VWO 6 Writing an essay Class (2324)

VWO 6 - Writing
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Slide 1: Tekstslide
EngelsMiddelbare schoolvwoLeerjaar 6

In deze les zitten 28 slides, met interactieve quizzen en tekstslides.

time-iconLesduur is: 45 min

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VWO 6 - Writing

Slide 1 - Tekstslide

Last class
Yesterday we talked about: 
  • what is an essay?
  • what is an argumentative essay? 
  • what different parts are there in an essay? 


Slide 2 - Tekstslide

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

Slide 3 - Tekstslide

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.


Slide 4 - Tekstslide

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?'


Slide 5 - Tekstslide

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.

Slide 6 - Tekstslide

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.

Slide 7 - Tekstslide

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

Slide 8 - Tekstslide

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

Slide 9 - Tekstslide

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…

Slide 10 - Tekstslide

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. 

Slide 11 - Tekstslide

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. 
timer
10:00

Slide 12 - Tekstslide

Should violent video games be sold to minors?

Slide 13 - Open vraag

Do we really have equal rights for men and women?

Slide 14 - Open vraag

Should students be able to pick their teachers?

Slide 15 - Open vraag

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.

Slide 16 - Tekstslide

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.

Slide 17 - Tekstslide

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.

Slide 18 - Tekstslide

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.

Slide 19 - Tekstslide

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. 

Slide 20 - Tekstslide

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.

Slide 21 - Tekstslide

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.

Slide 22 - Tekstslide

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

Slide 23 - Tekstslide

Step 3: present your thesis statement
Write your thesis statement as discussed earlier

Slide 24 - Tekstslide

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.




Slide 25 - Tekstslide

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 .....

Slide 26 - Tekstslide

Today, we've...
...practised writing thesis statements
...practised writing introductions

Slide 27 - Tekstslide

Next class
Writing the body of your essay






Have a nice weekend! 

Slide 28 - Tekstslide