The Write Stuff

Why Should I Care About Writing?

Writing is an essential job skill Builds your ability to explain complex positions Develops communication and thinking skills Helps give others feedback and helps others give feedback to you. Writing expresses who you are as a person

5 Paragraph Essay Blueprint

Introduction
Hook Background Thesis Statement
Topic Sentence Supports Concluding Sentence

Body Paragraph

Conclusion

Restate Thesis Summarize Lasting Impression

Introduction Paragraph
You never get a second chance to make a first impression

Parts of the Introduction Paragraph

Hook Background Information Thesis

First Things First

"Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much. They were the last people you'd expect to be involved in anything strange or mysterious, because they just didn't hold with such nonsense.

The Hook
It should grab your readers attention. Quote Vivid description Anecdote Definition Question Must transition into the papers topic

Hook: Quote
A quote is a memorable line from a famous figure in history. Make sure to include author/speaker. Ex) Mahatma Gandhi once said, Be the change you wish to see in the world.

Hook: Vivid Description

A vivid description is like a photo- a single snapshot. Unlike an anecdote, it has no plot or action. Ex) The sweet smell of cotton candy floats in the air. Bumper cars collide in the distance. There is nothing like the county fair.

Hook: Anecdote
An anecdote is a short story that leads the reader into your topic. Ex) Imagine a small child crying at the county fair because they cannot ride the rides the big kids do. Despite their wailing, the parent does not budge. In a similar fashion

Hook: Definition
Define a term that is closely related to your topic. Provide a definition that your audience may not know. Ex) Websters dictionary defines sarcasm as, a witty remark used to convey insult.

Hook: Question
Ask a question to draw your reader into your paper. Ex) Is it true that sometimes love is not enough to overcome difficult circumstances? In Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet

Background Information
Assume that your reader has never read the question What does your audience need to know?
Names Dates Quotes Arguments

If it is a text, then include the author, title and a brief synopsis of the story

Background Info- Examine the Prompt

Superintendent Doug Hammond believes that school violence has escalated. Due to this he is asking Howard County schools to enforce random locker checks each quarter. Students believe this is an invasion of privacy. Write a five paragraph essay stating your position on the issue.

What does your audience need to know? Look for details

The Thesis Statement

The Roadmap for Your Essay

Main argument of your paper It introduces the reader to the rest of your paper No thesis statement?

So Whats the Formula?

Recipe for a Good Thesis

Arguable Point because ________________ Reason #1 _______________ , Reason #2 Reason #3 ________________ , and ________________ .

Give Me an Example
Smoking should be illegal because it can kill you, can harm those around you, and it is addictive and difficult to stop once started.

Now its Your Turn!!!

Body Paragraphs (3)

Topic Sentence
Support (Quotes) Concluding Sentence

Topic Sentence
A topic sentence tells the reader what the paragraph is going to be about. Use it to help remind the reader what your paper is trying to prove (thesis) It should have a subject, a verb, and a controlling idea. Ex.) One reason why schools should not enforce random locker checks is because it is an invasion of student privacy.

Supporting Sentences
This is where you give more information about your topic. Ask yourself: How can I prove this is true? What examples can I give? Three supports per paragraph

If you use quotes as support

Dont forget

Adding Quotes- Lead-In

According to movie analyst Kevin Jones in his novel Summer Blockbusters, The Dark Knight sold more tickets in its opening weekend than any other movie in history (Jones 252). Always introduce quotes with a lead-in Quotes cant stand alone.
Qu ic kT ime a nd a T IFF (Un co mpres sed ) de co mpres sor are n eed ed to se e thi s pi cture.

Adding Quotes- State Quote

According to movie analyst Kevin Jones in his novel Summer Blockbusters, The Dark Knight sold more tickets in its opening weekend than any other movie in history (Jones 252). State quote exactly as you see it. Use quotation marks to show it is borrowed words.

QuickTime and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are need ed to see this picture.

Adding Quotes- Parenthetical Citations

According to movie analyst Kevin Jones in his novel Summer Blockbusters, The Dark Knight sold more tickets in its opening weekend than any other movie in history (Jones 252). A parenthetical citation shows where the information is from. Give author and page number. No comma. Punctuation follows citation.

Adding Quotes-Explain Quote

According to movie analyst Kevin Jones in his novel Summer Blockbusters, The Dark Knight sold more tickets in its opening weekend than any other movie in history (Jones 252). This quote illustrates that The Dark Knight is the ultimate super hero movie because of the mass appeal it brought to the super hero film genre.

Concluding Sentences
A concluding sentence explains what your paragraph is about. Use as a bridge between paragraphs Not only does recycling help the environment ________________________________ but __________________________________
it is also a quick way to make extra money.

Conclusion Paragraph
Restate thesis. Use new words (points in same order) Summarize main points of essay. Remind reader what you said. End with a lasting impression. Give reader something to think about after finishing essay.

And That is How you Write an Essay!

Now go off and Ace that paper!