2. Thesis statement 2-4 related topics 3 or more supporting details for each topic 1. Include a formal outline:
3. No underlining, quotes or italics. Just center the thing and move on! Relates to the subject matter Tells the reader how broad the topic is (think like Goldilocks—neither too small or too large, but just right) The Internet—too broad Parental Block: Technology and Discipline—YES! 2. Assign an appropriate title:
4. Avoids announcing the assignment. My Opinion about Global Warming (NO) A Comparison of Men and Women (NO) The Truth About Global Warming (YES) Male and Female Approaches to Dating (YES) Avoids using another author’s title. “Sleep Debt and the Mortgaged Mind” is the title of an article written by Dement & Vaughan, not you!
5. See sample in LBBrief, p. 29, sect. 4C Use “describes,” “defines,” “argues,” “recalls” For example… “In the article ‘Searching for a Home,’ Whitt Brown explains (NOT “explained”)shelter procedures.” 3. Use present tense verbs:
6. 4. Include transitions between paragraphs: There are two ways of doing this: Work a transitional phrase into the first sentence of each paragraph.(see list in LBBrief p.56-7, sect 6B) *Don’t fall into the trap of using the same 3-4 favorite phrases in every essay. Please do not torture your teachers by using the tired old “first..next…last…in conclusion” pattern.
7. 2. Include a topic from the previous paragraph in the first sentence of this one. For example: Body paragraph one of an essay defending video games looks like this: Video games are an excellent way to improve hand-eye coordination. Researchers are becoming interested in this connection, and several studies have yielded interesting results. For example, an Ohio state poll of high school students revealed that over eighty percent of gamers reported an improvement in fine motor skills in related courses like typing class, computers, visual arts and physical education. Those who play video games regularly tend to do be better at fixing things, driving, construction and crafts as well. There seems to be no limit to the positive influences gaming can have on one’s small motor skills in other areas of life.
8. We just finished a paragraph about hand-eye coordination, so we mention that in the beginning of body paragraph two, like this: Hand-eye coordination is not the only skill that is improved through playing video games. Gamers also tend to be better at strategic thinking than those who do not indulge in this hobby.
9. Make sure to LIST all body paragraph topics. 6. Incorporate quotations smoothly: introduce each quotation with a signal phrase (Writing & Reading…p. 41-3) “Television time should be limited” (NO) According to Greg Smith, “Television time should be limited.” (YES) 5. Include a thesis statement in the introduction:
10. Yep, this means list those body paragraph topics again! 7. Restate the thesis in the conclusion
