Transcript Introduction to Essay Writing

Introduction to Essay Writing
1. What does an essay look like?
2. What is a thesis statement?
3. How do I outline my essay?
What Does an Essay Look Like?
•Paragraph #1: Introduction
(40+words)
1
•Paragraph #2: First Body
Paragraph (100+ words)
2
•Paragraph #3: Second Body
Paragraph (100+ words)
3
•Paragraph #4: Conclusion
(40+ words)
4
Introduction Paragraph
Begins with a hook
Ends with a…
A THESIS STATEMENT is…
• a sentence that focuses
your essay.
• The most important
sentence in your essay.
No Thesis = No-Good Essay!
A THESIS STATEMENT…
• States your subject.
• Usually includes a “commentary”
word (adjective or opinion word).
FOR EXAMPLE…
Topic: Japanese
Possible Thesis:
Language
The Japanese Language is a challenging
language to learn.
The Chinese and Japanese languages have
many similarities but also many differences.
The Japanese language is simple to speak
but difficult to write.
Now it’s your turn:
1. First you must have a topic!
2. Look at your topic choices.
They show what your essay is
about.
3. How can you tell your readers what
your essay is generally about? (Don’t say,
“This is about…” or “This essay will tell you…”)
4. Write at least 3 thesis statements; star
or circle your best one.
How Do I Outline My Essay?
Now that you have a thesis
and your three main ideas,
you can write all of
your topic sentences.
You should already know that the
Topic Sentence (TS) is the first
sentence of each body paragraph (¶).
How Do I Outline My Essay?
A thesis is supported by a
Topic Sentence. However, a
TS needs support too!
You give support with
facts or examples.
These are Concrete Details that
come from your notes!
How Do I Outline My Essay?
After choosing at least two concrete
details to support your
¶’s TS, write at least one
commentary sentence.
A commentary sentence
connects your facts or
shows insight. It contains
a subjective word and comes
from your own brain!
How Do I Outline My Essay?
EXAMPLE: Topic--Japanese
Language
I. Introduction Paragraph
A. Commentary Sentences (Hook)
B. Thesis Statement: The Japanese
language is a challenging language
to learn.
II. First Body Paragraph
A. Main Idea: Kanji
B. At Least Two Concrete Details:
Usually have two readings
2. Many pen strokes involved
1.
3.
Commentary: The slightest
mistake could create a whole new meaning.
C. Concluding Sentence
III.Second Body Paragraph
A. Main Idea: Fewer words spoken
B. At Least Two Concrete Details :
Verbs don’t have subjects.
2. There are no article adjectives.
1.
3. Commentary: This
language makes it
easy to be vague, which helps a person“save
face”—an important concept in Asian culture.
C. Concluding Sentence
IV. Conclusion Paragraph
A. Commentary Sentences
B. Concluding Sentence:
Though Japanese is challenging to learn,
studying it can help us understand the
heart of the Japanese people as well.
Now it’s your turn!
1. Reread your thesis.
2. Write a TS for each of
your three body paragraphs.
3. Now you must do research to find
your CDs and complete your essay.
We’ll learn research skills next week!