DO NOW 1 Copy down homework and hand

DO NOW: (1) Copy down homework and hand in movie poster (2) Table Captains: Hand out Writing Folders (3) Choose one of the articles on your table to read to yourself. Read to see how these graduates overcame personal obstacles to prepare for the real-world. (4) Add to vocabulary section: fumigated: to apply smoke for the purpose of of destroying pests (verb) condemned: to declare to be unfit for use (verb) 1

Today’s Learning Goal: Copy today’s Learning Goal on your Goal Sheet in your Writing Folder (Don’t forget to write down today’s date) ü Identify key characteristics of an essay ü Draft a thesis statement with three specific ingredients December 17, 2012 2

Today’s Learning Goal: q. What do I already know about writing essays ? q What important things/strategies did I learn? q. What do I already know about thesis statements? QUESTIONS I STILL HAVE:

A life with no obstacles would certainly be most people’s dreams come true. Imagine living life with no problems! However, living a life with no obstacles is not realistic. Explain some obstacles in your life that you have had to overcome to be the person you are today and to eventually become a successful adult. Use details and examples in your essay.

Essay Writing 101 Mrs. Stoller 7 th Grade LAL

Definition • An ESSAY is a relatively short, nonfiction piece of writing. • It is made up of paragraphs that support ONE idea. • Its format is like a paragraph, but on a larger scale. While a PARAGRAPH has a main idea expressed in a topic sentence, an ESSAY has a main point presented in a thesis statement.

An analogy for you… Paragraph : Topic Sentence Essay : ? ? ? ? Thesis Statement

Types of Essays • Informal Essays – a short composition that deals with one particular subject. It is usually told from a personal point of view and is sometimes humorous. • Formal Essays – a longer composition that is serious in tone and intent.

Parts of an Essay 1. Title – It catches the reader’s interest and reveals something (NOT EVERYTHING) about the essay’s topic. Example: Obtainable Obstacles

How do I punctuate an essay’s title? • Because an essay is a shorter piece of work, we italicize it. • Other examples of pieces of literature that we put in italics – – – - Collections of songs Poems Short Stories Plays Newspapers Magazines

Parts of an Essay 2. Introduction – This is the first paragraph, and it presents the BROAD topic and any background information. It also leads into the SPECIFIC thesis statement. What’s a thesis statement?

Parts of an Essay 3. Thesis Statement – This is the main point that the writer wants to develop in the essay. It is usually one sentence at the end of the introduction. *A thesis is like a thread for your reader and a magnet for you as the writer.

The THESIS tells the reader what you will be writing about and helps readers follow along. A thesis statement must be clear so readers understand the focus, direction, & purpose of the writing.

Parts of an Essay 4. Supporting Paragraphs – These are two or more paragraphs that present specific supporting information to develop the main point (thesis statement). Each paragraph focuses on one aspect or sub-topic of the main point. They should be organized in a logical order.

Parts of an Essay 5. Conclusion – This is the final paragraph that reminds the reader of thesis statement. It ends the essay with a final example, an incident, a striking quotation, or a clever statement that is known as a “CLINCHER. ”

FINAL THOUGHTS… The title, introduction, thesis statement, supporting paragraphs, and conclusion, all work together to present and support the essay’s main point. Opinions can be expressed in an essay if you support them with facts.

Candy Graphic Organizer

What do I need to get started? • Topic = broad idea • Thesis = narrow, specific idea

What are some broad ideas? • • Sports Fashion Board games Education

Examples from Broad to Specific • Sports Soccer Best soccer game I’ve ever been to • Fashion in the 1920’s Women’s evening wear fashion in the 1920’s • Board games The game of LIFE how the game of Life was created • Education Middle school education how technology is used in middle school education

What are some MORE specific and MOST specific topics for the following? • • • Birthdays… 5 th Birthday… Party at Discovery Zone Nutrition Greece Food Entertainment

LAL Essay • Broad topic = Obstacles • More specific topic = Obstacles in life • Most specific topic = Obstacles are necessary in life for us to become the person we are today and to eventually become a successful adult.

