The Write Stuff

Why Should I Care About Writing? Writing is an essential job skill Builds your ability to explain complex positions Develops communication and thinking skills Helps give others feedback and helps others give feedback to you. Writing expresses who you are as a person

5 Paragraph Essay Blueprint Introduction –Hook –Background –Thesis Statement Body Paragraph –Topic Sentence –Supports –Concluding Sentence Conclusion –Restate Thesis –Summarize –Lasting Impression

Introduction Paragraph “You never get a second chance to make a first impression” Since you are paraphrasing these notes, you only need to type the bold purple words.

Parts of the Introduction Paragraph Hook Background Information Thesis

The Hook Improves your writing because it grabs the reader’s attention. Must transition into the paper’s topic 5 Types of Hooks: Quote Vivid description Anecdote (short story) Definition Question

Hook: Definition Define a word that is closely related to your topic. Provide a definition that your audience may not know. Ex) Webster’s dictionary defines sarcasm as, “a witty remark used to convey insult.”

Hook: Quote A quote is a memorable line from a famous figure in history. Make sure to include author/speaker. Ex) Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Example of a Quote for a Hook "Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much. They were the last people you'd expect to be involved in anything strange or mysterious, because they just didn't hold with such nonsense.“

Hook: Vivid Description Vivid words that describe a scene- like a photo. Unlike an anecdote, it has no plot or action. Ex) The sweet smell of cotton candy floats in the air. Bumper cars collide in the distance. There is nothing like the county fair.

Hook: Anecdote An anecdote is a short story that leads the reader into your topic. Ex) Imagine a small child crying at the county fair because they cannot ride the rides the big kids do. Despite their wailing, the parent does not budge. In a similar fashion…

Hook: Question Ask a question that draws the reader into your paper. Ex) Is it true that sometimes love is not enough to overcome difficult circumstances? In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet…

Background Information Assume that your reader has never read the about the topic before. What does your audience need to know? – Names – Dates – Quotes – Arguments If it is a text, then include the author, title and a brief summary of the story

Background Information Examine the Prompt To determine what the a audience needs to know, look for details in the prompt. The important details should be included as background information.

Thesis Statement Main argument of your essay It introduces the reader to the rest of the essay Guides the essay-like a map Has 4 parts

Parts of a Thesis Statement

Recipe for a Good Thesis _______________ because ________________, ________________, and ________________. Arguable Point Reason #1 Reason #2 Reason #3

An Example Smoking should be illegal because it can kill you, can harm those around you, and it is addictive and difficult to stop once started.

Now it’s Your Turn!!! Arguable Point because evidence 1, evidence 2 and evidence 3.

Body Paragraphs have 3 parts Topic Sentence Supporting Sentence (Evidence & Quotes) Concluding Sentence

Topic Sentence A topic sentence tells the reader what the paragraph is going to be about. Use it to help remind the reader what your paper is trying to prove (thesis) It should have a subject, a verb, and a controlling idea.

Example Topic Sentence One reason why schools should not enforce random locker checks is because it is an invasion of student privacy.

Supporting Sentences State more information about the topic State evidence to prove topic Explain the evidence

When using quotes as support Include the following 4 rules Lead-in Cited evidence must include quotation marks and quote Parenthesis with author’s name and line/page number. Explanation of quote

Rule 1: Lead-In According to movie analyst Kevin Jones in his novel Summer Blockbusters, “ The Dark Knight sold more tickets in its opening weekend than any other movie in history” (Jones 252). First, write an explanation of the quote.

Rule 2: use quotation marks and then write the quote According to movie analyst Kevin Jones in his novel Summer Blockbusters, “The Dark Knight sold more tickets in its opening weekend than any other movie in history” (Jones 252). Write the quote exactly as you read it.

Rule 3: Parentheses as Citations According to movie analyst Kevin Jones in his novel Summer Blockbusters, “The Dark Knight sold more tickets in its opening weekend than any other movie in history” (Jones 252). Give author’s name and page or line number.

Rule 4: Explain Quote According to movie analyst Kevin Jones in his novel Summer Blockbusters, “The Dark Knight sold more tickets in its opening weekend than any other movie in history” (Jones 252). This quote illustrates that The Dark Knight is the ultimate super hero movie because of the mass appeal it brought to the super hero film genre.

Concluding Sentences for Body Paragraphs Explains what the paragraph was about. Summarizes the paragraph It is a transition between paragraphs

Conclusion Paragraph Restate thesis in new words Paraphrase main points of essay Last sentence should end with a lasting impression. Give reader something to think about after finishing essay.

If you follow these steps, you will successfully organize your essay. Begin your essay!