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Jane Schaffer Writing Program Jane Schaffer Writing Program

Jane Schaffer Writing Program - PowerPoint Presentation

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Jane Schaffer Writing Program - PPT Presentation

How to Write an Effective Response to Literature Essay Writing Process Steps PreWriting Shaping the Essay Intro paragraphs Body paragraphs Conclusion paragraphs First Draft Peer Response ID: 434676

thesis paragraph sentence essay paragraph thesis essay sentence shaping paper topic statement people harry chunk cinderella quote introduction expansion

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Slide1

Jane Schaffer Writing Program

How

to Write

an Effective

Response to Literature

EssaySlide2

Writing Process Steps

Pre-Writing

Shaping the Essay

Intro paragraphsBody paragraphsConclusion paragraphsFirst DraftPeer ResponseRevisionFinal DraftSlide3

Writing Process Steps

Pre-WriteSlide4

Pre-writing

the process of getting

Concrete Details (facts)on paper before organizing paragraphs.Slide5

SUMMER

TIME

Prewriting - Bubble Clusters

Daily

Routine

Vacation

Time with

Siblings

Family

BBQ

Pleasure

Reading

Movies

Stay up

LateSlide6

Prewriting - SPIDER Clusters

Time with Siblings

BBQ

Vacation

Family

SUMMER

TIME

Daily Routine

Stay up Late and sleep in

Movies

Pleasure ReadingSlide7

Prewriting - Outline

II. Setting it Up

A. Tried to Read the Manual

B. Friend came into Teach I. Picking One Out A. Comparison Shopping

B. Talking to Sales persons

Getting A Computer

I.

II.

III.

OutlineSlide8

ALIKE DIFFERENT

Prewriting - Columns

TWO CHARACTERS

1.

2.

3.

1.

2.

3.Slide9

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

Prewriting - Columns

BEING FAMOUS

1.

2.

3.

1.

2.

3.Slide10

Writing Process Steps

Shaping Your Essay

Body ParagraphsSlide11

Get Ready

to

Color Your World! Materials: When we write, we will use blue, red, and green pens.GREEN is for Commentary Sentences (CM).RED is for Concrete Details (CD).

BLUE

is for Topic Sentences (

TS

)

and Concluding Sentences (

CS

).Slide12

Shaping the Essay- terms to know

One-Chunk

Body Paragraph

Sent. #1 -Topic Sentence – TSSent. #2 – CD –starts with “For example”Sent. #3 – CM - (This shows that…)Sent. #4 – CM – (It also indicates…; This is because…; This is important because…)Sent, #5 – Concluding Sentence – CS – Sums it up and ties back to the thesis (As a result,…)Slide13

Shaping the Essay- Paragraph

A Topic

Sentence

TS = first sentence of the paragraph.It shows the main idea.Usually a mildly controversial statement.something that you have to prove. Also called an assertionIt can be as brief as 3 words!Slide14

TS Example

In the fairy tale “Cinderella,” the main character feels mistreated.

Bad: In the fairy tale“Cinderella”, the main Character has to clean The house instead ofGoing to the ball.Slide15

Shaping the Essay- Paragraph

Concrete Detail (CD)

This is the stuff from the literature it’s the evidence – the WHAT for your commentary!Novel Referencesfacts, examples from story (what happened), supportInclude citations (with page numbers)Quotes / paraphrasing – both are okayQuotes can do double duty: CD or CMUse quotes when something special about the lines.Use the 4-step quote methodCDs can’t be argued with—a CD is evidence that supports your point!Slide16

CD Example

For example

, Cinderella must do all of the cooking and cleaning for her family.

Insert quoteSlide17

4-step quote methods for One Chunk

1. I

’ll

Show Everyone the Truth methodIntroduce the quote.State the quote.Explain the quote.Tie your quote to your main point.2. TIQA methodT = Topic sentence I = Introduce quote: put the quote into context.Q = Quote: provide your MLA quoteA = Analyze x 2: explain to the reader the importance of the quote and how it supports your topic sentence.Slide18

Shaping the Essay- Paragraph

Commentary – (CM)

This is the stuff from inside your head!This is the answer to “so what?”Your words and explanations.May be referred to as: analysis; interpreting; opinion; inference; insight; reasons; commentary, elaborationSlide19

