The Essay and the Writing Process By Ms. Shack

Communicating Outside of School You communicate on a daily basis by: Writing letters, text messaging, calling each other on the phone Talking to friends, family, etc.

Communicating in School By using the Essay Format, students can: Communicate your ideas Show understanding Demonstrate learning Improve writing skills

Just like the road below, an organized essay can run an unorganized essay can be confusing and hard to follow. Just like the road below, an organized essay can run smoothly and can be easily followed.

The BIG 3 There are 3 common types of essays used in school. Expository Essays Narrative Essays Persuasive Essays

Expository Essays Informational Writing: Examples: Research Papers Writing to share with others what you know or learned about a topic Examples: Research Papers Book Reports Analyzing a reading Responding to questions posed

Narrative Essays Used to entertain Some Examples: Telling someone about something that happened Usually about YOU Some Examples: Writing about a childhood memory Writing about your experiences Reflective writing

Persuasive Essay Examples: Proving to other’s about your point of view or belief on a situation that you may think is: Unfair Needs improving/reconsideration Something that everyone must do or see Examples: Writing about: Abortion A political issue Trying to get a scholarship

The Essential Parts There are 3 basic parts to any essay: The Introduction Body Paragraphs The Conclusion

The Setup Paragraph 1: The Introduction and thesis statement Paragraphs #2, 3, and 4…and so on: Body Paragraphs Last Paragraph: Conclusion

Paragraph 1: The Introduction First Impressions Matter!! It will give the reader an overall impression of your essay. It’s main purpose is to tell the reader what you are going to talk about in your paper (Thesis).

The Effective Introduction Catch the reader’s attention! Gives the reader some background information about your topic. Tell the reader what you are going to write about.

Catching Your Reader’s Attention 1. Begin with a short anecdote (personal short story) Ex. I remember my first day in class. I was so nervous but excited to be in college. 2. Ask a question Ex. Have you ever received a bad grade for a class? 3. State a fact Ex. Receiving failing grades is no laughing matter.

Providing Background Information Introduce your reader to your topic. In 1-3 sentences, provide a brief explanation about what has prompted you to write your essay

Proving Background Info: Example: “Recent studies showed that on average, 3 out of 5 students will not one of the classes they enrolled to take. For many students like me, college is a brand new experience. We don’t realize the amount of time and commitment it takes to successfully complete a class.

The Thesis Statement In a single sentence, you: Identify at least (3) main points to be discussed in your essay In a persuasive essay, you also express your views/opinions

The Thesis Staement Develop a question that you are trying to answer in your essay. In one or two sentences, answer your question. This often produces a TENTATIVE thesis.

An Example Question: What kind of skills are necessary to be a successful college student? Answer: To be a successful college student, it is important to be prepared for college. (HOW??) REFINED: To be a successful college student, it is important to attend class regularly, pay attention in class, and complete all of my assignments.

Thesis Statement Another effective strategy is to begin by writing “What I want to say is that…” Later, delete the formulaic opening and you’ll be left with a thesis statement.

An Example “What I want to say is that the LA Lakers have become a dominating team in the NBA because of their team ethic, the standout players, and their note-worthy coach.

The Thesis Statement Where to put a thesis statement? Some kinds do not need thesis statements Descriptions, narratives, personal writing As the first sentence. (pg. 74) As the last sentences of the first paragraph Writers prepare readers for the thesis statement with several sentences that establish a context

The Thesis Statement: Example: Being a college student can be difficult, but if I attend class regularly, pay attention in class, and complete all of my assignments, I should be a successful student.

Our example pieced together: I remember my first day in class. I was so nervous but excited to be in college. Recent studies showed that on average, 3 out of 5 students will not one of the classes they enrolled to take. For many students like me, college is a brand new experience. We don’t realize the amount of time and commitment it takes to successfully complete a class. Being a college student can be difficult, but if I attend class regularly, pay attention in class, and complete all of my assignments, I should be a successful student.

Paragraphs 2-4: Body Paragraphs The body paragraphs of an essay Provide support to the points you made in your thesis statement Uses examples and proof Explains your points in further detail This is your chance to really EXPLAIN what you mean.

Body Paragraphs Begin your body paragraphs with a topic sentence. State your first reason Provide supporting details through the use of examples Expand your answer, prove your reason

Body Paragraphs The order of your paragraphs follows the order of your thesis statement. In our example, our thesis said our main points would be: I need to attend all my classes I need to pay attention I need to complete all of my work Your body paragraphs should follow that order.

Body Paragraphs Example Body Paragraph: “”The first piece of advice I have to remind myself of is to attend all of my classes. It is very easy to fall behind in a class, even with only one absence. I need to attend class to stay on top of the lectures, notes, and assignments. I also need to attend classes because not all professors allow student’s to do make-up work. Attending classes is the easiest thing to do, and it’s one piece of advice that will help me pass a class.

Remember to Use Transitional Words Transitional words allow ideas from one paragraph to the next to flow smoothly. They are like a bridge between paragraphs. Paragraph

Transitional Words Nevertheless, In addition, In respect to, Similarly, Furthermore, Therefore, On the other hand, First of all, Thus, After all, In conclusion,

Making a Concession (Persuasive Writing) Making a Concession: Considering reasons for the opposing viewpoint about your topic Why do it? Considering the other side shows that you have thought about both sides. Makes your argument stronger

Paragraph 5 The Conclusion: The conclusion is where you find a way to end your essay. Be sure to: Restate your thesis statement Summarize your main points/reasons Conclude with a closing thought or rhetorical question related to what you said in your essay. DO NOT INCLUDE ANY NEW INFORMATION!

The Conclusion A few words used to hint at closure: In closing, In conclusion, As discussed EXAMPLE CONCLUSION:In closing, in order to successfully pass my classes in college, I need to follow three simple bits of advice. First, I need to attend class. Second, I need to pay attention while in class. Thirdly, I need to complete all of my work. These three simple things will help my succeed in my courses. Most importantly, they will help me pass my courses. If I don’t push myself to pass my classes, who will?

The Writing Process The END product of the writing process is the essay. There are 4 STEPS you need to cover in order to write an EFFECTIVE essay. Pre-writing Drafting Revising Final Draft