Essay Writing 2.0

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• Middelbare school
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• Leerjaar 3

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

What does SExI mean again?

What is a topic sentence?

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. 

Topic + claim

High school should be mandatory

Abortion is amoral and should be illegal

Atticus Finch is a good parent.

Sooo what are the components of a thesis statement?

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).

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

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

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.

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.

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

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 

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

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!