1. An introductory paragraph should accomplish three things: grab the reader's attention, introduce the subject, and identify the specific thesis or focus of the writing.
2. The shape of the introductory paragraph is like an inverted triangle, starting broad and becoming more specific, ending with the thesis statement.
3. A thesis statement gives the main idea or focus of an essay by telling readers what the paper will discuss in a specific manner and providing a roadmap for the body.
English language learners: This is a nine-slide presentation with examples to help you revisit information on topic sentences and thesis statements for three different paragraph structures, so you can apply the information in our Module III tasks (RZP - April 2020). [Note: please read "comparison" rather than "comparsion" on slides 7-8 -- my apologies!)
English language learners: This is a nine-slide presentation with examples to help you revisit information on topic sentences and thesis statements for three different paragraph structures, so you can apply the information in our Module III tasks (RZP - April 2020). [Note: please read "comparison" rather than "comparsion" on slides 7-8 -- my apologies!)
This presentation will help you understand some major points regarding the analytical essay writing. It involves the examining of your write up to make sure no errors exist and to make your point clear to the readers http://www.papermoz.co.uk/admission-essay/
This presentation will help you understand some major points regarding the analytical essay writing. It involves the examining of your write up to make sure no errors exist and to make your point clear to the readers http://www.papermoz.co.uk/admission-essay/
THESIS STATEMENTSThesis statements perform the following functions.docxssusera34210
THESIS STATEMENTS
Thesis statements perform the following functions:
· States central idea of the essay (reveals writer’s purpose)
· Limits the topic covered in the essay
· Controls the selection of evidence to support the essay’s thesis
· Suggests how the writer has organized the essay
· Helps the writer maintain unity in the essay
Simple statements vs. thesis statements
A simple statement is just simply a statement; there is little more to be said.
Example: Applicants must take a test before getting their driver’s license.
A thesis statement contains both a subject (what is being written about) and a focus (what is stated about the subject).
Example: In addition to the standard driver’s test, applicants should also have to take a road rage safety course.
Also, be wary of writing thesis statements that are too broad, too narrow, or statements that contain more than one idea.
(Source for following examples: Langen, John. College Writing Skills with Readings. 5th ed. McGraw-Hill: New York, 2001.)
Examples:
Too Broad: (Too broad is not “incorrect,” however, a thesis with a refined focus is more desirable.)
1. My parents have been the most influential people in my life.
2. Crime is a major concern of everyone in our country.
3. The “baby boom” generation has changed history.
Too Narrow:
1. My parents had only one child.
2. In the last year there have been over twenty robberies in our neighborhood.
3. The members of the post-World War II “baby boom” make up the largest single age group in the United States.
Two or more ideas:
1. My parents helped me grow in important ways, although in other respects I was limited.
2. The problem of overcrowded American prisons must be solved, and judges must start handing out tougher sentences.
3. The “baby boom” generation has had many advantages, but it also faces many problems.
Barbara T. Hebert
Paragraphing Cues
A paragraph is a collection of sentences that pertain to a particular topic. A paragraph has four basic parts: topic sentence, supporting details, sub-details, and a concluding or transitional sentence.
The topic of the paragraph is expressed in the topic sentence which is generally (always for our purposes) the first sentence of the paragraph. The topic sentence is a general statement of the paragraph topic that directly supports the thesis statement; they are the “bones” of the paragraph.
Consider we’re writing an essay about the perks of the Tidewater area. (recalling what you learned about topics / thesis statements, our topic sentences for this topic should explain the perks of the Tidewater area.)
One of our topic sentences may be: The Tidewater area is a great tourist spot. Notice how “general” the sentence is; it does not reveal any detail. So how do we figure out what to add?
We look at the topic sentence to develop Supporting Details, which are the “meat on the bone.” They support the topic sentences by offering clar ...
Pages: 2
Topic: Vietnam war
Style: Chicago
Sources: 5
Level: College
Subject:
Language: U.S
Instructions
hi
prompts 2 is the best and the easy one out of the 3. " the vietnam war"
thanks.
1302-3001Assignment #4
Student Essay
Background Information
Creating an argument through the use of historical evidence is one of the key skills you should develop in this course.
