1. Odyssey Essay Option One: Which is better, the book or the movie? Option Two: The morals of the ancient Greeks are found in the Odyssey.

2. Attention Grabbers Start with a point opposite of your thesis and transition to your thesis. For example, talk about he advantages of the book, and then transition to the movie being better.

3. Quote + transition to topic – Quote - Harvard professor, John Kotter once said, “Over the years I have become convinced that we learn best—and change—from hearing stories that strike a chord within us.” + Transition to topic - This feeling is certainly not unique to Mr. Kotter. In fact, throughout history, storytelling has been used to teach lessons and influence behavior. The Odyssey, from Ancient Greek culture, is an early example of a story that is intended to teach what behaviors are seen as positive and what behaviors are seen as negative.

4. Surprising/Startling Statistic + transition to topic – Surprising/Startling Statistic - One of the most widely read pieces of literature in modern time, The Odyssey, was actually created over two thousand years ago. + Transition to topic - What is surprising is that many of the behaviors that were valued at that time as well as those that were discourage are looked upon the same today.

5. Global Claim and contrasting idea + transition to topic – Global Claim and contrasting idea - Global Claim and contrasting idea - Many people believe that early cultures were primitive and uncivilized. While that may have been the case in the early centuries BC, it is clear that by the time that Ancient Greece was settled, society had developed clear expectations for its people. + Transition to topic – Proof of this is seen when one considers the famous epic, The Odyssey. When reading The Odyssey, one gets a clear picture of the behaviors that were valued at that time and those that were discouraged.

6. Rhetorical Question + transition to topic – Rhetorical Question(s) - Have you ever wondered what it was like to live in a much earlier time? What, for example, was it like to live in Ancient Greece? + Transition to topic - One way to answer this question is by doing research. Another method, however, is to read literature that came from that time period. Consider the famous Greek epic, The Odyssey, for example. By reading The Odyssey, one can get a clear impression of the behaviors that were valued at that time and those that were discouraged.

7. If you are writing about whether the movie is better than the book, your three assertions will be: Changes Additions Deletions

8. If you are writing about morality, your assertions will be probably be from this information: NegativePositive CuriosityUsing Caution Failure to follow ordersLoyalty ArroganceCleverness DrunkennessBeing informed and prepared

9. After your assertions: Two pieces of evidence from the book Specifics are required

10. Each supporting paragraph needs: Commentary in an equal compared to evidence Transitions to commentary This is important because This signifies This shows Because of this, one can tell

11. Conclusion Restate assertions, thesis, and add commentary. No new evidence.