Introduction and Conclusion Paragraphs
October 05, 2016
Multi­Paragraph Expository Essay (Extended Response)
One Paragraph Essay vs. Multi­Paragraph Essay
(Extended Response)
(Short Answer)
1 Paragraph 4 or more Paragraphs None
Introduction Paragraph
Conclusion Sentence Conclusion Paragraph 1 Topic Sentence 2 Topic Sentences 2­3 Examples and Quotes 4­6 Text Examples and Quotes Connect the theme of Wisdom, Love, or Courage with one character from TWTTIN or The Wizard of Oz. Connect the theme of Wisdom, Love, or Courage with one character from TWTTIN and one character from The Wizard of Oz. Extended Response Outline
Introduction Paragraph
• Introduction Sentence
• Clarifying Sentence
• Thesis Statement One Paragraph Essay One Paragraph Essay Body Paragraphs
Conclusion Paragraph 1
Introduction and Conclusion Paragraphs
October 05, 2016
Sample ELA Writing Prompt
Compare and contrast how the main characters Tex and Bryon in S.E. Hinton's Tex and That Was Then, This Is Now demonstrate maturity over time. In your response, be sure to do the following:
• describe how Tex demonstrated maturity • describe how Bryon demonstrated maturity • describe similarities and/or differences in the way each character matured • use details from both passages in your response
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Introduction and Conclusion Paragraphs
October 05, 2016
Organization of Introduction Paragraph
a. Introduction Sentence: topic = wisdom, courage or love
b. Clarifying Sentences: add context to enhance the reader’s understanding of the topic’s complexity
c. Thesis (one sentence): after providing the title(s) and author(s), answer the writing prompt by indicating the two characters and theme(s) while adding a general, overarching reason.
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Introduction and Conclusion Paragraphs
October 05, 2016
Sample Introduction Paragraph
Many characters in literature demonstrate maturity and personal growth because of significant, life­changing events in a narrative. Maturity is a universal theme, because all readers can relate in some way to the process of getting older and becoming more responsible. With age, comes experience and wisdom, and wisdom helps characters and real people face life's daunting challenges with courage, grace, and integrity. In Tex and That Was Then, This Is Now, both by S.E. Hinton, Tex and Bryon demonstrated maturity over time because they bravely faced difficult obstacles and overcame them. 4
Introduction and Conclusion Paragraphs
October 05, 2016
Thesis and Topic Sentence
In Tex and That Was Then, This Is Now, both by S.E. Hinton, Tex and Bryon demonstrated maturity over time because they bravely faced difficult obstacles and overcame them. Overarching reason(s), not specific text examples
The thesis statement provides one or two overarching reasons for an essay's claim.
The topic sentence provides two or three specific text examples to support the claim of a body paragraph. In That Was Then, This Is Now, the protagonist and narrator, Bryon, demonstrated maturity over time because he helped Cathy find M&M, defended himself against the Texans, and turned Mark in to the police. Specific text examples, not overarching reasons
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Introduction and Conclusion Paragraphs
October 05, 2016
The Conclusion Paragraph
An effective conclusion paragraph succinctly, precisely, and compellingly synthesizes a response's claim with the most convincing pieces of text evidence presented and analyzed in the body paragraphs.
Claim/Thesis + Most Compelling Text Evidence = Conclusion
Do's:
1. Begin with a meaningful transition: Clearly, As a consequence, Consequently, As a result...
2. A conclusion paragraph should be from 2 to 5 sentences long. Any less, and you probably haven't explained your points enough; any more, and you're probably rambling on a bit too much. 3. Find a way to rework the thesis (using different language) in an interesting, sophisticated, and authoritative way, and connect the reworked thesis to the most significant pieces of text evidence. Don'ts:
1. Do NOT quote (unless a quote is the TOPIC of the prompt). Direct quotes belong in the body paragraphs; rather, paraphrasing text evidence in the conclusion demonstrates insightful understanding of the text.
2. Do NOT lead the reader astray with new material (no new ideas or content). Clearly explain how analysis of the text in the body paragraphs leads to a precise, logical conclusion about the TOPIC.
3. Do NOT simply restate or repeat your thesis.
4. Time Management Strategy: It is not necessary to repeat the title(s) and author(s). Titles and authors appear in the thesis, and titles often reappear in the topic sentences (for clarity); your reader hasn't forgotten. Repetition is not a reliable way to improve a response's sophistication or insightful analysis. Also, repetition takes time, which is better spent expressing compelling and substantive concluding ideas about the TOPIC. (Note: repetition of the title(s) and author(s) will not add or subtract points from an ELA response's overall score.)
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