Writing Unit Honors English I

Introduction ►F►F►F►Funnel Introduction 1111. general statement reflecting the main idea of the essay (this sentence is not vague!) 2222. expansion and / or definition 3333. link to literature 4444. introduction to author and work 5555. needed information based on main idea (transition to thesis) 6666. state thesis statement

Thesis Statement ►M►M►M►Must be a complete sentence ►M►M►M►Must be the last sentence of your introduction ►M►M►M►Must include main idea of the essay ►M►M►M►Must include each body paragraph topic in the order that each appears in the essay

Body Paragraphs ► Topic Sentences ► 1. must directly relate to the thesis statement ► 2. include key words (or synonyms) from the thesis ► 3. include topic of paragraph ► 4. include transitional word or phrase ► 5. essentially, refer to above paragraph and introduce present one ► 6. EVERY paragraph must have a topic sentence

Body Paragraph Cont. ► Examples and Organization ► 1. each new topic must have a body paragraph ► 2. must be well developed using concrete (specific) examples (2-3) from the text to prove each point presented in the paragraph ► 3. must relate to main idea of essay as presented in thesis ► 4. must be 8-12 sentences long

Adding Citations ► Choose quotations carefully: ► Do not choose a quote that repeats what you plan to explain in your essay; a quote should enhance your argument, not repeat it. ► Choose a quote that can be analyzed – short quotes that present what you can easily state are not good quotes.

Adding Citations ► Quote Incorporation and Parenthetical Citation ► 1. All direct quotes and / or dialogue from texts must be quoted ► 2. Quotes need 2-3 sentences of context. ► 3. All quotes must have a lead-in – do not begin a sentence with a direct quote ► 4. Use ellipses [...] when omitting words from a quotes – this cannot change the meaning of the quote ► 5. Use a bracket [ ] when adding a word for clarity or sentence flow – this cannot change the meaning of the quote

Quotes Cont. ► 5. Explain the purpose of each quote following its incorporation. This must not repeat the information provided by the quote; instead explain why it supports the point. ► 6. All quoted and paraphrased material must have an MLA style parenthetical citation: (Steinbeck 47) ► 7. In summary, each quote should have a) a lead-in a) a lead-in b) MLA format for incorporation b) MLA format for incorporation c) proper explanation of use c) proper explanation of use

Sample ► “With us it ain’t like that. We’ve got a future. We’ve got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us. We don’t have to sit in no bar room blowin’ in our jack jus’ because we got no place else to go. If them other guys gets in jail they can rot for all anybody gives a damn. But not us.” ► Decide which parts of the quote are needed.

Sample Cont. ► Create a lead-in and cite correctly ► George tells Lenny, “We’ve got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us. We don’t have to sit in no bar room blowin’ in our jack jus’ because we got no place else to go” (Steinbeck 14). ► Lead-ins should be smooth and citations should mention author’s last name and page numbers. Careful not to create a run-on.

Body Paragraph Cont. ► Closing Sentence ► 1. one complete sentence ► 2. logically ends paragraph ► 3. relates to the main idea as presented in the thesis statement without being repetitive ► 4. does not introduce new information or mention the topic of the next body paragraph

Conclusion ►1►1►1►1. Reverse funnel required (specific to general) ►2►2►2►2. Reworded thesis must be the first sentence ►3►3►3►3. Sum up each topic – one sentence per topic ►4►4►4►4. Reference author and title of novel ►5►5►5►5. Provide concluding statement “call to action” or thoughtful analysis of main idea ►6►6►6►6. At least 6 sentences

Other Guidelines ► Do not use questions. ► Do not use clichés or idioms. ► Do not use contractions. ► Do not use first or second person. ► Write clear, concise sentences. ► Use appropriate verb tense. ► Check your commas. ► Check all forms of agreement. ► Check for semi-colon and colon.