1. Good day! Make sure you pick up an MLA packet on your way in. Get out your “Compare/Contrast Essay Notes” from yesterday and let’s continue taking notes on the Introduction paragraph.

2.  Write down your essay due date (by random drawing):  Period 2– October 1 st  Period 4– September 30 th  Period 5– October 2 nd  Write this down: “Finish Introduction Outline tonight”  Compare/contrast essay  Must be typed  Must be in MLA format (use MLA packet and MLA homework to make sure it’s MLA format)  If you would like to use my room’s computer before/after school or at lunch, let me know which days. Otherwise, remember– the library is open for you

3. STANDARDS Writing 1.3: Structure ideas and arguments in a sustained, persuasive, and sophisticated way and support them with precise and relevant examples.

4.  The introduction paragraph:  (HOOK): Make a statement, ask a question, or present a scenario that will catch your reader’s attention.  Your statement, question, or scenario should relate to what you’ll compare/contrast, but shouldn’t list the titles/characters.  (EXPLANATION): Here you want to explain why you gave that statement, question or scenario  HOW does it connect to the stories that you’ll talk about?  (BRIDGE): Make an obvious connection from the first two sentences to your thesis sentence.  You will probably need to know WHAT your thesis is first.  (THESIS): In one sentence, list a) both of the things you will compare, b) the fact that you will be comparing/contrasting 2 aspects of these stories, c) the two points of comparison.

5.  Common mistakes in introduction paragraphs:  1) Do not use the pronoun “I,” “me,” “my” anywhere in your essay! The essay is not about YOU.  Students often want to write: “Two points of comparison that I will discuss are…”  Instead, take the “I” out; write: “Two points of comparison that exist between the two stories are…”  2) Do not use planning phrases in essay. Just do it!  Do not write: “This essay will prove the two points of comparison…”  Instead, write, “The two points of comparison between the two stories are…”

6. On the sample compare/contrast essay: 1. Put a star after the thesis sentence. 2. Draw a hook in the margin next to the hook sentence. 3. Draw a little bridge next to the bridge sentence. 4. Make an dotted line under the explanation to the hook.

7. INTRODUCTION FOR COMPARE/CONTRAST ESSAY In order to get started on the essay, and for me to make sure that everyone is doing what they need to be doing to be successful, you will have the rest of the period to outline ideas for your essay OR write a rough draft. (If you are confused, use this time to ask questions. )  Start by filling out the chart for the introduction of your essay.  Since the introduction is usually the hardest part, get it over with first! I’ll be checking for completed introduction outlines on your way out.

8.  On the worksheet provided to you, start to plan the introduction for your compare/contrast essay.  Start by writing your essay’s thesis—the most important sentence in your entire essay (even though this is the last sentence in your introduction, you need to write it first!).  Review (in notes) what your thesis does, look at the sample thesis, then write one of your own.  Then, backtrack to write the hook of your essay (the attention-grabber).  Review notes, review sample, then write one of your own.  Next, explain how your attention-grabber connects to the two works that you are comparing/contrasting.  Review notes, sample, then write  Last, write a bridge that clearly connects your hook & thesis (review notes, review sample, then write)