1. Multi-paragraph responses
Essay Writing
Multi-paragraph responses

2. Form/Types
Form – a general term referring to the way in which a piece of writing is shaped or structured.
Argumentative/Persuasive Essay: attempts to convince the reader of a point or position through use of logic, emotion, or ethics. (persuasive essay). Takes a subjective/bias tone.
Cause and Effect: an essay structure which presents a convincing causal relationship for chosen effects.
Compare and contrast (Synthesis) : a focus on both similarities and differences.
Personal/Narrative Essay: an essay style that focuses on subjective experiences or personal perspectives (narrative-like).

3. Descriptive Essay: simulates real life through frequent appeal to our senses. Figurative language and words carefully chosen for their strong connotations are important tools in descriptive writing. Descriptive essays do not always explicitly state a thesis, yet they always convey a message.
Connotation – the emotional, learned associations beyond straightforward dictionary definition.
Expository Essay: concerned with analysis and explanation; attempts to communicate ideas with a fundamental aim to explain. Usually take an objective tone.

4. Command Terms
Formal Essay – an essay following or being in accord with accepted forms, grammar, and punctuation; avoids slang and colloquial language.
Formal Language – language following or being in accord with accepted English forms, conventions, or expectations.
Colloquialism (Slang) – words that are used properly but not recognized as correct English.
Colloquial language (informal language) – informal, everyday language commonly used in conversation but avoided in essay writing – especially formal essays (eg. Cop, guy, kid, these days, okay).
Compare – find the similarities
Contrast – find the differences
Pro and Con argument - a style of writing that presents arguments both for and against a topic.

5. Parts of an Essay Introduction (paragraph 1)
Introduces the Topic
Thesis statement: the sentence or sentences, found in the introduction, that states the argument and main points of the essay. Typically the last sentence in the intro paragraph.
Sub-topics (pargraphs 2-4)
Includes Main Points; and
Supporting evidence (examples and quotes)
Conclusion (paragraph 5)
Summarizes topic, main points and thesis statement
Provides final thoughts, solution or advice

6. P.E.E. on your paragraphs
POINT: The first sentence in each of your body paragraphs. This point should directly support your thesis/argument.
EVIDENCE: A few sentences that include a quote or example from a text, the world, or other experiences. (x 2/3 in a paragraph)
EXPLANATION: This is a few sentences explaining how your evidence proves your point. (x 2/3 in a paragraph)

7. Paragraph Response: Section A of Provincial Exam
In paragraph form and in at least 150 words, answer question 1 in the Response Booklet. Write in ink. Use the Organization and Planning space to plan your work. The mark for your answer will be based on appropriateness of the examples you use as well as the adequacy of your explanation and the quality of your written express.
Discuss the character of Marusa in “Head Cook at Weddings and Funerals.” Use paragraph form and support your response with specific reference to the text.
Create a t-chart with the following headings: character trait/reference from the text (paragraph #)

8. Introduction and Thesis Statements
The introduction begins with an attention-getting sentence and moves from general statements about the topic to the specific.
Finally it ends with a thesis statement that states the main idea of the essay, your argument, and briefly outlines the topics of the body paragraphs.
Think of your introduction like a funnel shape
Attention getting sentence
Focusing your topic from general to specific
Thesis Statement

9. Example of Intro and Thesis:
Writing Prompt:
Heroes are a valuable part of our world and everyone’s daily life. Identify qualities or traits heroes possess and provide examples of these qualities. Explain why these qualities are important.
Example of Intro and Thesis:
Abraham Lincoln and Spider-Man are not the only heroes in the world. Heroes can be ordinary people like you and me. They can be as young as a child or as old as a senior citizen. However, as different as they might be, ordinary heroes like my Grandma Jean possess universal qualities, such as courage, determination, and compassion.
Attention getting sentence that introductions heroes as the topic
Sentences move from broad and general to more specific
Thesis = topic (heroes) + argument (Grandma Jean/Qualities) + main points (courage, determination, compassion)

10. Thesis Statement Formula
Topic + Argument + Main Paragraph Points = Thesis Practice Prompt: Each generation has something valuable to offer (you do not have to accept the statement above as true, as the statement itself is an argument)

11. Synthesis Essay: Section C of Provincial Exam
Instructions: In a multi-paragraph essay of at least 300 words, answer the question below. The mark for your answer will be based on the appropriateness of the examples you use as well as the adequacy of your explanation and quality of your written expression.
Tradition is a major theme in the short stories, “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson and “Totem” by Thomas King. Discuss the different messages about the role of tradition that the two texts develop.
Include a planning outline (either web or chart) that includes text references and a formulated thesis statement
Rough Copy
Completed Checklist of what an essay needs

12. Original Composition: Section D of Provincial Exam
Instructions: Using standard English, write a coherent, unified, multi-paragraph ( 3 or more paragraphs) composition of at least 300 words on the topic below. In your composition, you may apply any appropriate method of development including exposition, persuasion, description, and narration. In addressing the topic, consider all possibilities. You may draw support from the experiences of others or from any aspect of your life: your reading and your experiences. You do not have to accept the basic premise of the topic. Topic: We can’t change. We are what we are.