MINI-WRITING LESSONESSAYS: FOCUS & STRUCTURE

I have my topic. Now what? • Strategies?

• Prewriting The outline• The destination

• Content• Making a Claim• Thesis

• Essay structure

S A M P L E S T R U C T U R E : O U T L I N E

I. Introductory Paragraph

II. Body ParagraphIII. Conclusion Paragraph

I. Introductory Para.A. Full name of author and work

B. Thesis: Make a claim

II. Body Para.A. Thesis Support One

A. Statement

B. Evidence: Quote/Paraphrase

C. Explanation

B. Support Two: Repeat

III. Conclusion A. No new claims introduced

B. Don’t simply re-state introduction

C. Step back an comment on wider implications; significance; “so-what” question

Sample Student Paper (670-72)

SAMPLE STRUCTURE: WEB

Evidence & Explanation

Evidence & Explanation

Evidence &Explanation

FOCUS

- Is your thesis the organizing idea of your paper?

- Does every sentence count? (Thesis.)