Intro to Essay Writing 28-01

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 4

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Today

At the end of the lesson you'll be able to:

• Identify the different parts of an argumentative essay
• Explain what a thesis statement is 
• Write an effective thesis statement
• Evaluate your own thesis statement (and the thesis statement's of others)
  

Argumentative Essay

What is an argumentative essay?

•  In an argumentative essay a writer tries to convince the readers of a certain point of view.
  
• The writer gives arguments for and (sometimes) against this point of view.
  
• An argumentative essay usually consists of 5 paragraphs: introduction, 3 body paragraphs, conclusion.
  

Questions?

Let's do a little exercise!

Introduction

Body

Conclusion

More and more countries and cities ban smoking in public places. Even  though  people  continue  debating  the  pros  and  cons  of  the  smoking  issue,  the reality  is  that  a  ban  is  the  most  appropriate decision  in  case  of  smoking  in  public  areas.

First of all, smoking, even outdoors, can cause various health problems, such as bronchial infections and asthmatic attacks even in non-smokers.

Smoking hurts our environment. That’s a fact. In addition to the fact that smoking is harmful to you and your  family  members,  it  actually  hurts  our  ecosystem  with  all  of  its  inhabitants.  All  the  plastic  filters, cigarette butts, and other elements of smoked cigarettes tend to pollute waterways, soil, and beaches.

In  conclusion,  it  is  clear  from  everything  discussed  above  that  smoking  should  be  labeled  illega lin  all public  places  all  over  the  globe.  As  a  result,  this  would  improve  the  state  of  health  of  every  person  or animal, and that is more than enough.

In addition tit is important to mention the costs. The point is that smoking is like a financial trap for every person addicted to nicotine.

How to write an argumentative essay?

•  You start by thinking of a topic for your essay.
  
• What do you know already? -> Brainstorm
  
• What do you want to know? -> Research
  
• What is your position on this topic?
  
• Write a thesis statement
  

What is a thesis statement?

• A sentence in which you present the point of view of your essay.
  
• Characteristics of a thesis statement:
  

- Contains the topic of your essay

- Is not a fact, but a point of view on the topic

- A sentence at the end of the introduction

- Gives some specific arguments that will be explored in the rest of the essay.

• A thesis statement is not a question or an opinion (so, do not use I/we/I think)
  

Questions?

Review: What is a thesis statement?

Is this a good or a bad thesis statement:
"Pollution is bad for the environment"

1. Good
2. Bad

Good or bad?
"America's anti-pollution efforts should focus on cars because it would allow most citizens to contribute to these efforts and care about the outcome."

1. Good
2. Bad

Now it's your turn!

•  Write a thesis statement for the topic that you chose for your practice essay.
  
• Think about the characteristics of a thesis statement: Contains the topic, not a fact, but a point of view, and includes arguments that will be adressed in the rest of the essay.
  

• Words you can use: Should & Because
• Finished? Find a friend and check each other's thesis statement, give feedback and revise! (You can talk/chat in the zoom, or use whatsapp).
  
• Afterwards you will share your thesis statement with the rest of the class.
  

What is your thesis statement?

Lesson Goals

At the end of the lesson you'll be able to:

• Identify the different parts of an argumentative essay

•  Explain what a thesis statement is

•  Write an effective thesis statement
• Evaluate your own thesis statement (and the thesis statement's of others)
  

What did you think of this lesson? Was it helpful? Did you learn something?

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Next week and homework:

•  Continue with "A Midsummer's Night Dream"
• Discuss test/credits
  
• Homework: Read to page 65 in A King of Shadows