As this is our second essay, you should feel more comfortable with writinga well-polished essay.Just as with our previous essay, I am giving you multiple prompts to choose from as well as additional information that should help you feel more confident in writing an effective essay.
Directions
Please chose
one
of the following prompts to write a 600+ word essay. Your essay should create an argument to fully answer the question and draw any conclusions that may be substantiated by data. You need to incorporate historical evidence such as people, events, legislation, etc. to support your conclusions. To prepare for this essay, I am including directions on writing an outline. Students need to turn in their outlines with their essay.
This essay is due in the dropbox by 11:55pm Tuesday, July 7
th
.
Writing Prompts
1.American prosperity in the 1950s birthed a new era of consumerism. Evaluate the changing political, social, cultural, and economic landscape within the nation that led to this new “consumer culture.” Be sure to include analysis on groups that did not partake in this prosperity.
2.
Analyze the Vietnam War. Explain how and why the Vietnam War brought turmoil to American society and eventually drove Johnson and the divided Democrats from power in 1968.
3.
Analyze post-WWII civil rights as it applied to two of the following:
African Americans
Homosexuals
Women
Native Americans
Hispanic Americans
Grading
This essay is worth
100
points and will be graded as follows:
-
20
points for a well developed thesis that fully addresses the prompt
-
50
points for content (accurate, thorough, and effective use of evidence to prove thesis)
-
10
points for writing style (Chicago format, grammar, and proof reading)
-
10
points for your works cited and footnotes (your essay must include at least four sources, (you may use your textbook as one of your sources)
-
10
points for your outline (include at the end of the document. It can be typed or hand-written and scanned)
How to write successful essays for History 1302
Different Types of Essays
In your history courses you might write different types of essays.
Most of them involve description of events, discussion of ideas, summarization of information, and analysis or evaluation.
Analysis might involve classifying, comparing and contrasting, explaining causes and effects, exploring a topic's history, or describing a process.
Or, you might be asked to write an essay that explains the effects of something: the effects of a war, of a law, of a social movement.
Sometimes you may need to take a stan.
What Is a Definition EssayDefinition e.docxalanfhall8953
What Is a Definition Essay?
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Definition essay explainedThe definition essay explains the meaning of a word or a concept or a term. The purpose of the definition essay is to help the reader understand the meaning of an unfamiliar term or clarify the meaning of an abstract or vague term.
How to Write a Definition Essay
The following are common ways to define a word or a concept or a term:
1. Demonstrate the denotations and connotations of a word:Denotations are the formal dictionary definitions of a word.Connotations often imply emotional, informal, or slang cases of the word.
Example 1Rat— Denotative meaning: a rodent;Connotative meaning: a person who tattles on other people or who exhibits undesirable or dishonest behavior.Example 2Card— Denotative meaning: a sturdy, but small, piece of rectangular shaped paper used for business purposes or card games.Connotative meaning: a lively, entertaining person or the act of requiring proof of age before sales of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.
2. Demonstrate the popular beliefs and personal interpretations of a concept:
Example 1Success— Popular belief: success means getting richPersonal interpretation: success means either overcoming obstacles or other unique interpretations.
Example 2Beauty— Popular belief: good lookingPersonal interpretation: self-sacrifice, loving, forgiving, or other unique interpretations.
3. Demonstrate the characteristics, the function, or the make-up of an object or a term:
Example 1Axe— An axe is a tool used for chopping trees and splitting wood; it is made up of a wooden handle and a metal head with a blade usually on one side.
Example 2Machismo— Machismo is the inflated male ego as characterized by domination of women, an exaggerated show of male strength, etc.
Introduction
1. Lead-in: Introduce the topic (the concept or term you are going to define).
2. Transition: Make transition to thesis statement.
3. Thesis Statement: Define at least three aspects of the meaning of the concept or term (e.g. “Country music can be best understood if we know its history, its pattern of rhythm, and its themes.”).
BodyParagraph 11. Topic Sentence: Present the first aspect of the meaning of the conceptor term (e.g. “The meaning of Country Music depends heavily on itshistory”).2. Supporting Details: Explain what/how/why.3. Closing Remarks: Wrap up this paragraph (e.g. “That is why one cannot understand Country Music without learning about its history”).
