote

• According to movie analyst Kevin Jones in his novel Summer Blockbusters, “The Dark Knight sold more tickets in its opening weekend than any other movie in history” (Jones 252). This quote illustrates that The Dark Knight is the ultimate super hero movie because of the mass appeal it brought to the super hero film genre.

Concluding Sentences• A concluding sentence explains what your

paragraph is about.• Use as a bridge between paragraphs• Not only _____________________________

but __________________________________it is also a quick way to make extra money.

does recycling help the environment

Conclusion Paragraph

• Restate your thesis. Use new words (but keep the points in same order)

• Summarize the main points of the essay. • End with a lasting impression. Give the reader

something to think about.

And That is How you Write an Essay!

…Now go off and “Ace” that paper!