Three Ingredients of your LAL THESIS STATEMENT 1) People have to face many obstacles in their lives such as _____ 2) List Three BROAD obstacles that you have faced in your life. 3) ; these obstacles have helped me because ______ Ø You can change this last phrase around if needed – make sure that your tenses agree (present – present OR past Ø Make sure this phrase reflects back to your obstacles

Thesis Statement TOO BROAD example: Ø People have to face many obstacles in their lives such as school, work, and accidents; these obstacles have helped me because I have been able to face these challenges head on and work to find a solution to overcome them which have made me a better person today.

Thesis Statement example: People have to face many obstacles in their lives such as making mistakes on their math tests, failing their driver’s tests, and having fights with their best friends; these obstacles have helped me because I have been able to face these challenges head on and work to find a solution to overcome them which have made me a better person today. Too Specific!

What are you proving? ü That obstacles are REALLY necessary in your life to become successful.

How are you proving this? • Mixture of formal & informal essay • Mixture of personal narrative & persuasive writing • With an enthusiastic tone • 1 - 2 pages • 4 -5 paragraphs: introduction, two to three supporting paragraphs (body), conclusion

Thesis Statement example: Ø People have to face many obstacles in their lives such as having a speech impairment, coming from a family whose parents divorced, and being short for their age; these obstacles have helped me because I have been able to face these challenges head on and work to find a solution to overcome them which have made me a better person today.

DO NOW: December 20, 2012 (1) Copy down Homework (2) Take out your Thesis Statement Paper and Prewrite Sheet. (3) Today, you will work on revising and finalizing your Thesis Statement. Fill-out your Thesis statement paper and hand in to me before the end of the period. Copy your finalized thesis statement onto your Essay Outline Handout before handing it in where it says “Thesis. ” (4) Make sure you have signed it and a peer has read and signed it as well. (5) When you are done with this, you may begin filling in your reasons and supporting details. Make sure your reasons and details don’t overlap! 29

DO NOW: January 3, 2013 (1) Happy New Year and Welcome Back – I’m glad to be back (2) Copy down Homework (3) Take your Thesis Statement Paper from the middle of your table. If yours is not there, then you did not do one or hand one in. See me during lunch or before the end of the day, so I can explain this to you! (4) Read my notes carefully, but do NOT do anything yet! If your name is highlighted at the top of your paper, then your thesis statement is approved! (5) Wait for directions! (6) If you were absent before break and never checked the baskets by the bulletin boards for your work, check them now, and get your missing work! 30

Thesis Statement Review § Follow the THREE ingredients word for word § When listing the obstacles – obstacle one , obstacle 2 , and obstacle 3 § Obstacles are problems that people have faced (life challenges that people have had to overcome) [Generalize then Personalize] § Injuries are not obstacles – they are something that has happened to you § Climbing mountains are not obstacles – they are a personal challenge § NOT TOO BROAD = failing tests – might change to preparing for tests or studying skills; yelling in family – might change to learning to get along with brother § NOT TOO NARROW = failing a math test – might change to

Three Ingredients of your LAL THESIS STATEMENT 1) People have to face many obstacles in their lives such as _____ 2) List Three BROAD obstacles that you have faced in your life. [Generalize] 3) ; these obstacles have helped me because ______ [Personalize] Ø You can change this last phrase around if needed – make sure that your tenses agree (present – present OR past Ø Make sure this phrase reflects back to your obstacles

Study Island Assignment • Study Island – Thesis Assignment – Due tomorrow evening so I can check ALL thesis statements over the weekend! – Not in by Friday evening, then I cannot check it, and you will be behind! – Remember – YOUR thesis statement is your MAGNET and the most important piece of your essay! Without it, you cannot move on! – Essay Writing #101 PPT is on my webpage under the tab Explanatory Writing!