Example Commentary Sentences (2

CM

s)

These chores keep her isolated and friendless. The stepmother is thus able to give Cinderella even more work, which prevents her from going to the ball.Insert quoteSlide20

Shaping the Essay- Paragraph

CONCLUDING SENTENCE

A

CS wraps up the paragraph. It rephrases the main idea.Slide21

Example Concluding Sentence (CS)

Therefore, Cinderella feels abused by the very people who are supposed to love her.Slide22

TS,

CD

,

CM, CS—Now What?CHUNKING In English, we will mostly use a combination (or “ratio”) of 1:2. That is, for every 1 CD, you will have 2 CMs.“Two Fer”

A

combination of CDs and CMs is called a “chunk.”Slide23

One Chunk: 1

CD

+ 2

CMFor example, Cinderella must do all of the cooking and cleaning for her family (CD). These chores keep her isolated and friendless(CM). The stepmother is thus able to give Cinderella even more work, which prevents her from going to the ball(CM).Ratio = 1:2Slide24

Shaping the Essay- Chunk

One-Chunk

Body Paragraph

Sent. #1 -Topic Sentence – TSSent. #2 – CD –starts with “For example”Sent. #3 – CM - (This shows that…)Sent. #4 – CM – (It also indicates…; This is because…; This is important because…)Sent, #5 – Circle Sentence – CS – Sums it up and ties back to the thesis (As a result,…)These are transitionsSlide25

A Whole Paragraph

In the fairy tale “Cinderella,” the main character feels mistreated

.

For example, Cinderella must do all of the cooking and cleaning for her family. These chores keep her isolated and friendless. The stepmother is thus able to give Cinderella even more work, which prevents her from going to the ball. Therefore, Cinderella feels abused by the very people who are supposed to love her.TSCDCM X2

CSSlide26

A Visual

Concrete Details (

CD

) are the meat of the hamburger.A Topic Sentence (TS) is the top bun of a hamburger.Commentary Sentences (CM) are the “extras” on the hamburger—the tomato, cheese, lettuce, mayo—they make it delicious!

A concluding sentence (

CS

) is the bottom bun of the hamburger.Slide27

Shaping the Essay- terms to know

Chunk

1 CD and its accompanying CMs x twoTwo for One RatioRatio of CD:CM in a body paragraph should be at least 1: 2+Flexible order of CDs and CMs:cm, cd, cm, cm cd, cm, cm Work on this latercm,

cm

,

cd

,

cmSlide28

Shaping the Essay- Your Turn

Turn your paper over and read the 1 chunk paragraph on

The Three Little Pigs

Example # 2Using your colors, underline/highlight each element of the paragraph Identify (write)each element of the chunk paragraph like we did with CinderellaCircle the transitionsSlide29

The Three Little Pigs

In the fairy tale “The Three Little Pigs,” the third pig is very wise(TS).

For example, remembering his mother’s warning about a wolf, he builds his house out of sturdy brick(CD). The wolf is unable to blow down the brick house(CM). This shows that the third pig is smarter than his brothers, who were both eaten by the wolf(CM). In conclusion, the third pig outsmarts not only his brothers but the “big, bad” wolf as well(CS).Slide30

Blowing Chunks

Chunk Quiz

Using your

colors, underline/highlight each element of the paragraph Identify and label the elements of the paragraph like we did with Cinderella and 3 PigsSlide31

Shaping the Essay-QUIZ

In

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone,

Harry is a champion to many of the more insecure students at Hogwarts. For example, when Malfoy takes Neville’s Rememberall, Harry gets on a broom and gets it back. He simply cannot stand someone who picks on others. Because of this, Harry becomes a hero to those less fortunate. In other words, he has found a place where he belongs, and he becomes determined to protect the vulnerable people he has grown fond of.Slide32

Shaping the Essay-QUIZ

In

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone,

Harry is a champion to many of the more insecure students at Hogwarts(TS). For example, when Malfoy takes Neville’s Rememberall, Harry gets on a broom and gets it back(CD). He simply cannot stand someone who picks on others(CM). Because of this, Harry becomes a hero to those less fortunate(CM). In other words, he has found a place where he belongs, and he becomes determined to protect the vulnerable people he has grown fond of(CS).Slide33

TS

In

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

, Harry is a champion to many of the more insecure students at Hogwarts.Could someone logically argue against it?YesHarry is a wimp; he should take powerPeople are jealous of himFind any CMs?ChampionInsecureIs this a fact from the story?No, but I can support it with facts.Slide34

CD

CD

: For example, when

Malfoy takes Neville’s Rememberall, Harry gets it back.Action/fact from the storyIt’s a plot reference (something that happened in the story)It’s from the surface. I didn’t have to dig deep and be a rocket scientist to find this out. It’s straight out of the book.Slide35

CM

(This shows that…)

He cannot stand someone who picks on others.

