Essay writing lesson 2

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 3,4

Welcome

This lesson:

- You will learn more about how to write a three-point thesis       statement and writing a body paragraph.

- You will practise formulating a three-point thesis statement and writing a body paragraph.

News

Tomorrow will be a big day in the USA:

Joe Biden will be inaugurated.

Watch the video.

The title of this video is 'Biden's Inauguration Will Look Like No Other' but it will be different compared to other inaugurations. What are some differences?

What will be different to Biden's inauguration compared to previous inaugurations?

Activate your knowledge

Writing an essay:

• Introduction
• Thesis statement

Mention three different ways to start an introduction.

Introduction: 1

With recent studies showing that, on average, dog owners live up to 24% longer than those without canine companions, there's no doubt that a dog can have a range of physical and mental health benefits for its owner. These include a more active lifestyle, a social network of other pet owners, companionship, and a sense of purpose.

Introduction 2

Global climate change is a crisis that affects everyone, rich and poor, young and old. From rising ocean levels to increased temperature extremes, the world is changing for everyone. How will your life be different in the coming years?

Introduction 3

When I got home from school that day, my grandmother greeted me with a plate of cookies and a worried expression. I hadn't received the scholarship I needed to go to ballet camp, and we'd need to find another way to earn the money. That's when I started my business giving dance lessons to preschoolers, and it's taught me a lot about how to solve problems on my own.

A different name for the first part of the introduction (e.g. anecdote, question, surprising fact) is:

1. clincher
2. thesis statement
3. hook
4. transition

It is crucial that you use ... between the hook and the thesis statement

1. arguments
2. formal language
3. linking words
4. transitional phrases

Transitional phrase(s) = in black

"Working part-time as a cashier at the Piggly Wiggly has given me a great opportunity to observe human behavior. Sometimes I think of the shoppers as white rats in a lab experiment, and the aisles as a maze designed by a psychologist. Most of the rats—customers, I mean—follow a routine pattern, strolling up and down the aisles, checking through my chute, and then escaping through the exit hatch. But not everyone is so dependable. My research has revealed three distinct types of abnormal customer: the amnesiac, the super shopper, and the dawdler."

Which applies to the thesis statement?

1. provides a road map for your reader
2. draws the attention of your reader
3. wraps up your discussion
4. helps you in writing the essay

How to complete the thesis statement: " You should exercise everyday because it"

1. is good for your body and mind
2. reduces blood pressure, contributes to a healthy weight and improves mental fitness
3. contributes to a healthy weight, reduces blood pressures, is good for your mind and is fun to do
4. is healthy

Magic thesis formula:

claim (your position) because reason 1, reason 2 and reason 3

People should study a foreign language (claim/your position) because language learning strengthens the memory (reason 1), enlarges the vocabulary (reason 2) and builds an appreciation for foreign cultures (reason 3). 

Yesterday..

Today's teenagers have a harder time than their parents..

• Yesterday you thought of three reasons to support this statement before watching 'Writing ninjas'
• After the clip you created your own thesis statement
• They were briefly discussed afterwards
•  To see all your statements fill them in on the next page

Write down your thesis statement for: Today's teenagers have harder time than their parents

Three point thesis statement

Thesis formula: 

claim (your position) because reason 1, reason 2 and reason 3

Example of a topic: school uniforms

Next, make specific claim about the topic.

For example:  School uniforms should be mandatory.

Three reasons 

Think of three reasons to support the claim.

Examples: They make school safer, they promote school spirit, and they save parents money.

So, an example three-point thesis statement would be: 

School uniforms should be mandatory, because they make school safer, promote school spirit and save parents money.

Drag and drop

• On the next page you find a drag and drop exercise:
• How do the different aspects of the thesis statement relate to the body paragraphs? 

People should study a foreign language because language learning strengthens the memory, enlarges the vocabulary, and builds an appreciation for foreign cultures

Body paragraph 1

Body paragraph 2

Body paragraph 3

builds appreciation foreign cultures

strengthens memory

enlarges vocabulary

Create your thesis statement & intro

1. Create a thesis statement by using 'your reasons':

>> Todays teenagers have a harder time than their parents, because reason 1, reason 2 and reason 3

2. Now write your introduction: 

A. Start with a hook

B. Create a few transitional phrases 

C. End with your thesis statement

Writing a body paragraph

Each reason will explained in a body paragraph in which you will also provide evidence and examples to support that reason.

Introduction

body paragraph 1 > reason nr. 1

body paragraph 2 > reason nr. 2

body paragraph 3 > reason nr. 3

Conclusion

Example

On the next slide you'll read an example of a paragraph written according to the PEEL method.

It is about the question:

Should animals be kept in zoos?

Example: Should Animals Be Kept in Zoos? 

Next

Write a body paragraph 

about your first reason.

Use the PEEL method.