1. Formal Writing

2. The Beginning: What is a thesis statement? A thesis statement focuses on the main idea of an essay or a speech in one sentence.

3. The Beginning: Where is the thesis statement? The thesis statement is located in the introductory paragraph and it is explained with supporting evidence throughout the body of the essay or speech.

4. Example: Which of the following would be an example of a thesis statement? a. “I am going to tell you all about poetry.” b. “There are lots of things you can learn about the Periodic Table of Elements.” c. “Much can be said about converting percents, fractions, and decimals.” d. “The three branches of government that have its own powers and responsibilities are legislative, executive, and judicial.

5. Correct Answer: d. “The three branches of government that have its own powers and responsibilities are legislative, executive, and judicial.”

6. The Beginning: What is the Introductory Paragraph’s purpose? A well written introductory paragraph GRABS the reader’s attention.

7. The Beginning: Introductory Paragraph Includes: Hook Thesis statement

8. The Beginning: Introductory Paragraph Does not include: Concluding statement

9. The Beginning: How to use Attention Getters One way to grab the reader’s attention: State an interesting or startling fact (Note: This adds curiosity to the introduction!)

10. The Beginning: How to use Attention Getters Another way to grab the reader’s attention: Begin your essay or speech by asking a question. (Note: This gets your audience thinking about your topic!)

11. The Middle: What are Transitions? Select words that are used to provide coherence to supporting sentences and paragraphs. Transitional expressions allow the sentences to flow smoothly and connect to each other. (Think of a musical instrument being played harmoniously!)

12. The Middle: Examples of Transition words Transition wordsto use First of allBecause SecondlyHowever FinallyMeanwhile ThereforeAs a result In addition toFor example

13. The Middle: Where are transitions found? Transition sentences are usually found at the first sentence of the paragraph.

14. The Middle: Examples of Transitional expressions  “Another example is…” (give a personal connection!)  “Although this appears to be the case…” (provide a different perspective!)

15. The Middle: What does this element do? Body paragraph  Includes supporting details

16. The End: What does this element do? Concluding paragraph  Usually restates the thesis statement in some form

17. The End: What does this element do? Concluding paragraph  Lets the readers know that the composition is complete.

18. The End: Answer the question “So what?” Concluding paragraph  Pose a new question  Connect to a bigger picture  Evoke a visual image  Suggest results or a call of action

19. Example: Which of the following would be an example of a concluding statement? a. “Because it is easy to see that littering is bad for the ozone layer and needs to be stopped, I urge you to consider your actions before making the problems at hand worse.” b. “I wonder how technology will affect us ten years from now.” c. “Now you know how this world is full of community service opportunities.” d. “Depression, drinking, and death are three issues that Edgar Allan Poe dealt with throughout his lifetime.

20. Correct Answer: a. “Because it is easy to see that littering is bad for the ozone layer and needs to be stopped, I urge you to consider your actions before making the problems at hand worse.”

21. How to write a Persuasive Speech

22. #1 Choose a problem/ an issue to discuss State your position  What is the problem/issue?  Are you FOR it?  Are you AGAINST it?

23. #2 Identify your audience Speak specifically to the group of people you want to persuade  Who is the speech addressing?  How much do they already know about the issue?  How much more do you need to inform them on the topic?

24. #3 Support your position Brainstorm facts and examples  What information can be proven?  What real world example have they experienced, heard, or seen about the issue?

25. #4 Provide a solution or suggest an action Give specific examples  How many options can you provide to convince your audience?  How does your solution or action benefit your audience?

26. Persuasive Speech Guidelines Important information to include: Answer here: Issue Audience Supporting facts & examples Solution

27. Possible Persuasive Speech Sentence Format Possible Persuasive Speech Sentence Format (Fill in the blank) I want ____________ because ____________________. (claim) (reasoning) I understand ________________________; however, (parents’ objection) ______________________. If not, ________________. (counter argument) (your responsibility)