VWO 6 Writing an essay Class (2324)

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 6

VWO 6 - Writing

Last class

Yesterday we talked about: 

• what is an essay?
• what is an argumentative essay? 
• what different parts are there in an essay? 

Today

• how to write a thesis statement
• how to write an introduction 

Thesis statement

• A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up
  the central point of your paper or essay. 
  
  
• It usually comes near the end of your introduction.
  
  
• It should always clearly state the main idea you want to get across.
  
  
• Everything else in your essay should relate back to this idea.

Thesis statement

• Very important to remember: a thesis statement is a statement and thus not a question!!!
  
  
• You will give your answer to a question in your essay. 
  
  
• Our example question:
  'Has the internet had a positive or negative impact on education?'

How to write a thesis statement? 

Step 1: figure out your answer to the question asked/the matter at hand. This will be your temporary thesis statement. 

For instance: The internet has had more of a positive than a negative effect on education.

Step 1

• Figure out your answer to the question asked/the matter at hand.
  
  
• This will be your temporary thesis statement.
  
  
  
• Example:
  The internet has had more of a positive than a negative effect on education.

Step 2

• Consider why this is your answer 
  
  
• Think of how you will convince your reader to agree with you
  
  
• These will be your arguments which will appear in your body paragraphs

Step 3

• After having written your entire essay you will re-write your thesis statement and
  include your arguments in your thesis. 
  
  
• Example:
  The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education: the internet facilitates easier access to information, exposure to different perspectives, and a flexible learning environment for both students and teachers.
  
  
• These arguments are then worked out in your body paragraphs

Don't use announcements in your thesis

• The subject of this paper will be…
  
• I want to talk about…
  
• In this essay I want to express…
  
• My opinion of fast food restaurants is…
  
• This essay is about…
  
• I want to explain the…
  

Thesis statements - overview 

Important to remember: 

• Again, a thesis statement is not a question.
• A thesis statement needs to be specific.
• A thesis statement should show your opinion, and the points you are going to discuss in your essay. 

Thesis statement practise

For each of the following questions, try to think of an appropriate thesis statement. Think of the steps: first, answer the question, then consider why you believe this and how you are going to convince others of your viewpoint, then write a complete thesis including reasons why this is your statement. 

Should violent video games be sold to minors?

Do we really have equal rights for men and women?

Should students be able to pick their teachers?

What in an introduction? 

The introduction is the first paragraph of your essay. 

The main goals of your introduction are to: 

• catch your reader’s attention.
  
• give background on your topic.
  
• present your thesis—the central point of your essay.

How to write your introduction? 

The introduction is the first paragraph of your essay. 

The main goals of your introduction are to: 

• catch your reader’s attention.
  
• give background on your topic.
  
• present your thesis—the central point of your essay.

Step 1: hook your reader

• Your first sentence sets the tone for the entire essay. 
• Start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.
• Avoid overly broad claims or plain statements of fact.

Step 1: hook your reader

• Your first sentence sets the tone for the entire essay. 
• Start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.
• Avoid overly broad claims or plain statements of fact.

Examples

• Weak hook: Braille was an extremely important invention.
  
• Strong hook: The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability.
  
  
• The second hook is stronger because it doesn't just state a dry fact, but it states why this topic is important. 

Examples

• Weak hook: The internet is defined as “a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities.”
• Strong hook: The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education.
  
  
• Avoid using a dictionary definition as your hook, especially if it’s an obvious term that everyone knows.

Examples

• Weak hook: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a famous book from the nineteenth century.
• Strong hook: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement.
  
  
• Instead of just stating a fact that the reader already knows, the improved hook here tells us about the interpretation of the book.

Step 2: give background information

Give your reader the context they need to understand your topic and argument. This could include:

• Historical, geographical, or social context
  
• An outline of the debate you’re addressing
  
• A summary of relevant theories or research about the topic
  
• Definitions of key terms

Step 3: present your thesis statement

Write your thesis statement as discussed earlier

Introduction checklist

• My first sentence is engaging and relevant.
  
• I have introduced the topic with necessary background information.
  
• I have defined any important terms.
  
• My thesis statement clearly presents my main point or argument.
  
• Everything in the introduction is relevant to the main body of the essay.

What to do? 

Write an introduction of about 80 words about the following topic: 

Can a class size influence student performance? 

After writing your introduction, check it using the checklist.

Hand in through .....

Today, we've...

...practised writing thesis statements

...practised writing introductions

Next class

Writing the body of your essay

Have a nice weekend!