Has commentary words (cannot stand; picks on others)It’s your interpretation of what the action means or shows about a particular characterHe wants to protect the vulnerable.Commentary words (protect, vulnerable)More interpretation of what the action of getting back Neville’s Rememberall means/showsSlide36

Blowing Chunks Quiz # 1 Retake

“The Love Song of J. Alfred

Prufrock

” Directions: color code and label each element of the sentences according to the Chunk paragraph format.AbbreviationsSlide37

Blowing Chunks Quiz # 1 Retake

In the poem “The Love Song of J. Alfred

Prufrock

,” the main character feels self-conscious in a world that seems to move too fast for him. At the beginning of the poem, Prufrock invites the reader to follow along with him, but twice during his introduction of his topic, he is interrupted by women who “come and go/ Talking of Michaelangelo” (658-9). These anonymous women interrupt Prufrock, distracting him from his point, even though what they are discussing has no relationship to what he is attempting to say. They pass him by, while he attempts to reorganize his thoughts by changing the subject, and thus continually playing catch-up to the world around him. Prufrock’s inability to fully communicate his ideas makes him feel isolated and ineffective in a world that seems disconnected from him.Slide38

Blowing Chunks Quiz # 1 Retake

In the poem “The Love Song of J. Alfred

Prufrock

,” the main character feels self-conscious in a world that seems to move too fast for him(TS). At the beginning of the poem, Prufrock invites the reader to follow along with him, but twice during his introduction of his topic, he is interrupted by women who “come and go/ Talking of Michaelangelo” (658-9)(CD). These anonymous women interrupt Prufrock, distracting him from his point, even though what they are discussing has no relationship to what he is attempting to say(CM). They pass him by, while he attempts to reorganize his thoughts by changing the subject, and thus continually playing catch-up to the world around him(CM). Prufrock’s inability to fully communicate his ideas makes him feel isolated and ineffective in a world that seems disconnected from him(CS).Slide39

Shaping the Essay- Your Turn

One chunk is fine for 5

th

grade – we are in high schoolOne sentence per grade level9th grade = 9 -11 sentence paragraphsMore complex points need more support.Topic Sentence still at the beginning and a Concluding Sentence still at the end.Includes two chunks with a segue or transition between them that connect the chunks.TS + (cd,

cm

,

cm

)

+

S

+

(

cm

,

cd

,

cm

)

+

CSSlide40

Shaping the Essay- Your Turn

Now read the paragraph on Las Vegas

Using your

colors, underline/highlight each element of the paragraph Identify each element of the paragraph like we did with Cinderella and 3 PigsALSO identify the transitions, sentence starters and NO, No’s for an English Lit. ResponseSlide41

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is the most surreal city anywhere in the world. For instance, the center of the city is full of different kinds of buildings including a two-thirds scale Eiffel Tower, a giant black glass pyramid, a scaled-down replica of the New York skyline, and a faux Medieval castle. The whole place reminds me of a big amusement park like Disneyland with its different “lands.”It’s as if each building was constructed in isolation without any consideration of the other buildings. In addition, this center is surrounded by a sprawl of suburbs housing close to two million people and stretching out into the desert. I always wonder what made so many people want to live in such an inhospitable place. All those people and houses almost seem as if they traveled across the wasteland and gathered to pay homage to the weird buildings in the center. Las Vegas is such a strange city, it is hard to believe it actually exists unless you actually go there and experience it for yourself.Slide42

