Your Majesty Mrs. Denton, I was a bit concerned today when I found out I received a --/25 on my essay test. I reviewed my essay and noticed my mistakes. However, my biggest concern is if I will ever get better at writing them. I was hoping you had any suggestions to help practice writing a fabulous essay in 30 minutes. I am not used to a 30 minute deadline. It would normally take me about 2 hours to construct a well-written essay. I would appreciate your tips! Thank you in advance! One of Your Loyal Subjects

Loyal Subject, Don't stress out about it too much. The score you received was pretty common--most people failed that test. If you average out your first two essays, your score is --.5 for both, which is a C. That's probably not what you were expecting, I'm sure. Writing essays takes practice, and writing is the only way to learn how to do it, I'm afraid. There's another test on Thursday, but before we take it, we will discuss in depth how to construct a thesis, introduction, and conclusion. Each essay gets better and easier, and I didn't expect anyone to do spectacularly well this first time.

That being said, there are over 1500 points available this semester, and all of the essay quizzes together are only 175 points--about 10% of your grade. Even if you don't improve much (which I find unlikely), it won't affect your grade markedly. Each essay is worth the same amount of points as one day's participation points (10) + one presentation assignment (15). You earned 25 points just being in class today, if that puts things in a little perspective.

The essay tests count for more points on the midterm and final, but you'll have much more practice by then. Give yourself a break and remember the quote from class today--if you fail, you're not failing, you're learning. I honestly believe that. Look at what you learned and the comments I made on your paper. What have you learned already about writing a better essay? I bet you can pinpoint a few things you can do better in just one week. I also believe your grade will be fine. If you're still stressed out about it and want to talk to me more, I'll be in my office Wednesday during lunch. Let me know if you want to talk then. I'm happy to discuss it more. LMD

Thesis Body Paragraphs Introduction and Conclusion

Thesis = opinion + topic The thesis of an essay is a one-sentence answer, using key terms from the prompt.

Constructing Strong Body Paragraphs Always, always, always read and reread the prompt. Never suffer from “I didn’t read the prompt all the way” or “I didn’t understand the prompt.” Ask yourself: What am I being asked? Is this comparison/contrast? Causation? Periodization (working with two different time periods)? Persuasion? DON’T start writing random facts immediately. A few minutes of organization will pay back with a much more coherent essay. Write your thesis statement, then brainstorm for five minutes. Create an outline (or diagram) to prevent going off on tangents. Claim (may only need one example—that’s fine) Example + elaboration Claim Example + elaboration Problems—too many irrelevant details (edit it out); didn’t answer prompt (try to add statements that get it back on track)

Introduction 1.Attention grabber. Use one of the following that engages your reader and convinces them to read more: Startling information Anecdote (short story) that is to the point and relevant Information summary that begins general and gradually becomes more specific 2.Sentences (1-2) of elaboration 3.Thesis statement

Conclusion The conclusion brings closure to the reader and sums up your points. Only 2-3 sentences long, the conclusion reviews main points but does not restate them exactly. You can end with an anecdote or quote as part of the conclusion.