Multi-Paragraph Essay

Multi-Paragraph Essay

It must contain the following elements: 1. Hook: 1-2 Sentences 2. Transition: 1-2 Sentences 3. Thesis Statement: 1 Sentence The Introduction

The Hook needs to grab your reader s attention. include the general topic that you will be discussing- it should be a natural starting point for what your topic of the essay will be about. may be a rhetorical question, but it avoids saying you. may be a famous quote, but you must cite it. may be a general statement about your topic.

The Transition (Intro) This is where you connect the idea in your Hook to the literary work. Mention the author and title of your work and provide a brief summary of the plot (1-2 sentences). Your ideas become more specific to your work of literature.

The Thesis Statement provides a clear and compelling argument. should be debatable or argued against. should provide your reader with a road map for the rest of the essay. avoids first person ( In this essay, I will prove, I believe or In my opinion ) should pass the So what? or Who cares test. has both a SUBJECT and an OPINION (arguable) ANSWERS THE PROMPT= KEY!!!!! is specific and focused without telling the reader everything about it.

Examples of Thesis Statements State whether the thesis statement below is effective, ineffective or somewhere in between and then why you judged it as so based on the rubric (previous slide). Amy Tan s The Joy Luck Club is a candid portrayal of Chinese American motherdaughter relationships. In The Joy Luck Club, Amy Tan skillfully illustrates how cultural, generational, and internal conflicts between Chinese American mothers and daughters add to the difficulty and character of the immigrant experience.

Sample Thesis Statements Continued Whether he is striving to reach it, fighting to defend it, or enjoying its comfort, home is very important to Odysseus in Homer s epic poem The Odyssey. In Homer s epic poem The Odyssey, it is Odysseus' intelligence, not brawn, that helps him return to Ithaca, mentor his son, and win back his wife and palace. In Homer s epic poem The Odyssey, Odysseus is not a hero. In fact, he is a role model, with a goal to reach his home through resisting temptation and using his intellect and physical strength.

Topic Sentence supports/proves the thesis statement has a subject and opinion (again, it must be debatable) operates like a mini-thesis for that ONE body paragraph- it lets the reader know exactly what will be discussed in the body paragraph.

Thesis Statement Topic Sentences must be powerful sentences that prove the above thesis statement. Topic Sentence #1 that proves the above thesis statement. Your first topic that you will discuss to prove your argument. Stay focused and only discuss this one idea. Topic Sentence #2 that proves the above thesis statement. Your second topic that you will discuss to prove your argument.stay focused and only discuss this one idea.

Examples of Topic Sentences Based on the rubric (previous slide) categorize the topic sentence as effective, ineffective or somewhere in between and then explain why. 1. Odysseus wants get home. 2. Odysseus intelligences helps him arrive home and complete his quest. 3. Odysseus displays a great amount of emotional courage as he resists the temptation of the nymphs, which enables him to complete his quest and serve as a role model of perseverance.

TLQs Using evidence bolsters (your welcome!) your argument because it supports your opinion. However, in order to be effective, you must use do a few things. 1. When you use quotes, you have to FIRST use a transitional phrase (such as For example/instance, In addition, Furthermore, etc. THIS IS CALLED THE TRANSITION. 2. Provide the context of the quote (who is speaking? what is the situation?) THIS IS CALLED THE LEAD-IN. This sets up the quote. 3. Provide the actual QUOTE (otherwise known as the CD/SAY)

Examples of Correct TLQs 1. For example, after Scout hits Walter Cunningham in the schoolyard, she says, He made me start off on the wrong foot (27). 2. In addition, while spending Christmas at Finch s Landing, Francis tells Scout that Atticus is ruinin the family (87). 3. Furthermore, when Scout and Jem are walking home from the pageant, they hear a man running toward [them] with no child s steps (264). Brackets [ ] are used when you alter a word in a quotation. Many of you will use your ibook.

MLA Citation for a Poem How to properly cite: Reference the Book number or title in your transition leading into the citation. After the citation, place the line number or numbers in parentheses followed by a period : ONE LINE: (l. 6). MORE THAN ONE LINE: (ll. 6-9) Many of you will use your ibook, so you write the book number and include the page number: (X: 384)

Transitions in Paragraphs To Add or Show Sequence To Contrast To Give Examples or Intensify again although after all also and yet an illustration of and but even and then but at the same time for example besides despite for instance equally important even so indeed finally even though in fact first for all that it is true further however of course furthermore in contrast specifically in addition in spite of that is in the first place nevertheless to illustrate last notwithstanding truly moreover on the contrary next on the other hand second regardless still still too though

Transitions in Paragraphs Continued To Indicate Place To Indicate Time above opposite to after a while immediately simultaneously adjacent to there afterward in the meantime since below to the east as long as in the past so far elsewhere to the left at last lately soon farther on at length later subsequently here at that time meanwhile then near before now thereafter nearby earlier presently until (until now) on the other side formerly shortly when

Transitions in Paragraphs Continued To Repeat Summarize or Conclude all in all altogether as has been said in brief in other words in particular in short in simpler terms on the whole that is therefore to put it differently To Show Cause or Effect accordingly as a result because consequently for this purpose hence otherwise since then therefore thereupon thus to this end with this object

QUOTE/SAY/CD This is a direct quote from the novel, poem or short story (or a specific example) that supports/proves your topic sentence (TS). These are all FACT, no opinion here. Choose examples or quotes that are strong and convincing. Remember, you are a lawyer building a case to convince your audience (namely, me) to accept your position.

MEAN/MATTER (COMMENTARY) CMs= your analysis, interpretation, explanation, or insight into the text. The CM must focus on the CD and your topic sentence. This is what makes the paragraph cohesive. The MEAN states what this quote reveals/shows/illustrates in light of your topic sentence. The MATTER explains why it is important or significant. You tell the reader why this is significant and how it supports your thesis. You should discuss BIG ideas, such as the theme.

The Concluding Paragraph Restatement: Restate the thesis and major ideas in the essay using different words from the introduction and body of essay. This should be 1-2 sentences. Transition: Statement shows how the above statement relates to characters, events or work/s discussed. Ideas presented here should be more general and less specific. This should be 1-2 sentences. Reflection: This should echo (not repeat) the lead-in or the generalization made in the intro. This should step about from the specific characters, events or ideas in the work and make a general reflection about life, society and/or human nature. These final thoughts should give your paper a well-rounded, satisfying, intelligent ending. This should be 1-2 sentences.