1. The Power of Words John 1:1-5,14,18 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it…. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. No one has ever seen God, but God the One and only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known.

2. The Power of Words Special Revelation- Scripture “Logos” General Revelation- Creation Genesis 1:1-26: “ And God said, “Let there be light,”…..And God said, “Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water,”….And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear”….Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation…”

3. Essays What is an essay? Where can you find essays in every day life? Why do people write essays? What could you write an essay about?

4. Essay a short piece of factual, non-fiction, writing in which ideas on a particular topic are presented, explained, argued, or described in an interesting way expresses an individual’s point of view, usually in prose (paragraph) form 3 parts: Introduction, Body, Conclusion

5. Introduction Where you present your thesis statement. Tell the readers what you are going to present them in the essay.

6. Body Tell them the information

7. Conclusion Recap what you told them.

8. 8 Steps: Write an Essay 1. Choose a Subject/Topic to write about. 1. Something that interests you and meets assignment criteria. 2. Write your Thesis Statement. 3. Prepare an Outline/Diagram with your Thoughts/Ideas 1. List all your initial thoughts 2. Do any reading, research, talking, and thinking necessary. 4. Write the Introduction (present thesis, tell them what you are presenting). 5. Write the Body (tell them the information). 6. Write the Conclusion (recap what your told them). 7. Re-read yourself to add any finishing touches. 8. Go through Proofreading/Correcting/Revising Process.

9. Thesis Statement A sentence or two that contains the focus of your essay tells what it is going to be about. The central claim/argument of your essay, not statement of a fact. Should remain flexible until your essay is finished. Avoid using personal pronouns or words that would suggest opinion.

10. What Role Does it Play in the Essay? 1. It keeps the focus. It tells the reader what the essay is about and helps narrow the topic. 2. It makes a claim that others might dispute.

11. Is it Strong? Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? Is it specific enough? Don’t use the words good or successful. Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? If the first response of the statement is so what? then you need to clarify or connect to a larger issue. Does my thesis pass the “how and why” test? If the first response of the statement is “how?” or “why?” it is too open-ended.

12. Weak or Strong The North and South fought the Civil War for many reasons, some of which were the same and some different. While both sides fought the Civil War over the issue of slavery, the North fought for moral reasons while the South fought to preserve its own institutions. While both Northerners and Southerners believed they fought against tyranny and oppression, Northerners focused on the oppression of slaves while the Southerners defended their own right to self-government. Mark Twains’ Huckleberry Finn is a great American novel. In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore. Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twain’s Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of American Democratic ideals, one must leave “civilized” society and go back to nature.

13. Weak or Strong CMCS has a five-day school week. I think CMCS should have a four-day school week.

14. Outline Subject/Topic: Trees Thesis Statement: Many trees can be used for landscaping. I. Subtopic: Some trees are best suited for cold climates. I. Supporting detail: Evergreens are hardy and provide year-round color. I. Norway pine… II. Scotch pine… II. Supporting detail: Maples hold up well and provide brilliant seasonal color. I. Specific example: Red maple… II. Specific example: Silver maple… II. Subtopic: Some trees are better suited for warm climates.