Body Paragraph 21. Topic Sentence: Present the second aspect of the meaning of the conceptor term.2. Supporting Details: Explain what/how/why.3. Closing Remarks: Wrap up this paragraph.
Body Paragraph 31. Topic Sentence: Present the third aspect of the meaning of the conceptor term.2. Supporting Details: Explain what/how/why.3. Closing Remarks: Wrap up this paragraph.Writing Made Easy
Conclusion
1. Wrap up the main points.
2. Point out the significance of the concept or term
Definition Essay
I. A d.
2. Elements of the Introductory Paragraph An introductory paragraph –should do three things: 1. grab your reader’s attention, 2. introduce your subject, and 3. identify the specific focus, or thesis, of your writing.
3. Shape of the Introductory Paragraph Remember, that the shape of the introductory paragraph is the inverted triangle. The introduction paragraph should start with general comments about the topic that will draw readers into the essay. From here, the introduction should narrow the focus and state specifics of what the writer will cover.
4. v I. Introduction 1. General/Broad Statement 2. Topic Sentence 3. Main Idea Sentences (3) 4. Thesis Statement
5. 3. The Thesis Statement Thesis statement – A specific statement that gives the main idea or focus of an essay. It tells the reader what your paper will discuss, sets limits on what your paper will discuss, and provides a roadmap of what’s to come in the body of the essay.
6. Does This Sound Familiar? A thesis statement is much like a topic sentence. But instead of introducing and controlling a paragraph, the thesis statement introduces and controls the whole essay. Topic + Assertion + Blueprint (specific opinion)
7. topic + assertion + blueprint Thesis Statement Formula: ____________ (topic) is ___________ (an astounding military leader, brilliant musician, outstanding political leader) because ______,______, and ________. (list your 3 points)
8. OR Based on/Because of, ___________, _________, and _____________ , _________ (topic) became a ______________.
9. The thesis statement should be the last sentence in the introductory paragraph. (Something/does something/because/reasons)
10. In a Persuasive Essay Topic: Should school uniforms be required in public schools? Too broad: It is outrageous for students to be forced to wear school uniforms. Too narrow: Students who are forced to wear school uniforms have their creativity stifled. Off topic: When kids grow up, they will have bad memories of school.
11. Just right! Good thesis statement: School uniforms should not be mandatory in public schools because this would stifle students’ creativity, take away students’ rights, and cause students to lose interest in school.
12. In an Expository Essay Topic: Explain the importance of a healthy diet Too broad: A healthy diet is important. Too narrow: Everybody should include eight servings of fruits and vegetables in his or her diet every day. Off topic: Bananas are one of the most nutritious foods on earth.
13. Just right! Good thesis statement: A healthy diet is important because it increases energy, prevents illness, and helps one maintain a healthy weight. (Something/does something/because/reasons)
14. The life of the typical middle school student is characterized by time spent studying, attending class, and socializing with peers.
16. Location, amenities, and expenses are important considerations when someone rents an apartment. From childhood, through his prolific years of writing operas and symphonies, to his tragic death at the age of thirty-five, Mozart’s musical genius was revealed.
17. 1. Grab Your Readers’ Attention There are many different ways to begin an introductory paragraph. You might…
18. Possible Leads 1. include some action, 2. share some interesting or important details, 3. start with some thoughtful dialogue, or story, 4. ask the readers a question, 5. begin with an informative quotation, or 6. physical description of the person
19. 2. Now That You’ve Got Their Attention… Following the attention grabber sentence(s), a good introductory paragraph will usually have two or three sentences that provide background information on the topic and begin to narrow the readers’ focus toward the thesis statement.
20. Example On January 27 1756, a boy was born in the town of Salzburg, Austria. This child was not just a prodigy; he became one of the greatest musical geniuses of all times. His name was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. From childhood, through his prolific years of writing operas and symphonies, to his tragic death at the age of thirty-five, Mozart’s musical genius was revealed.
21. HMWK: Write your Introductory Paragraph Using what you’ve learned about writing an introductory paragraph, write the introduction for your essay. Due: Friday, 2/18/11