5V1 - Body of essay

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

Welcome 5V1

Lesson plan

1. Recap of thesis statement
2. Theory on body of essay 
3. Write body of essay

Goal: At the end of class, you can plan and write the body of your essay based on your thesis statement. 

Thesis statement

Thesis statement: thesis (opinion) + road map (reasons)

Road map

A road map is a very short summary of the argument in favour of your thesis.  

Language

In your thesis statement you should use DEFINITIVE and STRONG language such as strong modals (should, must, have to) or comparatives/superlatives (better than, the best)

Topic sentence

A topic sentence is the first sentence of your body paragraph, in which you present the argument that you will develop in that paragraph. 

Your topic sentences reflect the arguments in your road map: they are more elaborate versions of those arguments. 

Thesis statement vs. topic sentence

A thesis statement tells what the entire essay is about.

Position: last sentence of introduction

A topic sentence tells what a body paragraph is about

Position: first sentence of body paragraphs

Thesis statement to topic sentence

Physical punishments must be banned, because it is against the person's rights, and does not make the person happier.

The first reason why physical punishments must be forbidden is because these punishments violate the constitutional rights of the person who is being punished. 

Secondly, physical punishments have to be prohibited because it has been proven that it does not make the child more peaceful and happier. 

Linking words to introduce arguments

 Some useful linking words to introduce/sum up arguments:

• The first/second/third reason why..
• Another reason why ... / Another important point is ...
• First / Secondly / Thirdly ..
• Moreover / Furthermore / Additionally / In addition to...
• Not only .. but also ..

BODY PARAGRAPHS

Paragraph 2:

Argument in favour of (strongest)

Paragraph 3: 

Argument in favour of 

Paragraph 4:

Conclusion

Body paragraphs

Linking word > Topic sentence > Explanation > Details / Examples

Also use linking words within your paragraphs, e.g. to introduce an example: for example, for instance, an example of this is, this can be illustrated by, such as

or to introduce a citation: according to X, X tells us/shows that ..., as X stated/wrote/argued/discussed.. 

Assignment

1. Go on the Internet and find an English newspaper article about a topic that interests you, and you have a strong opinion on. 
2. Read the article carefully to familiarize yourself with the topic.
   
3. Formulate one thesis (stelling) that reflects your opinion. Specify the topic of your article.

What is the topic of your article, and what is your thesis?

Assignment

1. Write the introduction of your essay:

2. Write also two paragraphs with topic sentences, explanations of your arguments including examples or details

4. Make sure it is a coherent whole > use linking words!!

5. Around 50-75 words per paragraph 

(This is homework for next class!)