1. Goal: Writers will be reviewing box and bullet essay structure in preparation for their thematic essay based on the text, Seedfolks

2. Academic Conversation Generating an Outline: Moving Ideas 1.What happened in this part of the text (beginning, middle, end) 2.What does this make me think about the character’s traits, motivations, struggles, and complexity? 3.What lesson does the character learn? 4.What universal life lessons or themes does the reader learn? 5.What techniques does the author use to reveal those themes (symbolism, imagery, revealing actions, dialogue, inner thinking, multiple points of view, vivid descriptions)?

3. Academic Conversation When we write a thematic essay we need to stay in the third person point of view. First person point of view occurs primarily through the use of the pronoun “I.” This is the point of view used when a writer is writing about himself. There may be times when it is okay to incorporate personal examples into an essay, and if so, the first person will be used. However, it is generally best to avoid referring to yourself, as the writer. Statements like “I believe” or “I think” tend to weaken writing and are better when written in the third person. (example: “The U.S. government needs to pass this law” is better and stronger than “I believe the U.S. government needs to pass this law.”)

4. Academic Conversation Second person point of view involves the use of the pronoun “you” to refer to the reader. There are few times to use the second person in academic writing, as it can alienate the reader. An author may use second person when he/she wants to make the audience more active in the story or process. The author may use it to talk to the audience (as in self-help or process writing), or, when used in fiction, the author wants to make the audience feel as if they are a part of the story and action. When writing fiction in second person, the author is making the audience a character, implicating them. The author may even be employing second person as a thematic device, a way for a character to distance himself or herself from their own actions.

5. Academic Conversation Third Person point of view involves directly stating who is being written about without using the words I, me, we, us, or you. – First person: I should learn how to write well. – Second person: You should learn how to write well. – Third person: College students should learn how to write well. As mentioned earlier, most academic essays should be written almost entirely in the third person. The second person should be avoided, and the first person should only be used when using personal examples that help support claims made in the essay. In addition to enhancing credibility, another reason to write primarily in the third person is because frequent changes in point of view can create confusion for the reader.

6. Academic Conversation Introduction – Compose a thesis statement in which you explain the central theme from Seedfolks. Maintain a third person perspective and refrain from using statements such as: this essay will be about If you want to learn more continue reading Introduce the topics of the body paragraphs. Provide a GENERAL overview of the body paragraphs. An introduction is supposed to HOOK the reader. Don’t give it all away in your introduction.

7. Introduction: Introduce the claim The book, Seedfolks, carries the powerful message that (theme). The characters come together because of (first reason). (Second reason). (Third reason). Claim: The book, Seedfolks, carries the powerful message that even the smallest gestures can spark great change. Kim’s actions inspired the community to work together. It gave people a purpose and a reason to work together. It evolved into a safe haven for people.

8. Introduction Sample The book, Seedfolks, carries the powerful message that even the smallest gestures can spark great change. A little Vietnamese girl named Kim inspired the community to work together. It gave the people of Cleveland, Ohio a purpose and a reason to work together. The community garden evolved into a safe haven for people and it ultimately brought people together.

9. Academic Conversation Body Paragraph – Include the follow components in your body paragraph: Topic sentence Supporting evidence And a closing sentence that ties your argument together. The body paragraphs are the paragraphs where you explain in further detail. Text evidence should be included to SUPPORT your response. Text evidence SHOULD NOT dominate your essay.

10. Kim’s actions inspired the community to work together and change the disgusting lot into a beautiful community garden. She started the community garden by planting some lima beans at the vacant lot across the street. In the text it states, “My class had sprouted lima beans in paper cups the year before. I now placed a bean in each of the holes… I vowed to myself that those beans would thrive.” (Seedfolks 3) Kim’s courageous decision to plant the lima beans sparked a great change in the community. People began to notice her project and follow her lead. It started with planting lima beans so she could feel closer to her father but it helped the entire community come together.

11. Body Paragraph Sample Kim’s actions inspired the community to work together and change the disgusting lot into a beautiful community garden. She started the community garden by planting some lima beans at the vacant lot across the street. In the text it states, “My class had sprouted lima beans in paper cups the year before. I now placed a bean in each of the holes… I vowed to myself that those beans would thrive.” (Seedfolks 3). Kim’s courageous decision to plant the lima beans sparked a great change in the community. People began to notice her project and follow her lead. The community came together to help each other. It started with planting lima beans so she could feel closer to her father but it helped the entire community come together.

12. Academic Conversation Conclusion Summarize the points you made in your essay. Restate your reasons and express why they were important in your essay. Summarize how the information in the body of your essay proves your point. SO WHAT? Why were the reasons you listed important Restate your theme and explain it in further detail.

13. Conclusion: Restate the claim and your reasons Claim: The book, Seedfolks, carries the powerful message that even the smallest gestures can spark great change. Kim’s actions inspired the community to work together. Without Kim’s seeds, the people in Cleveland would never have changed. It gave people a purpose and a reason to work together. People were struggling because of the fact that they were living in poverty. They were struggling to provide for their family and struggling with the bad neighborhood but they came together and helped each other out. It evolved into a safe haven for people. They were afraid of each other but ultimately the community garden evolved into a safe haven for people to really get to know each other and come together. Seeds that take root and are cared for eventually grow and become something beautiful just like this garden. Even the smallest gestures can spark great change. Seeds that take root and are cared for eventually grow and become something beautiful just like this garden.

14. Conclusion Sample The book, Seedfolks, carries the powerful message that even the smallest gestures can spark great change. Kim’s actions inspired the community to work together. Without Kim’s seeds, the people in Cleveland would never have changed. It gave people a purpose and a reason to work together. People were struggling because of the fact that they were living in poverty. They were struggling to provide for their family and struggling with the bad neighborhood but they came together and helped each other out. They were afraid of each other but ultimately the community garden evolved into a safe haven for people to really get to know each other and come together. Seeds that take root and are cared for eventually grow and become something beautiful just like this garden.