INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPHS

INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE: Introductory Paragraph Attention Background Claim Attention Grabber Background Claim

INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH FORMAT Attention Grabber Background Thesis

ATTENTION GRABBER What do you do when you want someone’s attention?

YOU GIVE THEM… Question ImageryQuotation Simile AnecdoteStatistic

WHEN USING QUOTATIONS o Content of quote should be: o Dramatic o Emotionally appealing o Surprising o Humorous o Quote does not have to be from a famous person. o Must be relevant to thesis statement.

ANECDOTES: A SHORT, INTERESTING STORY. o Provides strong, dramatic incidents to use. Honesty in expressing thoughts and feelings will ring true with the reader. While you can make up the personal experience, be careful that it sounds credible.

BACKGROUND AKA:BRIDGE

ASK YOURSELF: 1.What does my reader need to know before reading this essay? 2.What gaps are left between my attention grabber and my thesis?

WHAT IS A THESIS STATEMENT?

A THESIS STATEMENT IS A SENTENCE OR TWO IN YOUR TEXT THAT CONTAINS THE FOCUS OF YOUR ESSAY AND TELLS YOUR READER WHAT THE ESSAY IS GOING TO BE ABOUT. Your thesis statement is your CLAIM.

3 COMPONENTS OF A THESIS STATEMENT: Identification What is the topic? Claim What do you believe? Direction What are the 3 main reasons you can support your claim? (The topics of your body paragraphs)

WHAT KIND OF ATTENTION GRABBER IS USED? WHAT IS THE THESIS? The Clay Marble Essay Reading a book is a bit like experiencing the different seasons throughout the year. As a book progresses, its contents noticeably change. As the end draws closer, white pages do not turn a golden yellow or brilliant orange and fall from the binding, but a careful reader will notice a change in more subtle things like moods, themes, settings, or characters. Authors often use change to emphasize certain lessons they want the reader to understand. The Clay Marble is no exception. Minfong Ho purposefully changes her characters in order to highlight key lessons she hopes the readers will learn.

BODY PARAGRAPHS ACES

WHAT GOES IN A BODY PARAGRAPH? ArgumentCitation Explanation Summarize

ARGUMENTS COME FROM THE THESIS o In your thesis, you made a claim and gave supporting arguments. These arguments become the topic sentence of each body paragraph. o You can think of it as a mini thesis.

CITE YOUR EVIDENCE … PROVE IT! Your essay is your one and only chance to prove your point, so take advantage of that opportunity. Remember, do not leave ANY room for ambiguity. MLA Format  Paraphrase: On page 64 Betty Lou said that she that money is the answer to all of her problems.  Quotation: Just like when Betty Lou said, “as long as you have money, you have no need to worry because money answers all things” (64).  Don’t forget your Works Cited page!!!  owl.english.purdue.edu

EXPLAIN YOURSELF o HOW does the evidence that you gave support your argument? What does it prove? o What else would you like your reader to know? o Don’t leave me hanging!

SUMMARIZE So what?? Connect back to the thesis

CONCLUSION PARAGRAPHS

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A CONCLUSION? o To wrap up your essay, tie it all together. o Let your reader know that you have accomplished what you set out to do. o Show how you have proved your thesis. o Let your reader know that you are finished.

SO WHAT?!

CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE Restate Thesis Summarize Main Arguments Leave with a bang

DON’T BE RUDE, SAY “GOODBYE!” Just as there are different ways to grab your reader’s attention, there are also many ways to leave them. You do not want to let go of your reader’s attention, instead you want them to be focused on you as you walk away. Leave with a BANG! o Question o Call to Action

CONCLUSION DON’TS: “In conclusion”“In closing” “In summary”“In summation” “As shown in this essay”“To conclude” You ALL are far more creative than this!

LET’S PRACTICE! The Clay Marble Essay Reading a book is a bit like experiencing the different seasons throughout the year. As a book progresses, its contents noticeably change. As the end draws closer, white pages do not turn a golden yellow or brilliant orange and fall from the binding, but a careful reader will notice a change in more subtle things like moods, themes, settings, or characters. Authors often use change to emphasize certain lessons they want the reader to understand. The Clay Marble is no exception. Minfong Ho purposefully changes her characters in order to highlight key lessons she hopes the readers will learn.

HOW AN EFFECTIVE ACES ESSAY LOOKS