Essay Writing 2.0

Essay Writing 2.0
You remember the basic rules for essay writing
You know how to formulate a thesis statement
You know how to formulate arguments
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Slide 1: Slide
EngelsMiddelbare schoolvwoLeerjaar 3

This lesson contains 16 slides, with interactive quizzes and text slides.

Items in this lesson

Essay Writing 2.0
You remember the basic rules for essay writing
You know how to formulate a thesis statement
You know how to formulate arguments

Slide 1 - Slide

What does SExI mean again?

Slide 2 - Mind map

What is a topic sentence?

Slide 3 - Open question

Thesis Statement
What: the very basis of your essay: what you will be arguing
Where: At the end of your introduction
How: By formulating a sentence that contains a topic and a claim

Slide 4 - Slide

Slide 5 - Slide

Topic + claim
High school should be mandatory
Abortion is amoral and should be illegal
Atticus Finch is a good parent.

Slide 6 - Slide

Sooo what are the components of a thesis statement?

Slide 7 - Open question

Don't
  • Argue facts (Scout Finch is only a child)
  • Argue something you cannot prove (These blue socks are the prettiest socks I own)
  • Start with "In this essay, I will.." (instead: just state what you want to state).

Slide 8 - Slide

What would be a good thesis statement about the topic "mental health"?

Slide 9 - Open question

Example:
Thesis statement: school uniforms should be required in all schools in the Netherlands.
Argument 1: They take away socio-economical differences
Argument 2: They encourage school spirit
Argument 3: They save parents and students money and time

Slide 10 - Slide

And then?
Once you have formulated your thesis statement you can start developing your arguments.
Every argument should get its own paragraph. For the TKAMB essay, that means 3 arguments/body paragraphs
Each argument should be directly linked to the thesis statement.

Slide 11 - Slide

From argument to topic sentence
Your topic sentences (in body paragraphs) should state your argument but also be a stand alone sentence that guides your reader through the essay. It should "summarise" your whole paragraph. DO NOT use "they" or "he" initially.
They take away socio-economical differences = First of all, school uniforms make it harder to see socio-economical differences, hence creating a more equal environment.

Slide 12 - Slide

Turn the second argument into a topic sentence:
They encourage school spirit

Slide 13 - Open question

Keeping your essay focused
  • For every paragraph / argument, ask yourself: Does this link back to the thesis statement? Is it relevant to prove my point made in the thesis statement.
  • No? -> change either  the statement or the argument!
  • Within every paragraph, ask yourself: Is what I'm saying here relevant to the topic sentence? Does it explain or illustrate the argument made in the topic sentence?
    No? -> change either the topic sentence or your content 

Slide 14 - Slide

Essay Writing 2.0
You remember the basic rules for essay writing
You know how to formulate a thesis statement
You know how to formulate arguments

Slide 15 - Slide

Homework
For Friday, complete the essay writing plan (see Teams) for your practice essay. You can write about any topic you want. Use  texts from Wasp Reporter to inspire you if necessary. Note: we're focusing more on structure now than on content!

Slide 16 - Slide