Wednesday, September 3

Today we discussed what items belong in an essay as well as types of essays. The notes were brief and are contained below: The purpose of this class was to: Identify types of essays, understand and agree on the basic format, and understand what a thesis is (and arguable opinion) as well as main points and evidence.

In order to write an essay, one must have a TOPIC and a position/opinion about that topic.. and it MUST BE ARGUABLE (law and order approach)

Purpose of essays:
1. To Teach (about something) Expository
2. To Defend (about an issue)
3. To Pass a test!!!! (often critical analytical)
4. To communicate on an informal level
(conversational)
5. To analyze (often critical analytical)

Layout of an essay

Introductory paragraph
Includes
Thesis: is an opinion that is arguable
Three main points of opinion that you are
going to try to prove with evidence/facts

Body paragraph one
One main point of the argument
Three pieces of evidence to support it
The pieces connected to main idea!!!!!

Body paragraph two
Second point of the argument
Three pieces of evidence to support it
The pieces connected to main idea!!!!!

Body paragraph three
Third point of the argument
Three pieces of evidence to support it
The pieces connected to main idea!!!!!

Conclusion
Includes
Summary of all three points and thesis
A tie-in to your best evidence