Essay writing CTV3b

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 3

Good morning!

Today's grammar lesson:

Essay writing

Grab your notebook/ a piece of paper to write!

After today's lesson you:

• Are able to write an essay
• Know the basic structure of an essay
• Are able to use proper language in an essay

What do you know about essay writing?

Essay structure

How does an essay look?

Thesis Statement

One sentence that expresses the main idea of your essay.

It is not a fact, it should be debatable.

Fact: Abortion is legal in The Netherlands

Thesis Statement: Abortion should become illegal in The Netherlands.

Create a Thesis (Practice)

Topic: School Uniforms?

1) Are you for or against wearing school uniforms? Decide on your opinion.

Ask yourself these questions as the basis for your brainstorm:

- Would you want to wear a school Uniform? Why/why not?

- Why might schools choose to have a school uniform?

What are some of the cons (nadelen) of wearing a school uniform?

What are some of the pros (voordelen) of wearing a school uniform?

What would be your thesis statement for this topic (school uniforms)?

Topic Sentences

Your argument in one sentence.

Example: Having to wear school uniforms does not allow students to find their own style.

Turn this into a topic sentence:
School uniforms: equality.

Turn this into a topic sentence:
School uniforms: rich & poor.

Build-a-Burger

Introduction

Main goal: Introducing the topic and grabbing the interest of the reader.

TIPS FOR WRITING THE INTRODUCTION

1. It needs to include a thesis statement.

2. It should introduce the topic.

3. It has to provide an overview of the paper.

Second, Third, & Fourth Paragraph

Main goal: Providing details, such as facts, quotes, examples & statistics.

TIPS FOR WRITING THE INTRODUCTION

1. Each paragraph needs a topic sentence.

2. The rest of the paragraph gives examples and evidence.

Conclusion

Main goal: Concluding the essay

TIPS FOR WRITING THE INTRODUCTION

1. Restate (herhaal) your thesis statement in different words.

2. Explain how each body paragraph supports the thesis statement.

DO NOT give new information in the conclusion

Assignment

Now, (on paper) you'll be writing your own short essay about school uniforms using only  2 arguments.

Use your thesis statement from before, or one of these!

Pro: School uniforms make students feel equal, improve focus, and build school community.

Against: Uniforms limit expression, cost too much, and don’t stop bullying.

Hand in your papers 

(even if you're not finished)

That's it, see you next week!

See you next week