VWO 6 Writing an essay Class 3 (2324)

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 6

VWO 6 - Writing Class 3

Last class

Friday we talked about: 

• what is a thesis statement?
• how to write an introduction  

Today

Class work

- review written thesis statements 

- how to write topic sentences

- how to construct your body paragraphs

Individually

- make an essay outline

- practise writing a body paragraph

Review thesis statements 

What is a topic sentence? 

The topic sentence expresses what the paragraph is about. It should include two key things: 

• The topic of the paragraph
  
• The central point of the paragraph.
  
  
• The topic sentence basically is an argument to support the viewpoint you've presentend in the thesis statement. 

In what order do you write? 

• As said before, the first step is to write your thesis statement. In this process, you ask yourself why this is your point of view and how  you are going to persuade your readers.
  
  
• With this information, you are going to construct an essay outline. 

In what order do you write? 

• As said before, the first step is to write your thesis statement. In this process, you ask yourself why this is your point of view and how  you are going to persuade your readers.
  
  
• The 'why' in this case are going to be your topic sentences.
• The 'how' are going to be your evidence and everything with which you prove your argument to be correct (the rest of your body paragraph). 
  
  
• With this information, you are going to construct an essay outline. 

I. Introduction   

          A. Hook

          B. Background information

          C. Thesis statement

II. Paragraph 1

          A. Topic sentence

          B. Evidence and/or examples

III. Paragraph 2 (same as paragraph 1)

IV. Paragraph 3 (same as paragraph 1) 

V. Conclusion

          A. Summary

          B. Significance

          C. Strong closing sentence 

Essay outline

Brainstorm

First you brainstorm. Just write down whatever you can think of.

Then, you use this information to research the subject, and construct proper arguments. 

Writing an essay is a continuous process

• Similarly to your thesis statement, topic sentences can change throughout the writing process. 
• Make sure you always re-read your entire essay at the end, and re-write if necessary.
• Most importantly: make sure every topic sentence eventually relates back to your thesis statement! 

How to write the body paragraphs? 

• After having thought of a thesis statement, constructing a (temporary) thesis statement and (temporary) topic sentences, you start writing your body paragraphs. 
  
  
• First, just brainstorm about whatever you can think of relating to each argument. 
  
  
• Research online for evidence/facts/examples that support your argument. Think of how you are going to prove that your argument is correct. 

How to write the body paragraphs? 

• In writing your body paragraphs you are going to use the TEXAS paragraph outline. 
• This will help you keep your essay structured and clear; it also helps you to write a good essay. 

How to write the body paragraphs? 

• In writing your body paragraphs you are going to use the TEXAS paragraph outline. 
  
  
• This will help you keep your essay structured and clear; it also helps you to write a good essay. 

How to write the body paragraphs? 

TEXAS - method

• Topic: you are going to state your topic sentence (1 sentence)
• Explain: give more information about the topic you are going to discuss, make sure everything is clear (2 or 3 sentences) 
• Example: give a fact or quote that supports your argument. You are going to have to quote and/or cite your source. This has to be a legitimate source, cannot be Wikipedia
  (1 or 2 sentences)
• Analysis: explain how your 'example' backs up your argument (This shows that...)
  (2 or 3 sentences)
• Summary: state your main argument again in different words (Therefore...) (1 sentence) 

How to write the body paragraphs? 

Tips: 

• Just start writing! Use the information and write your paragraph. Don't worry too much about sentences that seem odd or out of place, you can always change everything in the writing process. 
  
  
• Finished writing? Read through your paragraph. Does it flow logically? And, most importantly, does it relate back to your thesis statement? 
  
  
• Never just delete a big part before you finished writing your entire essay. You never know if you might need the information later on. 

Checklist body paragraphs

Ask yourself the following questions for each body paragraph: 

• Does the reader need to know this in order to understand or accept my thesis?
  
• Does this give evidence for my thesis?
  
• Does this explain the reasoning behind my thesis?
  
• Does this show something about the consequences or
  importance of my thesis?

What to do? 

Again consider the topic: 

Can a class size influence student performance? 

You already wrote an introduction and have thought of a thesis statement. 

Now, make an essay outline and then write a body paragraph of about 110 words. 

Hand both in through Magister.learn. 

Today

... we have talked about topic sentences and body paragraphs. 

... you've learned what the TEXAS method is

... you've practised writing a body paragraph

Next class

Continue with body paragraphs

Have a nice day!