Las Vegas

(

T)Las Vegas is the most surreal city anywhere in the world. (CD)For instance, the center of the city is full of different kinds of buildings including a two-thirds scale Eiffel Tower, a giant black glass pyramid, a scaled-down replica of the New York skyline, and a faux Medieval castle. (CM)The whole place reminds me of a big amusement park like Disneyland with its different “lands.”(CM)It’s as if each building was constructed in isolation without any consideration of the other buildings. (CD)In addition, this center is surrounded by a sprawl of suburbs housing close to two million people and stretching out into the desert. (CM)I always wonder what made so many people want to live in such an inhospitable place.(CM)All those people and houses almost seem as if they traveled across the wasteland and gathered to pay homage to the weird buildings in the center.(CS)Las Vegas is such a strange city, it is hard to believe it actually exists unless you actually go there and experience it for yourself.Slide43

Three layers

Topic sentence

CD = Support

(hamburger patty)CM = Expansion (lettuce)CM = Expansion (tomato)CD = Support (hamburger patty)CM = Expansion (cheese)CM = Expansion (pickles)CD = Support (hamburger patty)CM = Expansion (special sauce)CM = Expansion (catsup)

For an eleven-sentence paragraph, you have

three chunks

:

Concluding sentenceSlide44

Transitions

A good paragraph will also use transition words. These are words or phrases that help readers connect ideas.

Example transitions:For example,For instance,Consequently,

Thus,

As a result,

Because of this,

In summary,

Hence,

Therefore,Slide45

Blowing Chunks Quiz # 2

Directions:

Using your

colors, underline/highlight each element of the Schaffer paragraph Identify and label each element of the paragraph like we did with Cinderella, old 3 Pigs and VegasTransitionsSlide46

Blowing Chunks Quiz # 3New Piggy

In the fairy tale “The Three Little Pigs,” the third pig has the traits that help him succeed. For example, he is wise and builds his house out of sturdy brick. The wolf is unable to blow down the brick house. This shows that the third pig is smarter than his brothers, who were both eaten by the wolf. Additionally, he is a hard worker. Although it is much easier to build a house out of straw, he chooses the material that will hold up. Even though laying bricks is time-consuming, he knows it is the better choice. This oldest pig also learns his lessons. He remembers his mother taught him that predators seek out little pigs. Knowing a wolf-attack is likely, he plans out his home construction to prevent tragedy. In conclusion, the third pig’s nature enables him to outsmart not only his brothers, but the “big, bad” wolf as well. Slide47

Blowing Chunks Quiz # 3

New Piggy

(TS) In the fairy tale “The Three Little Pigs,” the third pig has the traits that help him succeed.

For example, he is wise and builds his house out of sturdy brick(CD). The wolf is unable to blow down the brick house(CM). This shows that the third pig is smarter than his brothers, who were both eaten by the wolf(CM). Additionally, he is a hard worker(CD). Although it is much easier to build a house out of straw, he chooses the material that will hold up(CM). Even though laying bricks is time-consuming, he knows it is the better choice(CM). This oldest pig also learns his lessons(CD). He remembers his mother taught him that predators seek out little pigs(CM). Knowing a wolf-attack is likely, he plans out his home construction to prevent tragedy(CM). In conclusion, the third pig’s nature enables him to outsmart not only his brothers, but the “big, bad” wolf as well(CS). Slide48

Blowing Chunks Quiz # 4

Animal Farm

Directions: color code and label each element of the sentences according to the Chunk paragraph format.

AbbreviationsTransitionsSlide49

In

Animal Farm

, Clover represents a caring and motherly figure to the other animals. She cares about keeping the animals together. She talks to Mollie, the horse, when others will not. She isn’t mean to Mollie but wants her to understand how her decision to leave may affect the farm. In addition, Clover warns Boxer to slow down and nurses him when he collapses. In her concern for him, she models the kind of behavior that the animals wanted for Mr. Jones but did not get. She sees the injustice of the system and understands the punishment of hard work. Furthermore, the knowledge that something is wrong leads her to speak out. She sees the changes in the Seven Commandments and in the pigs at the end. Her commitment to Animal Farm is most important in her mind, and she wants to put her beliefs into action. Clover works hard to help the other animals regardless of what the negative consequences may be.Slide50

 

