The document provides a structured guide for writing an essay, specifically focused on describing one's favorite holiday, with a detailed breakdown of the essay's components including thesis statements, body paragraphs, and concluding remarks. It emphasizes the importance of supporting details and encourages the use of sensory language to create vivid imagery. The favorite holiday discussed is Thanksgiving, highlighting themes of family, food, and gratitude.

1. Four-Square Organization Mack Gipson, Jr. Tutorial and Enrichment Center Gayla S. Keesee, Education Specialist What is your favorite holiday? Describe what you like to do on this holiday, who you like to be with at that time, and why you enjoy this holiday so much.

2. Structure of an Essay Introduction Must contain a thesis statement Must catch the reader’s attention Body Paragraphs Provide evidence 3 levels supporting details Conclusion Provides closure Summarizes main points Makes connections

3. Thesis Statement Thesis sentence Topic What the essay is about Controlling idea Must be provable Hawaii is the best vacation spot. Dress codes should be banned . My favorite food is shrimp. May also reference the three supporting details

4. Body Paragraphs Supporting Details Level 1: Topic Sentence Controlling sentences name and control the topic Level 2: Clarifying Sentences Help make the topic clearer—explain Level 3: Completing sentences Add specific details that explain or describe the topic

5. From Broad to Specific Animals (essay level) Dogs (paragraph level) Poodles (clarifying) Fifi (completing)

6. List holidays Circle top three choices Choose one Brainstorm memories

7. To begin… Fold your paper into four squares. Darken in the lines. Write your basic thesis statement above the line in the middle to remind you of what you will be proving.

8. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. Now we have to answer the question— Why? Provide reasons , examples , incidents , facts/statistics to support our thesis. Animal level

9. Feeling of Gratitude Friends and Family Food Basic Thesis Statement ( because ) + the three reasons, examples, facts, or incidents in Box 1 of each section My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving because I enjoy visiting with family and friends, devouring the delicious food, and expressing a feeling of gratitude. Dog Level My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving.

10. Alternative words Favorite Prefer Nothing better Crazy about Enjoy Partial to Desire Food Meal Repast Cuisine Menu Dishes Gratitude Thanks Thankfulness Appreciation Gratefulness Family Relatives Cousins Aunts, uncles Brothers, sisters Delicious Tasty Mouth-watering Yummy Appetizing Thesis statement: My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving.

11. Topic Sentence: My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. First, Thanksgiving affords me the gift of gathering with friends and family members. Thanksgiving is not only an excellent time to enjoy friends and family members, but it is also a wonderful time to eat. Most importantly , I love Thanksgiving because I take time to reflect on my life and express gratitude for my abundance. In summary , I cannot think of a better holiday than Thanksgiving.

12. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. -relatives -gifts I have—others lack -nature -celebrate on Friday -visiting -activities -traditional foods -guests’ foods -late night feast Feeling of Gratitude Family & friends Delicious food Now we need to clarify what we mean by each reason. In other words, why/how are the family/friends , food , and feeling of gratitude special? Poodle Level

13. Paint a picture with words

14. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. -relatives Mother—salt & pepper shakers Grandmother—pitcher Sister—blue serving dish -gifts I have—others lack Joyful work Abundant food Shelter of a house Warm clothing -nature Floral arrangements Beauty -celebrate on Friday 25-30 people Sister & family Friends across country -visiting Conversations Gossip Exchange photos -activities Telling stories Play guitar/piano Sing songs/hymns Games Stroll around neighborhood -traditional foods Turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, and giblet gravy Vegetables--green bean casserole, turnip greens, lima beans -guests’ foods Pies Cakes Cookies -late night feast Bread and gravy Tear into pieces, cover w/gravy, heat in microwave Feeling of Gratitude Family & friends Delicious food FiFi Level Be Specific! Paint a Picture with Words Names, dates, numbers, colors, sensory details, comparisons, vivid verbs

15. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. -relatives Mother—salt & pepper shakers Grandmother—pitcher Sister—blue serving dish -gifts I have—others lack Joyful work Abundant food Shelter of a house Warm clothing -nature Floral arrangements Beauty -celebrate on Friday 25-30 people Sister & family Friends across country -visiting Conversations Gossip Exchange photos -activities Telling stories Play guitar/piano Sing songs/hymns Games Stroll around neighborhood -traditional foods Turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, and giblet gravy Vegetables--green bean casserole, turnip greens, lima beans -guests’ foods Pies Cakes Cookies -late night feast Bread and gravy Tear into pieces, cover w/gravy, heat in microwave Feeling of Gratitude Family & friends Delicious food Connect Paragraphs First Not only…but also Most importantly In summary Connect Ideas Within the Paragraphs Also For example After, late at night, as, final

16. Topic Sentence: My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. First, Thanksgiving affords me the gift of gathering with friends and family members. For example, we always gather on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is not only an excellent time to enjoy friends and family members, but it is also a wonderful time to eat. In other words, I can devour many traditional foods and desserts that are only served at Thanksgiving. Most importantly , I love Thanksgiving because I take time to reflect on my life and express gratitude for my abundance. Specifically, I am grateful for my relatives, special gifts I have received, and the beauty of nature. In summary , I cannot think of a better holiday than Thanksgiving.