Distribution of Papers & New YEAR Policy • Hand back papers • IF you receive a Progress Report, it must be signed and brought back to me tomorrow! • Clean out Reading section of binders • REMINDERS… ALL absent work {class work and homework} MUST be made up within a reasonable time period! (3 days = 3 days) – Was counting as a “missing grade” = 50% – From now on will count as an “incomplete grade” = 0% • Students who DO NOT complete homework! • If not reviewed in class – One day late = 80% of grade or grade dropped to one grade lower • If reviewed in class – handed in the following day = Missing (50%) – NOT handed in following day = Incomplete (0%)

TIME? Work on Thesis Statements

objectives TODAY’S GOALS 1. Fill-out Clock Partner Sheets – wait for directions 2. Lead: • Mini-Lesson • Draft / Self Check • Peer Check [9: 00 Partner] Anchor Activity: IR 36

Today’s Learning Goal: Copy today’s Learning Goal on your Goal Sheet in your Writing Folder (Don’t forget to write down today’s date) ü To incorporate effective components of leads into an essay lead January 7, 2013 37

Do Now January 8, 2013 • Copy your homework • Take out your Lead and Thesis Statement [Opening Paragraph] and leave on your table Homework: Complete the graphic organizer (outline) and bring back tomorrow for your explanatory essay. Do NOT fill-in the Closing Transitional Sentence lines.

SELF / LEAD CHECK (Clock Buddy 6: 00) • Have you used one of the leads learned in class? • Do you start with a broad topic? Is your first sentence attention-grabbing, original, and creative? • Do you move to a more specific topic before talking about your specific obstacles? • Have you avoided phrases like “That is why…” or “I choose…” or “I think…” and 2 nd person POV “you”? • Does your thesis statement appear as the last sentence in your opening paragraph? • Does your thesis statement have three reasons(obstacles)?

Essay Outline • Work on your essay outline for the remainder of the class period. – Whatever you do not finish, finish for homework and bring back tomorrow completed.

objectives TODAY’S GOALS 1. Essay Outline: • Student • Peer Review [6: 00 Partner] Anchor Activity: IR 41

OUTLINE CHECK (peer) • Have you used one of the three obstacles as each sub-topic? • Do you start each body paragraph with a hook that is not just “For my first reason…? ” Is your first sentence attention-grabbing and original? • Do you give specific details that support your obstacle and how you overcame it? • Have you avoided phrases like “That is why…” or “You know what I mean…” or “Well…. . ”? • Do you have a closing sentence that reminds us of your obstacle and how you overcame it without just repeating what you said?

REMEMBER: USE YOUR THESIS STATEMENT AS A MAGNET!!!!! Ø Every body paragraph should be a sub-topic to prove why your obstacles have helped you become the person you are today! (reflect – ingredient #3) Ø Every supporting detail should be specific about WHY and HOW these obstacles have helped you become the person you are today! (reflect – ingredient #3) Ø

objectives TODAY’S GOALS 1. Students will use Essay Outlines to write body paragraphs of essay during Writer’s Workshop 2. Come in with a typed copy (double-spaced) of your essay by Monday, January 14 th 3. Save each draft as Draft # ___ with a date Anchor Activity: IR 44

AMPLE BODY PARAGRAPH: Thesis: People have to face many obstacles in their lives such as having a speech impairment, coming from a family whose parents divorced, and being short for their age; these obstacles have helped me because I have been able to face these challenges head on and work to find a solution to overcome them which have made me a better person today. The fact that I had a speech impairment when I was younger was a problem that went unrecognized. My parents just thought that I was immature for my age and was told that I had “baby speech” which I would eventually grow out of. Unfortunately, this was not to be, and soon my peers and what I assumed were my friends were making fun of me! This small obstacle made me realize that I needed to take control of my life. I began to make fun of myself and became the class comedian instead of the class victim. In the meantime, my parents had done their own research and realized that it wasn’t “baby speech” after all; it was a lisp that I had developed due to numerous ear infections as an infant. After several years of intensive speech therapy, I no longer have a speech impairment and recognize it for what it was; a life obstacle that provided me my warped sense of humor that I have been told I now possess.

