4A1/4H3 - Body of essay

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

Welcome 4H3!

Make sure to have something at hand to take notes on!

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. 

What two elements does a thesis statement consist of?

Thesis statement

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

Your road map must reflect both your arguments in favour of ánd against your thesis

1. True
2. False

Road map

A road map is a very short summary of the argument in favour of your thesis. It does not reflect your counterargument. 

What kind of language should you use in your thesis statement?

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)

What is a topic sentence, and where do you place it in an argumentative essay?

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 abody 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 ..

Thesis statement:
"Cats make excellent house pets as they are good companions and they are easy to care for."

Counterargument

• In your argumentative essay, you give 2 arguments in favour of your thesis, and your strengthen your claim by also providing 1 counterargument.
• You must always refute your counterargument (provide a reason why this counterargument is, in fact, not true) 
• Counterargument / refutation doesn't need to be part of your road map (only 2 arguments in favour of your thesis)

BODY PARAGRAPHS

Paragraph 2:

Argument in favour of (strongest)

Paragraph 3: 

Argument in favour of 

Paragraph 4:

Counterargument + refutation

BODY PARAGRAPHS

Paragraph 2:

Argument in favour of (strongest)

Paragraph 3:

Counterargument + refutation

Paragraph 4:

Argument in favour of

What linking words can you use to introduce a counterargument?

Linking words to introduce counterargument

• However
• Nevertheless
• On the other hand
• One could argue ..., but ...
• Although it is true that ..., it would be wrong to claim that ...

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

Write the body of your essay in Class Notebook:

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

2. Write one paragraph with a counterargument and refutation

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

4. Around 50-75 words per paragraph 

(This is homework for next Friday!)

Homework

Do not forget to study and do the exercises for grammar topic 4, 6 and 7: phrasal verbs, future tenses, auxiliary verbs for tomorrow! 

>> Hand in via ELO before the start of tomorrow's lesson

Keys to Topics 1, 2, 3, and 5 are now online on ELO (Studiewijzers  > Grammar Group Teaching)

GRAMMAR TEST: TUESDAY 15 DECEMBER

What is the difference between a thesis statement and a topic sentence?

What three elements should be present in a topic sentence?