1. Theme One – Families: Comfort and Conflict
Writing tips and strategies

2. Informational Essay Thesis
Unit One Essay Intro.
Informational Essay Thesis
Make the introduction catchy, and interesting – no questions, quotes, definitions, or “imagine” scenarios.
Give the reader the background information that he/she needs to understand your response
Show the reader what families: comfort and conflict means to you.
Extend your understanding and appreciation of the literature you have read.
A thesis is just a transition from the introduction to the body paragraphs.
Since you aren't trying to prove anything in this essay, your last sentence doesn't have to be a provable argument. Instead it should move the reader to the next idea.
“Different members of my family have helped shaped me into the person I am today; my mother’s compassionate and patient ways have helped me as a teacher, my father’s sense of humor and resiliency have helped me stay tough when encountering hardships and obstacles.”

3. Body Paragraphs Topic Sentences Transitions
Previews the content of the body paragraph
Creates unity by relating back to ideas mentioned in the thesis
Example:
“It was not until I became a teacher that I realized how important it is to be compassionate and patient, traits that I learned from my mother as she cared for my brother and me.”
Offers a conclusion for the ideas presented in body paragraph
Creates unity by hinting at the next paragraph
Should mention further ideas to come
“While my mother was known for her patience, it was my father’s sense of humor that lends to my belief finding the humor in even the most difficult situations.”
Body Paragraphs

4. Conclusion
Here is your chance to leave the reader with a lasting impression—
Don’t repeat your intro, or the content of your body paragraphs! Make it memorable, and important. Here are some things to include…
Make sure that you have fully responded to all parts of the prompt you’ve selected.
If your prompt asks you to evaluate, analyze, or respond to literature, what have you learned from the characters in the text? Draw conclusions and give closure
If your prompt focuses on your personal beliefs or connections to your family life, what final thoughts do you have?

5. Work Session
Continue the brainstorming process – write down ideas, examples, references, etc.
Revise and edit your thesis statement – sometimes it helps to begin writing to see where your thoughts go
Outline the body paragraph based on your responses.
Select passages to use in your response to support your claims – show, don’t tell!
If you are using the text, create a citation for the source.

6. Citation Help
Christian, Rebecca, editor. A Multicultural Reader: Collection Two. 2nd ed.,Logan, Perfection Learning, Many Voices Literature.
Pursuit of Happyness. Directed by Gabriele Muccino, Columbia Pictures