In

Animal Farm

, Clover represents a caring and motherly figure to the other animals(TS). She cares about keeping the animals together(CM). She talks to Mollie, the horse, when others will not(CD). She isn’t mean to Mollie but wants her to understand how her decision to leave may affect the farm(CM). In addition, Clover warns Boxer to slow down and nurses him when he collapses(CD). In her concern for him she models the kind of behavior that the animals wanted for Mr. Jones but did not get(CM). She sees the injustice of the system and understands the punishment of hard work(CM). Furthermore, the knowledge that something is wrong leads her to speak out(CM). She perceives the changes in the Seven Commandments and in the pigs at the end(CD). Her commitment to Animal Farm is most important in her mind, and she wants to put her beliefs into action(CM). Clover works hard to help the other animals regardless of what the negative consequences may be(CS).Slide51

Blowing Chunks Quiz # 4 Retake

F451

Directions: color code and label each element of the sentences according to the Chunk paragraph format.

Use AbbreviationsTransitionsSlide52

The most notable method by which Bradbury illustrates humanity’s need for self understanding is his user of metaphors about mirrors and images. Mirrors here are symbols of self-understanding, of seeing oneself clearly. For example , in the beginning of the novel, as

Montag

finishes up a call at a house, he fancies how he would “wink at himself, a minstrel man, burnt-corked , in the mirror”(Bradbury 4). He reveals how proud he is of his work, as seen with the wink, and that he thinks rather highly of himself. However, the image that he sees is deceptive; though he believes that he is looking at some sort of hero, later events suggest otherwise. In addition,

Montag sees that there is absolutely no individuality amongst the firemen, a group of people that are reprehensive of his society. Montag realizes that all of the firemen he had ever seen were “all mirror images of himself”, with their “black hair, black brows, fiery face, and blue-steel shaved but unshaved look”(Bradbury 33). This suggests that something is wrong about being proud of uniqueness when there when there is nothing that really sets him apart from the others. This is the beginning of Montag’s own understanding of what plagues his society. Finally, as Montag, Granger and the others journey back toward the destroyed city, Granger speaks of building a mirror factory and how the new society will “put out nothing but mirrors for the next year and take a long look in them”(Bradbury 164). Granger’s use of figurative language reveals the hope that members of humanity will be able to take a thoughtful look at themselves and their history. They now have the chance to learn from their mistakes; only by seeing a true reflection of themselves will they be able to avoid future horrors such as what they’d been living. Thus, through the use of mirror and image metaphors in Fahrenheit 451, Bradbury reveals that humankind can only move forward and lean from past mistakes by maintaining a high level of clarity.Slide53

The most notable method by which Bradbury illustrates humanity’s need for self understanding is his user of metaphors about mirrors and images (TS

). Mirrors here are symbols of self-understanding, of seeing oneself clearly(CM).

For example

, in the beginning of the novel, as Montag finishes up a call at a house, he fancies how he would “wink at himself, a minstrel man, burnt-corked , in the mirror”(Bradbury 4)(CD). He reveals how proud he is of his work, as seen with the wink, and that he thinks rather highly of himself (CM). However, the image that he sees is deceptive; though he believes that he is looking at some sort of hero, later events suggest otherwise(CM). In addition, Montag sees that there is absolutely no individuality amongst the firemen, a group of people that are reprehensive of his society (CM). Montag realizes that all of the firemen he had ever seen were “all mirror images of himself”, with their “black hair, black brows, fiery face, and blue-steel shaved but unshaved look”(Bradbury 33)(CD). This suggests that something is wrong about being proud of uniqueness when there when there is nothing that really sets him apart from the others (CM). This is the beginning of Montag’s own understanding of what plagues his society (CM). Finally, as Montag, Granger and the others journey back toward the destroyed city, Granger speaks of building a mirror factory and how the new society will “put out nothing but mirrors for the next year and take a long look in them”(Bradbury 164)(CD).

Granger’s use of figurative language reveals the hope that members of humanity will be able to take a thoughtful look at themselves and their history (CM). They now have the chance to learn from their mistakes; only by seeing a true reflection of themselves will they be able to avoid future horrors such as what they’d been living (CM).

Thus

, through the use of mirror and image metaphors in Fahrenheit 451, Bradbury reveals that humankind can only move forward and lean from past mistakes by maintaining a high level of clarity (CS).

