Essay 1 Organizing your First Draft What is

Essay 1 Organizing your First Draft

What is your essay about?

Logical Assertions Formal writing = more objectivity Logical assertions are needed Logical assertion: a statement of opinion or judgment that you can support with clear and valid reasons A thesis should contain a logical assertion Your essay builds on your thesis and supports it

Can this statement be supported logically? My father is my best This may be true, but it is friend a subjective assertion; one that cannot be supported logically.

Can this statement be supported logically? This is a matter of fact not opinion. Therefore there is nothing in this that is arguable. Either it is true or it isn't. Italy won the World Cup in 1990

Can this statement be supported logically? The food in Korea is the most delicious in the world This statement may also be true, but it is a matter of taste. There is no arguing with taste. even research to prove this would have little point.

Can this statement be supported logically? This may be true, but there is no way to verify it; thus, it is impossible to support logically. There is intelligent life on other planets

Can this statement be supported logically? Computers create more employment than unemployment This is the only logical assertion. The reader may agree or disagree. It is up to the author to prove her point with support.

With a partner answer the following questions Does your thesis contain a logical assertion? Do your paragraphs begin with a logical assertion that support your thesis? If not, how can you change your thesis or paragraphs?

How is your essay organized?

Does your outline follow one of these? Chronological Organization – forward or backward Logical - comparison, contrast, or development of ideas Functional (How-to. . . )

With a partner answer the following outline questions Which organization method did you use? Why? Do all your paragraphs support to your thesis? Is there a reason for the order of your paragraphs? Is there a way you could improve the organization?

Writing your First Draft

First: thesis Is your thesis strong, clear, and supportable? If not, fix it! You can't write a good essay without a good thesis statement

Second: the body Each paragraph should be unified The topic sentence must support thesis Each body paragraph should be unique and have a clear main idea

Third: the conclusion After your body paragraphs Restate your thesis Leave a final thought at the end: Reason your essay is important Plan of action Moves from specific (thesis) to general (context)

Fourth: the introduction Write the introduction last Start with general context before introducing thesis You should begin with a hook Surprising fact Entertaining story Something to get readers attention

Good Luck!