2. Agenda
Presentation: In-Class Essay
Thesis Development
Outline and thesis work in class
Directed Summary
Pie Paragraphs
Conclusion
3. The Essay Question
The Prompt: Using the documentary and a song from
his album Cold Fact, explain one significant element of
Rodriguez’s journey. Consider his talent and power, the
forces against him, his identity and isolation, or his
success as an undiscovered hero for others. In other
words, what did this film show you about Rodriguez?
About the possibilities in life? About the world?
4. Introduction Paragraph:
1. HOOK
2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION/FILM SUMMARY about
Rodriguez (album and documentary titles, brief reference to
historical time period and political backdrop of America and
South Africa depending about your thesis topic)
3. THESIS: A one or two sentence claim or argument that reflects
your thinking; the thesis is the heart of your essay—central to
all your writing. The thesis is presented at the end of your
introduction paragraph. Look at the sample thesis handout
for inspiration.
6. 1. Rodriguez was “too political” for mainstream popular music in
America, which is why he was popular in South Africa as the voice of
the outraged and silenced “banned” youth culture.
1. Rodriguez was a “prophet” ahead of his time, which is why he wasn’t a
commercial success.
1. Rodriguez’s last name is a metaphor for the discrimination he faced in
America that prevented his success.
1. Rodriguez’s journey in Searching for Sugar Man shows that his
“failures” were actually his “success” and that everything that
happened to him was part of his destiny.
2. One of the major themes in Searching for Sugar Man is rebirth.
Rodriguez is a phoenix who rises from his ashes and therefore teaches
others to do the same
7. 6.The image of Rodriguez on a milk carton is a metaphor for his whole career:
lost, discovered, and ultimately found. Like milk, his music does the body
good.
7.When Rodriquez says “thanks for keeping me alive” the first time he
performs in South Africa, he speaks to the spirit that his music kept alive for a
world that he didn’t even know.
8.The theme of drugs in the album Cold Fact are a commentary on both the
destruction and the desire to escape that same corruption in both America and
South Africa in the 1970s.
9. Rodriguez’s album Cold Fact tells his personal truths, which are actually
universal truths for many. His story inspires everyone to use their voice
because you don’t know who is listening and needs to hear what you say.
10. Rodriguez was a voice for people who didn’t have a voice because he
understood the experience of being silenced.
8. 11.Rodriguez’s career doing manual labor is a symbol for his determination and humble
nature.
12.Rodriguez’s song “Establishment Blues” shows the tone of anger and images of
corruption that he’s commenting on in American society, which are still relevant today,
42 years later.
11.Because Rodriguez grew up poor, he’s humble and generous and resourceful.
11.Rodriguez’s talent is undeniable, but the combination of his shy, humble nature and
Mexican last name contributed to him not being a successful rock star in America.
11.The main themes in Rodriguez’s album “Cold Fact” are love, loss, truth and hope,
which reflect his journey in life.
9. Do you have your
thesis?
Take 10 minutes to choose, write, or refine one!
10. Introductions
1. HOOK
2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION/FILM SUMMARY
about Rodriguez (album and documentary titles,
brief reference to historical time period and political
backdrop of America and South Africa depending
about your thesis topic)
12. Directed Summary
• A directed summary provides readers of your
paper with the information they need to
understand your argument and explanation.
• State the title and author or director of the work
near the beginning of the first paragraph,
perhaps in the first sentence. This is essential so
that the reader knows which work you are
discussing.
13. Details
Searching for Sugar Man
Documentary on the life of
Rodriguez
Directed by Malik Bendjelloul
14. • Hook the reader. In the first sentences, write what
is particularly interesting about the work. This
thought-provoking information must also be
relevant to the topic you will discuss in your
essay.
• Assume that the reader is familiar with the work
about which you are writing. Do not include too
much plot summary in the introduction or in the
rest of the essay. Do include the part of the story
that will support your thesis.
15. •Use transitions throughout the introduction. Because
there are so many aspects of the work that have to be
included, the introduction can end up fragmented and
confusing. Make sure that it makes sense on its own as
a paragraph. Clearly transition from your
introduction into your thesis.
•State the thesis near the end of the introduction The
thesis should clearly and specifically state what your
essay will analyze.
16. Transition from Introduction
to the Thesis Statement:
Searching for Sugar Man describes the challenges of
obscure American singer/songwriter Rodriguez
while in South Africa his music propels him to
superstardom. This film shows Rodriguez was “too
political” for mainstream popular music in
America, but his political message is exactly why
he was popular in South Africa; he served as the
voice of the outraged and silenced people who
suffered the system of apartheid.
17. Try writing your introduction
1. Title and author
2. Hook the reader with a thought-provoking aspect
of the story, one that connects to your essay.
3. Assuming the reader is familiar with the text,
include a brief summary that provides support for
your paper.
4. Use transitions to keep the introduction clear and
organized.
5. Transition to the thesis.
6. Include your thesis near the end of the
introduction.
18. PIE Paragraphs (2)
1. Point: first sentence in the paragraph, which connects
directly back to your thesis and makes one point that the
entire paragraph will focus on.
2. Information: specific and detailed examples from the
film. At least one quotation per paragraph from the song
lyrics.
3. Explanation: explain how and why the quote supports
your point and thesis. Explain your ideas and feelings
about the quote. Look at details and explain why they are
significant to you and your thesis. You can also connect
your own life experiences to the quote, but remember to
also connect it back to the point and thesis.
19. His political message is exactly why he was popular in South
Africa; he served as the voice of the outraged and silenced people
who suffered the system of apartheid.
P: What is your point? What assertion will you make
that supports your thesis? What is his political
message?
I: Specific and detailed examples from the film. At
least one quotation per paragraph from the song
lyrics or the documentary. Illustrate his political
message.
E: explain how and why the quote supports your
point and thesis.
Paragraph #1 must connect to your thesis statement
20. His political message is exactly why he was popular in South Africa;
he served as the voice of the outraged and silenced people who
suffered the system of apartheid.
P: What is your point? What assertion will you make that
supports your thesis? How did he serve as the voice of
the people?
I: Specific and detailed examples from the film. At least
one quotation per paragraph from the song lyrics or the
documentary. Show lyrics that might speak to people
who suffer from an oppressive system.
E: explain how and why the quote supports your point
and thesis.
Paragraph #2 must also connect to your thesis statement
22. Strategies for Writing a Conclusion
Conclusions are often the most difficult part of an essay to
write, and many writers feel that they have nothing left to
say after having written the paper. A writer needs to keep
in mind that the conclusion is often what a reader
remembers best. Your conclusion should be the best part of
your paper.
A conclusion should
•stress the importance of the thesis statement,
•give the essay a sense of completeness, and
•leave a final impression on the reader.
23. Let’s try writing a conclusion
1. Very Briefly (no more than three sentences) summarize the key
points of your argument—what you want your audience to
remember most about your essay.
Then, as a reverse hook, look at the larger scope implications of
your essay. Ask yourself “so what?” to your thesis, and situate your
argument into greater connections to society or your life.
The very last sentence in your essay (like the first one) should have
emotional impact.
