W HAT I S A B ROTHER E SSAY 7 th Grade English

W HAT IS A B ROTHER ? Keeping in mind the difference between the figurative and literal meaning, do a quick-write of the literal definition of brother. Look up in the dictionary to get started. Dictionary Definition of “Brother:”

KEY CHARACTERISTICS THAT COME TO YOUR MIND WHEN YOU THINK OF A BROTHER / SISTER : (Take these characteristics from what you have written in your free write about what a brother is.) _________________________

F IGURATIVE V S. L ITERAL Figurative means: _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ Figurative example A brother…. Literal means:_____________________________________________ Literal example A brother… _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________

T ANGERINE CONNECTION “You take care of yourself, brother. I’ll see you in the groves.” “Yeah. Bye.” I hung up. But I heard that word “brother” echoing long afterward. I looked up at the ceiling, and I heard Erik pacing back and forth, back and forth, in the cage that he had made for himself. Why do Tino’s words mean so much to Paul?

Q UESTIONS TO PONDER What events and characteristics make a brother? In what ways can a person be a brother to someone without being a relative?

I NTRODUCTORY P ARAGRAPH Thesis : tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper. The thesis: directly answers the question asked of you. A thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject must offer a way to understand the topic. makes a claim that others might dispute. is usually a single sentence somewhere in your first paragraph that presents your argument to the reader.

S AMPLE E SSAY - I NTRODUCTORY P ARAGRAPH Some people think you have to be family to call someone a brother. Others believe that you can have a brother that is not actually related to you. I personally have best friends that I consider “sisters.” Over time, I have developed these close sisterhoods through trust, respect and acceptance. Can you find the thesis sentence?

C REATING A THESIS (T OPIC S ENTENCE ) A thesis must sum-up what your essay will cover in the following paragraphs. The thesis is your main idea! Main points made in sample paragraph: Trust Respect Acceptance

T HESIS F ILL - IN - THE - BLANK A friend is revealed as a brother through loyalty, kindness, and honesty. A ________________ can be seen as a ____________ if they possess these traits _________________, ________________, _________________. The qualities of ___________, ____________, and ________________ are essential in making any _____________ become more like a _____________. **You can use re-wording for the anchor sentence in your last paragraph as well.***

B ODY / S UPPORTING P ARAGRAPHS What should my body paragraphs have? 1. S tatement based on the thesis 2. E xample 3. E xplanation that shows how evidence supports the thesis 4. E xample 5. E xplanation that shows how evidence supports the thesis

B ODY P ARAGRAPHS OF S AMPLE ESSAY It’s important to have trust in a friendship. For example, when my “sisters” are over, I don’t have to worry that they will get into my personal belongings or that they will cause damage to my property. I also trust them with my secrets. I know that I can confide in them and they will keep my problems private. Finally, I know my “sisters” will always be on my side. On the rare occasion that someone is angry with me, I know my “sisters” will stand up for me and take my side.

W HAT GOES IN MY CONCLUSION ? Close the Mood by writing REAL 1. R estatement of thesis using strong words by stating what was proved in body paragraphs 2. E valuation of what thesis proved, bringing the reader to a higher level of understanding regarding the topic 3. A nalogy or figure of speech that brings your essay to a powerful conclusion by 4. L eaving the audience convinced you’ve proven your thesis

C ONCLUSION PARAGRAPH OF SAMPLE ESSAY Just like Paul found in his “brotherhood” with Tino, I have found that trust, respect and acceptance can forge friendships into sisterhood. While I respect the sacredness of family, I have also found that my friends are essential in my life. There are times that I need my figurative sisters’ support more than my literal sister’s support. My figurative sisters get me through some of the toughest times, and I am thankful that I have them.

W RITING PROMPT The novel Tangerine by Edward Bloor focuses on the topic of “brotherhood”. Think carefully about how friendship creates a connection very similar to family. Write a five paragraph essay explaining what three traits a friend must have to be like family. Be sure to use examples from Tangerine to support your ideas.

5 P ARAGRAPH E SSAY R UBRIC - R ATE THE FOLLOWING FROM 1 ( LOW ) TO 5( HIGH ). Ideas- ___Planning is evident ___Thesis is clearly stated ___There are three supporting ideas for the thesis ___Each supporting idea has personal evidence Organization - ___The order is logical ___ Divided into 5 paragraphs. ___ Voice / Word Choice - Voice is strong, Vocabulary is vivid. ___ Sentence Fluency - Sentence structure is varied and flows well ___ Conventions - spelling is correct, paragraphs are indented, punctuation is correct ___ Presentation - Final Draft is written neatly in pen or typed Score: ___/50x2+ = ___ %