Essays: Planning, Writing, Practice
Essays are a form of nonfiction writing in which the writer may be descriptive; use narration; propose solutions to problems; compare and contrast things or ideas; explain how to do something; tell about the inner workings of complicated creations or ideas; attempt to persuade or make a point about a subject, problem, issue, or question. Good essays have a strong, formal organizational system. We will learn the most basic of these in class.
Every essay has a definable beginning (the introduction), middle (the support or body), and ending (the conclusion). Each paragraph of an essay consists of a topic sentence, supporting details, and—often--a concluding sentence. Furthermore, every essay is built around one central idea, called a thesis. The thesis is the glue that holds the essay together; it is the message of the essay—the central point. The thesis is what the essay intends to show, prove, or do: the controlling idea. Every paragraph of an essay relates back to the thesis.
Essay Writing Process:
Examples of Basic Five Paragraph Essays:
These two example essays. They have introductions, three paragraphs (body) of support, and conclusions. We will view these in class.
two_years_of_our_lives--essay.docx
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5_para_essay-movies.doc
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Prompts:
A prompt is the statement or question that you, the writer, respond to when you are assigned to write an essay. Prompts usually are not a single question or statement, but include an introduction to a topic and often suggest ways for you to organize your ideas to write. It helps to know how prompts are structured to decode them before you start writing. Below are files for taking apart a prompt.
understanding_a_writing_prompt.docx
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how_to_take_apart_prompts.doc
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more_ideas_for_five_paragraph_essays.docx
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Planning for Writing--VERY IMPORTANT STEP!
The biggest mistake that beginning writers make is to begin writing without a plan, trusting that they will stay on topic through the essay. Unplanned essays often wander and miss the main point and/or lack details. PLAN AHEAD.
Tor plan for writing an essay, use list making, outlining, mind-mapping, or brainstorming. You will find an outline format, a brainstorm format, and a general planning sheet below. Decide which method you prefer after you try them all.
See the first three files, then view others:
outline_format__for_writing_an_essay.docx | |
File Size: | 15 kb |
File Type: | docx |
brainstorm-locander.docx | |
File Size: | 59 kb |
File Type: | docx |
essay_planning_sheet.docx | |
File Size: | 14 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Plan to Write a Five Paragraph Essay:
essay_planning_chart.doc
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student_brainstorm_sample.jpg
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ways_to_plan--brainstorm_outline.doc
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brainstorm_approach-you_do_it.docx
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Individual Paragraphs: Each has a purpose and function. Before looking at the following files, go to the "Paragraph" sub-tab above the "Essay" tab to view Power Points about Introductions and Conclusions.
essay--introductory_paragraph.doc
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plan_for_support_paragr_2-4.doc
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conclusion_to_your_essay.doc
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conclusion_basics.pptx
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Edit and Revise
5_paragraph_essay_rubric.pdf
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5_paragraph_essay_grading_rubric_-2.pdf
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Mock (Practice) 45 minute Transition or Class Final Test:
Below is a prompt that you can use for practice, timing yourself for 45 minutes at home.
We all have dreams about an ideal life. We know that not everyone can be rich and famous, and that what most people want is to have caring people, meaningful work (paid or not), and financial security. For example, your dream might be about helping others, about becoming successful in some way, or about having a rewarding and meaningful career. Imagine that you could instantly create an ideal and satisfying future for yourself. What would your life be like? Who would you live with, where would you live, and what would you do for work?
Remember to begin with plan, perhaps a "brainstorm." Write only after you have at least three good ideas to support your opinion. Write for only about 15-20 minute and spend the rest of the time revising, but not re-writing. Give it a title at the end. Double space!
Below is a prompt that you can also use for a mock transition writing test:
mock_transition_writing_test_3-sp11.docx
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Final (The topic will be posted here on day of your final):
Instructions:
· Write three to five paragraphs, double spaced, on the following topic. You have 45 minutes to complete your writing.
· You are encouraged to plan (brainstorm or outline) before you begin the final draft.
· You may cross out and replace words.
· Allow time to proofread your writing.
· All writing that you do, including planning for the final draft, will be collected.
To be determined......
Other resources for Essay Writing:
paragraph.ppt | |
File Size: | 373 kb |
File Type: | ppt |