The Five Paragraph Essay This is EXCITING stuff 

Warm-Up Answer the following questions about The Catching in the Rye: What surprised you? What did you like? What did you dislike? What topic/theme/idea do you know the most about?

Characteristics of Strong Critical Essays Strong critical have: Unity: All of the supporting details and body paragraphs maintain focus on a thesis development. Support from the text: Evidence is the best way to prove your point. Coherence: Individual paragraph structure is intentional as well as the order of the paragraphs. Paragraphs can go in order of: The examples (support from the text) used Weakest to strongest point

Choosing a Topic Pick a topic that. . . Is interesting. You are passionate about. You know about.

Thesis Statement A thesis statement is. . . One sentence. The central argument, focus and guiding point of the essay. Specific and focused; it moves the essay in one direction, and it give the essay something to build on. Located in the opening paragraph (the introduction).

Thesis Statement Examples Poor: The four children in my family have completely different personalities. [This statement may be true, but would anyone but the children's parents really be fascinated with this essay topic?] Better: Birth order can influence children's personalities in startling ways. [The writer is wiser to offer this controversial statement, which is of more interest to readers than the one above; the writer can illustrate her claims with examples from her family, and from other families, if she wishes.

Thesis Statement Examples Poor: My opinion is that the federal government should devote more money to solar energy research. * Better: The federal government should devote more money to solar energy research. Note: there is no need to say “In my opinion”—It’s YOUR essay, we (the readers) know that it is your opinion.

In the text. . . Maya Angelou is an accomplished African-American author in the United States. While growing up, she suffered tremendous hardship. Some of her most difficult life events are portrayed in novels and poems such as, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and, Still I Rise. Her written works often include strong themes such as perseverance through trials, love for family, and passionate optimism.

STOP Using the information from your warm-up, choose a topic and write your own thesis statement! Write at least two to “try on for size” If you finish or get temporarily stuck (and I am helping someone else), please work on your vocabulary. Once you have written your two statements, make sure they meet the above requirements.

Paragraph Composition Paragraphs should have: 7-10 sentences. A transition sentence (at the beginning), middle and end.

Introduction Purpose: To introduce the main topic of your essay. It should contain A catchy opening line. (Do not start with, “In this essay) Relevant background Your thesis statement

Body Paragraph Each of your three body paragraphs should have: A transition sentence Topic sentence A topic sentence is the heart of your paragraph that directly links back to and support your thesis Support from the text

Conclusion The conclusion should. . . Restate the thesis in a new, deeper way. Demonstrate something new that came to light in your composition. Not end with “In this essay. . . “ or “So that is the end of my paper.”

Why Outline The outline is important because it is the ROAD MAP for your essay. It gives you a vision for what examples to use when, and how they will tie in together. Delays gratification—In other words, you get hardest work out of the way first.

Now. . Get Started!