c Introduction Conclusion Body Paragraphs

 Introduces the topic of the thesis (without referring directly to it)  Options include: Define the idea or concept that is the topic of the paper. Example: "The word 'punk' no longer just means a form of alternative music." Begin with a startling, unusual, or enlightening fact. Example: "One out of every 500 Americans will not make it home tonight.” Begin with an interesting or dramatic quotation. Example: "Nikes 'just do it' slogan has been applied to much more than running shoes.” Start with a question or challenge (can be misused/used too often). Example: "Why do some people wear a mask when they cut their lawns?"  DO NOT mention the title/author of the book in the FIRST sentence. That should come later.

 Adds information about the attention grabber  Still general and not referring to the thesis  Examples of Attention Grabbers + Info Adders working together: During the Great Depression nearly 1 out of 4 working Americans was unemployed. This was a period of intense economic struggle for people all over the country.

 Pivots or turns the reader toward the thesis  The first sentence that hints about our thesis, usually by using a key word from the thesis  Examples: During the Great Depression nearly 1 out of 4 working Americans was unemployed. This was a period of intense economic struggle for people all over the country. These struggles were exemplified in the themes of the literature from that era.

 Transitions directly to the thesis, connecting the topic or idea of the grabber to the point made by the thesis.  Includes title of book (italicized!) and author’s name  Examples: During the Great Depression nearly 1 out of 4 working Americans was unemployed. This was a period of intense economic struggle for people all over the country. These struggles were exemplified in the themes of the literature from that era. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck shows through his characters how we can help one another through rough times.

 Last sentence of intro paragraph  Statement that answers the essay prompt  Includes argument that your paper will work to prove

 Introduction Format  Hook  Information Adder  Pivot sentence  Set-up sentence  Thesis statement

During the Great Depression nearly one out of four working Americans was unemployed. This period of intense economic struggle caused people all over the country to leave their homes and families in search of work. These struggles are exemplified in the literature of that era. John Steinbeck’s novella, Of Mice and Men, deals with many characters who face the effects that isolation can have. The characters of Candy, Crooks, and Curley’s wife demonstrate the theme of how isolation can lead to loneliness in this classic novel.

1.Restate Thesis: Reflects the knowledge learned in the essay using new words. 2.TWO Implication Sentences Reflect on how your topic relates to the book as a whole, give your opinion of the novel’s significance, or connect back to your creative opening. It should relate to all people and thus, be universal. 3.Concluding Sentence: Final sentence of essay that leaves the reader with a powerful thought using strong words. **TIE BACK TO YOUR GRABBER**

Many of Steinbeck’s characters reflect how leading a lonely life results in feeling isolated. Candy faced unjust isolation because of his age more than anything. Crooks faced an equally unjust isolation due to his ethnicity. However, both men were still part of the ‘ranch’ life in a way Curley’s wife could never be. Her isolation from society led to her seeking attention from the wrong person, Lennie, and ultimately led to her death. The difficult and isolated times of the Great Depression certainly provided John Steinbeck with a rich background to explore this theme.

 In-text citations: Author-page style  MLA format follows the author-page method of in-text citation. This means that the author's last name and the page number(s) from which the quotation or paraphrase is taken must appear in the text, and a complete reference should appear on your Works Cited page. For example:  Kelly states that, “The future of our nation will be dependent on how well we teach our youth” (123).  Our prospects for the future are dependent upon how well equipped teachers are to engage and enhance the knowledge of our youth (Kelly 123).

 Author's Last Name, First Name and Middle Initial. Title Of Book. City of publication: Name of publication company, Copyright date. Type of Media.  Ex. Kelly, Lisa. Quality Education. Fairfax: Education UP, Print. Vonnegut, Kurt. "Harrison Bergeron". Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama Eighth Edition. New York: Ed. Dana Gioia and X.J. Kennedy, Print. De Maupassant, Guy. “The Necklace”. Prentice Hall Literature Grade 9. Boston: Pearson, Print