1. How to Write a Well Written Essay with Text Evidence

2. OR3E3C Opening Reasons (3) These go together R1 and E1 Explanations/ Evidence (3) R2 and E2, R3 and E3. Conclusion

3. How do I start my opening? Begin with an attention grabber. Here are some ideas:... Startling information/ data- This information must be true and it doesn't need to be totally new to your readers. It could simply be a fact that illustrates the point you wish to make. Summary Information- A few sentences explaining your topic in general terms can lead the reader gently to your thesis. Each sentence should become gradually more specific, until you reach your thesis. Anecdote- An anecdote is a story that is short, to the point, and relevant to your topic. This can be a very effective opener for your essay, but use it carefully. Dialogue - An appropriate dialogue does not have to identify the speakers, but the reader must understand the point you are trying to convey.

4. How do I start my opening? (cont’d) If the attention grabber was only a sentence or two, add one or two more sentences that will lead the reader from your opening to your thesis statement. Make sure the reader knows exactly the point you are trying to make. Finish the paragraph with your thesis statement.

5. Thesis statements Your thesis statement should tell your reader what the paper is about and also help guide your writing. It tells the reader what exactly you will be talking about! If you are writing about 3 reasons in your essay, all three should briefly be stated in your thesis. It appears as the last line of your opening paragraph.

6. Thesis Statement Examples Example: The life of the typical college student is characterized by time spent studying, attending class, and socializing with peers. The life of the typical college student is characterized by time spent studying (R1), attending class (R2), and socializing with peers (R3). Kids should not have cell phones because R1, R2, and R3. Kids should have cell phones because R1, R2, and R3.

7. Cell phone Essay O- GRABBER! What is the topic? What are you talking about? Thesis statement- What you are going to discuss in your essay and with your 3 reasons why kids should or should not have cell phones. R1E1- One reason kids should/should not have cell phones with text evidence. Make sure you explain the quote! So what? 7-9 sentences R2E2- 2 nd reason kids should/ should not have cell phones with text evidence. Make sure you explain the quote! So what? 7-9 sentences R3E3- 3 rd reason kids should/ should not have cell phones text evidence. Make sure you explain the quote! So what? 7-9 sentences C- Summarize what you mentioned in your essay. Specific reasons you mentioned to general. Restate the thesis statement. Zinger/ clever ending.

8. Transitions are a great way to introduce your paragraph. Take out your transition sheet. There should be transitions in all THREE of your body paragraphs(R1, R2, and R3) as well as your conclusion. Example for R1: First of all, cell phones are dangerous. Example for conclusion: To sum up, kids should not use cell phones. Transitions

9. Setting up your quotes Instead of always saying: In the text it states, “….” (Lewis, p. 17). Try using: Lewis further explains that, “…” (p.17). Reese Jones also mentions that, “….”(p.2).

10. Conclusion Summarize the subject of the paper and your thoughts or findings. A conclusion paragraph will often include the main point of the paper. Restate your thesis Zinger- a clever ending that keeps the reader thinking. Do NOT end with- “What do you think about cell phones?” Do NOT end with- “This was my essay about cell phones.”

11. Conclusions (cont’d) It may include several of the following: Summary of the main points - Remind your reader what the main points were, but don’t use the same wording as elsewhere in the assignment. Your findings - Re-emphasize what you discovered after researching for this essay. Your response to the question, together with possible solutions - Restate your main argument, if you had an argument. - Remind the reader of your suggested solutions to any problems raised in the essay. Remaining problems and questions - Indicate what still needs to be solved; don’t be afraid to admit that you don’t know everything. Areas for future research - Give suggestions for future research which could address the same problem. A strong final sentence (that leaves the reader with an overall impression of your views on the topic)