DO NOW: (1) Same seats as yesterday. (2) Copy down HW. (3) Take out your printed copy of essay. (4) On the top of your essay, write down one question or concern you have about your writing piece. HW CHECK: Lead & Body Paragraphs 46

Today’s Learning Goal: Copy today’s Learning Goal on your Goal Sheet in your Writing Folder (Don’t forget to write down today’s date) ü Students will incorporate transitions into essay given notes on transitions. ü Students will incorporate smiley-face tricks into essays January 2013 47

DO NOW: (1) Sit next to your 12: 00 Clock (2) Partner Copy down HW. (3) Set up a Double-Sided Notes page for CONCLUSIONS. HW CHECK: Draft of entire essay 48

objectives TODAY’S GOALS 1. MINI-LESSON: CONCLUSIONS • Use notes to revise conclusion • Elaboration – Do you support with SPECIFIC examples? • Add two more smiley face tricks • Word choice/vocab – Aim: 2 more vocab words! Anchor Activity: IR 49

Today’s Learning Goal: Copy today’s Learning Goal on your Goal Sheet in your Writing Folder (Don’t forget to write down today’s date) ü Identify key characteristics of conclusions ü Apply one of the conclusions to our essay January 2013 50

objectives TODAY’S GOALS 1. Mini-lesson: Parallel Structure 2. Peer Revision using Peer Feedback Sheet [12: 00 Partner] – Look for Parallel Structure errors and other revision errors and fix where needed 3. SELF REVISION: • Use peer feedback to revise draft

How to Write in Parallel Structure • When editing a paper or essay, be sure to check for parallel sentence structure by reading each segment individually with the sentence to see if it makes sense. • Most people recognize when something is not written in parallel structure because it does not make sense or sound right.

What is wrong with this sentence? • Tom drove to the store and bought eggs, milk, picked up the paper, and cashed a check. • The word bought introduces a list. What did Tom buy? eggs and milk. In the middle of the sentence, however, the verbs picked up and cashed interrupt the action bought, creating unparallel sentence structure.

• The sentence could be fixed by inserting the word bought before milk or by inserting and between milk and eggs. • Tom drove to the store and bought eggs, milk, picked up the paper, and cashed a check. Tom drove to the store and bought milk and eggs, picked up the paper, and cashed a check.

Tricks for Identifying Problems in Parallel Sentence Structure • Create a bullet point list of each action or word in the series • Let’s look at our last example: – – – • Tom drove to the store and bought: eggs milk picked up the paper cashed a check

• The first two words work but the second two phrases make no sense with the word bought in front of them. Try using each verb instead. • Tom drove to the store and: – – bought eggs milk picked up the paper cashed the check • This entire example works except that milk does not have a verb in front of it. •

Other Errors in Parallel Sentence Structure • Parallel sentence structure can also include errors in other parts of speech. In this example, there is an error with the pronouns of the sentence.

• Jennifer wanted a hot dog, cheeseburger or a sandwich for dinner. • In the above example, the word a should either be included before each item or omitted before the word sandwich.

Jennifer wanted a hot dog, cheeseburger or a sandwich for dinner. Jennifer wanted – a hotdog – a cheeseburger – a sandwich Jennifer wanted a – hotdog – cheeseburger – Sandwich Jennifer wanted a hot dog, cheeseburger or sandwich for dinner.

Edit for Parallel Structure by Reading Segments Individually • It can be easier to spot parallel sentence structure errors in writing other than your own, so be sure to read carefully. • Ask yourself if each item in the list makes sense with the verb beginning the list. • Ask yourself if each item either has its own adjective, pronoun or modifier. • Try reading each segment of a list with the rest of the sentence to make sure it makes sense.

objectives TODAY’S GOALS 1. Self Editing 2. Last Minute Check on Essays 3. Reread… reread… 4. Check your essay against the rubric – what score did you give yourself? Why? Be prepared to hand in a graded rubric with an explanation of the grade by the end of the period. 5. Final typed essay is due tomorrow!