1. The Multi-Paragraph Essay Amanda Hernandez Based on the SMHS Composition Handbook

2. Structure Introductory Paragraph Body Paragraph(s) Concluding Paragraph The word essay comes from the French verb, essayer, which means “to try.”

3. Introductory Paragraph: The First Sentence First Sentence – Avoid thinking of it as a HOOK – Please do not ask a question – Do not use other people’s words to start your essay Consider: a general statement, an unusual (but related fact), a vivid example, an anecdote, an analogy

4. Introductory Paragraph Begin with crafted first sentence Tie first sentence to literature Provide background information Thesis – The thesis is arguably the most important sentence of the entire essay. It is your roadmap.

5. Thesis Statements X. X is Y. X is Y because of a, b, and c. X is Y, verb _____________ (something about the bigger picture).

6. Thesis Statements Another way to think about this is: topic + idea + so what. A: topic + idea B: so what

7. Body Paragraphs Topic Sentence Subtopic Concrete Detail Commentary ------------>Repeat points 2,3,4 THREE times Conclusion sentence

8. Body Paragraphs Topic sentence should relate to A part of thesis Subtopic leads the reader from general to specific Concrete Detail (CD) is a quote from the text – Always introduced – Always cited appropriately

9. Body Paragraphs Commentary – Analysis/ Not Summary – Relates the CD to the part B of the thesis Consider using Say, Mean, Matter as your guide – SAY: What does the quote say about -------? – MEAN: What does the quote mean to -----? – MATTER: Why does the quote matter to -----?

10. Commentary TOPIC -----------  SAY IDEA ------------  MEAN SO WHAT ------  MATTER Using the above strategy will enable you to keep the analysis (or, CM) focused on the thesis (or, RTT).

11. Concluding Paragraphs Try not to be a wimpy writer! Think of the concluding paragraph as a reinforcement, not a repetition Concluding Paragraph should include: – Restatement of Thesis – Summary of salient points – Final insights

12. Concluding Paragraph: Final Insights Avoid: – a complete summary – any new material or ideas – statement of the obvious – an apology – a prescribed statement – a question – a quote

13. Concluding Paragraph: Final Insights Answer a question (like, “what if…”) Describe an “aha!” moment or discovery from your writing Apply the lesson of your work to a general audience A general statement (possibly one to link first sentence) Discuss broader implications Return to the theme Provide an anecdote

14. Use of Quotes Choose one that actually supports your ideas Never allow a quote to stand alone Integrate the quote into your own writing Give reader enough information to understand who is whom is the quote Cite appropriately (check Owl Purdue) Ellipses … A quote is not necessarily diaglogue You may quote a portion of a line You may integrate you own words within the quote Double quotes

15. Transitions Make clear relationships between sentences and paragraphs – See pages 18-19 in Composition Handbook – See the “Transitions” handout previously distributed

16. Basic Rules Active Literary Present (ALP) Personal Pronouns Contractions Commonly misused (see next slide) Wordiness Jargon ONE Relate to the thesis (RTT)

17. Commonly Misused It’s: It is Its: possessive Their: possessive There: place They’re: they are, contraction Who: person That: non-person Fewer: countable Less: no countable Among: many Between: two

18. Assignment Using the Act IV “quiz” activity, you will write a multi-paragraph essay. – This is an effort based grade. Did you include all of the components? Did you put forth effort and thought to compose your essay? Is it complete? Is it based on your work in Act IV?

19. Steps 1. Review Act IV activity and create a thesis statement based on what you’ve done. 2. Build up and out from your thesis to write an introductory paragraph. 3. Use the 5-work summaries and topic sentences/sentence starters. 4. Use the literary devices as your CD. 5. Write CM the links CD to thesis. 6. You may include scenes i-v in one paragraph, or divide them. 7. Consider what you have composed and develop a conclusion paragaph.