31 points: 2 points per sentence and 1 point

per transitionsSlide54

Writing Process Steps

Shaping the Essay

Intros and ConclusionsSlide55

Essays

must be a minimum of 4 paragraphs including the following parts:

I: Intro 40+ wordsII: 1st body paragraph (100 + words)III: 2nd body paragraph (100 + words)IV: Concluding paragraph 40+ words)Slide56

Why Bother Writing A Good Introduction?

You never get a second chance to make a first impression

.

The opening paragraph of your paper will provide your readers with their initial impressions of your argument, your writing style, and the overall quality of your work. A vague, disorganized, error-filled, or boring introduction will probably create a negative impression. On the other hand, a concise, engaging, and well-written introduction will start your readers off thinking highly of your writing style and your paper.Your introduction is an important road map for the rest of your paper. Your introduction conveys a lot of information to your readers. You can let them know what your topic is, why it is important, and how you plan to proceed with your discussion. . After reading your introduction, your readers should not have any major surprises in store when they read the main body of your paper. Ideally, your introduction will make your readers want to read your paper.The introduction should capture your readers' interest, making them want to read the rest of your paper. Opening with a compelling story, a fascinating quotation, an interesting question, or a stirring example can get your readers to see why this topic matters and serve as an invitation for them to join you for an interesting intellectual conversation. Slide57

Shaping the Essay- terms to know

Intro Paragraphs

Need a

hook to get reader’s attention: anecdote / interesting or provocative statement / famous quotation, etc.Keep it brief—three or four full sentencesThesis is usually stated at the end of the intro.All CM – no CD!Must include the author & title of the book (italicized)Thesis shows your opinion about an arguable topic, but NEVER “In my opinion, I think, I firmly believe…”Slide58

Shaping the Essay- terms to know

ANT

method for Intro Paragraphs

Attention getterBridge sentenceNecessary Informationauthor & title of the book (italicized)Thesis statementSee notes THESIS STATEMENTS IN LITERARY ANALYSIS PAPERSSlide59

Shaping the Essay- terms to know

Bravery cannot exist where defense of the weak is easy.

Often, in order to help others, a hero must be willing to act in ways that are frightening. In Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry risks much so that he can be a champion for the underdog.This paper will answer the question, “What does Harry risk as a young wizard in training?”1st sentence = Attention getter/hook: broad statement not about the book specifically – but related to and about the topic of essay.2nd sentence = bridge: same. Clarifies the first sentence.3rd = necessary information and thesis.Slide60

Shaping the Essay-

Thesis

A thesis statement declares what you believe and what you intend to prove

A good thesis statement makes the difference between a thoughtful response to literature and a simple retelling of factsRoad map for the papertells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper.A thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself. The subject, or topic, of an essay might be World War II or Moby Dick; a thesis must then offer a way to understand the war or the novel.It should pass the So what? or Who cares? testSlide61

Shaping the Essay-

Thesis

Specific topic

+ Attitude/Angle/Argument = Thesis Your thesis statement should include two parts: WHAT and WHY. *WHAT: What claim are you making about the text? *WHY: Why should we care? Why is your claim important? Your thesis should answer the “so what?” question.Slide62

Shaping the Essay-

Thesis

A thesis statement is an assertion, not a statement of fact or an observation.

Fact or observation: People use many lawn chemicals. Thesis: People are poisoning the environment with chemicals merely to keep their lawns clean. A thesis statement is "a basic argument” that clearly articulates what the thesis or is expected to demonstrate Slide63

Examples of Literary Thesis Statements:

“Mark Twain’s

Huckleberry Finn is a great American novel.”

What’s wrong with this thesis statement? An opinion about the book, not an argument. “In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore.” Better? How so? What is still missing? Doesn’t answer the “so what?” question—what is the point of the contrast? What does the contrast signify? “Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twain’s Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of American ideals, one must leave ‘civilized’ society and go back to nature.” Even better? It presents an interpretation of a literary work based on an analysis of it content and answers the “so what” question.Slide64

Examples of Literary Thesis Statements:

“Edgar Allen Poe’s work was affected greatly by the current events of his life, covering his family life, his childhood, and his career; these events changed his style and subject of his works.”

What’s wrong with this thesis statement?

More questions than answers: Which works will be explored? What current events? What childhood or career events? How did Poe’s style change and WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?Slide65

Examples of Literary Thesis Statements:

“There is a lot of symbolism in

The Scarlet Letter.”

