Start essay writing

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 3

Cambridge Today 

Welcome everyone!

Today's goals 

After today's class, you...

• Know the purpose of an essay
• Can write a strong thesis statement
• Can discuss arguments with a classmate
• Know the basic outline of an essay

What is the purpose of an essay?

What is a thesis statement?

What is the basic structure of an essay?

Yes! An essay is a body of writing that persuades the reader of a thesis. 

Basic structure: 

• Introduction that finishes with a thesis statement. 
• Body: usually two arguments. Either two supporting arguments or one supporting and one counter. 
• Conclusion that starts with the thesis statement and a rephrased (!) summary of the arguments. 

Writing a thesis statement

One sentence

Take a stand

One main idea

Be specific

Activity: rewrite the thesis statement

You and everyone else should play sports. 

Many people think that the weekend should be longer. 

Because it improves social understanding, more people should read. 

School starts at 8:15. Do you agree or not? Write the thesis statement.

Do you think that secondary schools provide enough emotional support?
Write the thesis statement

Work together

The government urges schools to ban the use of phones. What do you think? 

 Discuss arguments with your speaking partner (in English, obviously) and write the outline of a possible essay. 

Outline: 

thesis statement, 

two arguments, 

conclusion. 

Essay prompt

Many people think zoos should close. What do you think? Think of a thesis, discuss arguments with your speaking partner (in English, obviously) and write the outline of a possible essay. 

Outline: Introduction, thesis statement, two arguments, conclusion. 

Today's goals 

After today's class, you...

• Know the basic outline of an essay
  
• Know the purpose of an essay
• Can discuss arguments with a classmate
• Can write a strong thesis statement
• Can construct a basic outline of an essay

I know the basic outline and the purpose of an essay

Check!

No check. I still need some help

I can write a thesis statement

Check!

No check yet