TO BEGIN…



What are the traits of a strong essay. Consider style, substance, organization, support, etc.



What do you struggle with the most when writing an analytical essay?



Remember… Quiz 4/5/6 Next Class

IN WHAT WAYS DID IDEAS AND VALUES HELD BY PURITANS INFLUENCE THE POLITICAL, ECONOMIC, AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW ENGLAND COLONIES FROM 1630 THROUGH THE 1660S?

 What is the question asking us to do?

POLITICAL ECONOMIC SOCIAL

 Now… let’s write a thesis  Position:  Categories:  So What:



The Puritan influence could be seen throughout New England society. The government structures, work ethic, and close-knit communities all reflected the desire of the Puritan church to create a “city upon a hill” and ultimately contributed to the stability and success of the region.

ELEMENTS OF A STRONG ESSAY

 Clear Thesis that is argued throughout the essay.

 All paragraphs relate back to and clearly support the thesis.

 Substantial, specific evidence is provided.

 Provides analysis (why and how), not just description (what).

 Smooth transitions and effective organization.

 The closing paragraph reaffirms the thesis (no new info)

ADD CATHEDRAL METHOD

WRITING AN FRQ

Organization

(refer to suggested outline handout)  Introductory Paragraph with a clear thesis  Category 1  Relatively broad topic sentence   Development of the category with substantial factual evidence and analysis Make clear how this category helps prove your thesis  Repeat with Remaining Categories  Concluding Paragraph which reaffirms your thesis (particularly the “so what”) and does NOT include new info

Scoring

(refer to generic rubric handout) 

T

hesis



E

vidence

 substantial, varied, vocabulary 

A

nalysis

 can‘t simply describe, must argue 

S

tructure

LET’S WRITE AN ESSAY

 Working in pairs, complete pre-write activities for the following question: 1.

2.

3.

4.

“Geography was the primary factor in shaping the development of

the British Colonies in North America.” Assess the validity of this statement for the 1600s.

Make sure you understand what the question is asking.

Brainstorm factual information that might apply to the essay -- do you see trends or groupings within your brainstorm?

Write a thesis – make sure it has a position, categories, and “so what” Outline the essay – include topic sentences for each paragraph (to ensure they link back to the thesis) and a list of specific factual information you’ll include in the paragraph  Once finished, go your separate ways and write a full essay. Draw from your outline and keep in mind the keys to a strong essay.

SELF/PEER REVIEW

“Geography was the primary factor in shaping the development of

the British Colonies in North America.” Assess the validity of this statement for the 1600s.

 When you finish, assess your work in the following areas:     Thesis: Does it address the entire question? Clearly state a position? Provide categories?

Evidence: Does it provide substantial, specific, relevant evidence for each category?

Analysis: Is it making an argument or just describing life in the colonies? Does it address “so what”?

Structure; Are paragraphs effectively ordered? Are there transitions? Are their glaring errors?

 Finally… pull out your copy of the generic essay rubric. Determine what score you’d give your essay and defend your assessment.

 If time, trade your essay with a peer, complete the steps above, and discuss their results in comparison to the self-assessment results.