Bad? Why? “Hawthorne’s use of symbolism in The Scarlet Letter falters and ultimately breaks down with the introduction of the character Pearl.” Better? Why? Slide66

Examples of Literary Thesis Statements:

“The character of Ben in Arthur Miller’s

Death of a Salesman is a great [or important, or crucial, or unforgettable, etc.] character.”

What’s wrong with thesis? This does not say enough to serve as the basis for an essay. Besides, each of these judgments is entirely a matter of personal opinion because none of them define the criteria by which the judgment is being made. “Through Paul’s experience behind the lines, at a Russian prisoner of war camp, and especially under bombardment in the trenches Erich Maria Remarque realistically shows how war dehumanizes a man.” What can we anticipate that the author of this thesis will prove to us in the rest of the paper?Slide67

Examples of Literary Thesis Statements:

Which is the best thesis statement?

Moby-Dick

is about the problem of evil. Moby-Dick is boring and pointless. Moby-Dick is about a big, white whale.The symbolic use of “whiteness” in Moby-Dick illustrates the uncertainty about the meaning of life that Ishmael expresses throughout the novel. Slide68

Shaping the Essay- Concluding Paragraph

Concluding Paragraph

may sum up ideas, reflect on what was said in the essay, give more commentary, or a personal statement about the subject. ALL COMMENTARYDoes Not Repeat Keywords From The Paper Or Intro.

Gives A Finished Feeling To The EssaySlide69

Strategies for Writing an Effective Conclusion

Play the "So What" Game. If you're stuck and feel like your conclusion isn't saying anything new or interesting, ask a friend to read it with you. Whenever you make a statement from your conclusion, ask the friend to say, "So what?" or "Why should anybody care?" Then ponder that question and answer it. Here's how it might go:

You:

Basically, I'm just saying that education was important to Douglass. Friend: So what?You: Well, it was important because it was a key to him feeling like a free and equal citizen. Friend: Why should anybody care?You: That's important because plantation owners tried to keep slaves from being educated so that they could maintain control. When Douglass obtained an education, he undermined that control personally.You can also use this strategy on your own, asking yourself "So What?" as you develop your ideas or your draft.Return to the theme or themes in the introduction. This strategy brings the reader full circle. For example, if you begin by describing a scenario, you can end with the same scenario as proof that your essay is helpful in creating a new understanding. You may also refer to the introductory paragraph by using key words or parallel concepts and images that you also used in the introduction.Slide70

More Strategies for Writing an Effective Conclusion

Synthesize, don't summarize: Include a brief summary of the paper's main points, but don't simply repeat things that were in your paper. Instead, show your reader how the points you made and the support and examples you used fit together. Pull it all together.

Include a provocative insight or quotation from the research or reading you did for your paper.

Propose a course of action, a solution to an issue, or questions for further study. This can redirect your reader's thought process and help her to apply your info and ideas to her own life or to see the broader implications.Point to broader implications. For example, if your paper examines the Greensboro sit-ins or another event in the Civil Rights Movement, you could point out its impact on the Civil Rights Movement as a whole. A paper about the style of writer Virginia Woolf could point to her influence on other writers or on later feminists.Slide71

Strategies to Avoid in Your Conclusion

Beginning with an unnecessary, overused phrase such as "in conclusion," "in summary," or "in closing." Although these phrases can work in speeches, they come across as wooden and trite in writing.

Stating the thesis for the very first time in the conclusion.

Introducing a new idea or subtopic in your conclusion.Ending with a rephrased thesis statement without any substantive changes.Making sentimental, emotional appeals that are out of character with the rest of an analytical paper.Including evidence (quotations, statistics, etc.) that should be in the body of the paper.Slide72

Parts of the Essay

Introductory Paragraph

ANT method

Attention getter/hookNecessary InformationThesisBody ParagraphTopic sentenceCD = Support (hamburger patty)CM = Expansion

(lettuce)

CM = Expansion

(tomato)

CD = Support

(hamburger patty)

CM = Expansion

(cheese)

CM = Expansion

(pickles)

CD = Support

(hamburger patty)

CM = Expansion

(special sauce)

CM = Expansion

(catsup)

Concluding Sentence

Conclusion Paragraph