Essay Transitions and Conclusion

• English
• Secondary Education

Essay Transitions and Conclusion

Homework

Write the introduction for an essay about: 

Today's teenagers have a harder time than their parents

ESSAY INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPHS - PEER REVIEW 

• Read your partner's introduction paragraph: 
• Can you identify the following: 

 1. A hook/attention grabber (can be a statement, anecdote or a question). Y / N 
 2. The thesis statement: claim (your position) + reason (evidence) = thesis statement . Y / N 
 3. The 3 reasons which argue the statement. Y / N 

• Score your partner on the following: /10 

 1. The hook/attention grabber: Is it relevant to the topic? Is is well-written? /2  
 2. The thesis statement: is the claim stated clearly and is your partner's position clear? /1 
 3. 3 reasons: Have 3 reasons for this claim been given (evidence)? /3 
 4. Check for grammar, spelling and punctuation mistakes. /2 
 5. Is the introduction well-written and is it clear what the essay is about? /2 
                               

• Feedback: Give written feedback to your partner.

My Example

If I were given the choice between being a teenager now or 30 years ago, I’d take 30 years ago any day of the week. Today's teenagers definitely have a harder time than their parents did. Young people growing up today have more difficult challenges to navigate. These challenges would be more difficult for anyone, let alone for teenagers, who haven’t figured out who they are yet. (1) They’re living in a world completely different from the one their parents grew up in so they can’t rely on their parents' teenage experiences to guide them effectively. (2) In addition, their lives are constantly under a microscope and forever documented. (3) Moreover, teenagers are faced with never-ending exposure and (4) finally, we are asking teenagers to do too much with too little time.

Lesson plan

Look at transitional words

Some more practice on different transitional words

How to write a conclusion

Independent writing on your essay

Goals

- Use transitional words and phrases / signals

- Know how to write a concluding paragraph

Goals

English to Dutch Translation

contrast - contrast

emphasize - benadrukken 

cause and effect - oorzaak en gevolg

add information - toevoeging

Transitions Word Sorting Exercise and Writing Sentences with Transitions

1. Transitions sorting 1 - write the transitions in the correct column

2. Transition Exercise #2 - Circle all the transition words

3. Try answer questions 1-5.

https:

Check for transitions in your own text

Discuss the transitional words and phrases you have used in your own text with your partner.

Help each other find different ways to transition from one idea to another.

Conclusion

What is important to have in a conclusion?

Conclusion

In the concluding paragraph you need to:

1. Summarize what you wrote in your essay.

2. Re-state the thesis claim

3. End your essay in an interesting way.

Conclusion

Do not:

 - Add any new information

 - Point out every single point you have already made

Avoid using sentences such as:

"I'm no expert, but this is my opinion..."

Any questions?

Recap

Today, you have learned:

 - How to implement transitional words in your writing.

-  How to structure a conclusion.

- How to communicate ideas and teamwork.

- How to improve your own and others texts.

Get on with it!

1. Write the 3 body paragraphs of your essay.

2. Write the conclusion of your essay.

3. Include transitions in your essay.

4. Partner check: missing parts, spelling, grammar, punctuation.

5. Send your essay to me via teams.

Your essay should be around 400 words!

6. Begin your 'real' essay. Topic: The 3V English curriculum should be changed or Can war ever be justified?

Introduction: 

1. Interesting statement/fact, question or anecdote.

2. Thesis statement: 

Topic point-of-view and reasons/evidence.

Reason/Evidence 1

Reason/Evidence 2

Reason/Evidence 3

Conclusion:

1. Essay summary

2. Re-state thesis claim.

3. Interesting ending.

P/F Essay Topics

1. The 3V English curriculum should be changed.

2. Can war ever be justified?

Checklist:

• Your essay must be 400 - 500 words
  
• Introduction: anecdote/interesting fact or statement/question + thesis statement (topic point-of-view and state 3 reasons)
  
• Body paragraphs: 3 paragraphs explaining your 3 reasons
  
• Conclusion: Basic essay summary, thesis statement and interesting ending.