10th English Writing Methods

Thesis Statement A cleverly constructed sentence which

clearly outlines three main points used in the essay. Each point corresponds to a body paragraph in the essay itself.

Thesis point one, thesis point two, thesis point three.

*Point one is the topic of the first body paragraph. *Point two is the topic of the second, and* point three, the third

Thesis examples

Ex. John Steinbeck won the Nobel prize for literature because of his descriptive style, detailed foreshadowing, and call to action for lower-class citizens.

› This thesis is acceptable, but it is very basic. Use of the word ‘because’ is very common, and the sentence lacks creative effort.

Ex. John Steinbeck’s crystal-clear descriptions, clever examples of foreshadowing, and heart-breaking portrait of life for the poor and oppressed were compelling reasons why he won the Nobel prize for literature.

› This example is better. The three topics are still clear, but here there is an effort to improve word choice.

The thesis statement should be the first sentence written for the essay. It is a great organizational tool, especially for the 5-paragraph essay format.

The thesis should be located at the end of the introductory paragraph. It is the last sentence of that paragraph. There is no need for a transition to the next paragraph after it.

Hooks

The average attention span is about 90 seconds. That means a writer must grab the reader’s attention, and convince them to read further very quickly. A ‘hook’ or attention-getting device can do this. There are four types:

› Question(s)› Quotes› Shocking statement or statistic› Anecdote

Question:

Use three related questions to get the reader involved. When a person poses a question, the natural human tendency is to provide an answer, or at least think of one. If the reader does that, now he or she is involved.

Ex. Why should a high school sophomore read a novel where the characters are talking animals? Why do so many schools in the United States include this novel in their curriculum? What is the message for adults in George Orwell’s Animal Farm?

› This example contains three solid questions which start broad and become more specific. It subtly shows the direction in which the writer wants to lead the reader.

Who was Frederick Douglass?

› Not a good example, but unfortunately a common one. One broad question is not enough to spark interest, and reflects little thought on the part of the writer.

Quote:

Finding an appropriate quote which appeals to the readers, or captures the essence of the writer’s topic is a great method of grabbing attention.

Ex. “…in revolting barbarity and shameless hypocrisy, America reigns without a rival…”. This quote was not stated by a terrorist. In fact it was made by an American politician – Frederick Douglass.

› The previous quote is a powerful example.

The quote itself is interesting and unexpected. It also opens the door for an explanation by the writer as to why Douglass said these words. Note: the explanation of the quote used is often as important as the quote itself.

Anecdote:

An anecdote is an entertaining story related to the topic.

Ex. In 1848, a railroad construction foreman named Phineas Gage unexpectedly made history. While packing dynamite, Gage had a four-foot-long iron bar blown through his head. Amazingly, Gage lived. Even more amazing was the fact that Gage could still speak and understand the speech of others. In reality, Gage became living proof of the concept of brain localization and sparked interest in the field of research known today as Neurolinguistics.

› This is an actual example used in a college essay at Bloomsburg. It is an interesting story related to the topic . Anecdotes tend to be long, so if a writer needs to take up some space, they fit the bill. Also, one convenient way to conclude an essay is to refer back to an anecdote started in the introductory paragraph.

Shocking statement:

A brief, potentially controversial statement designed to create interest quickly.

Ex. Aztec Indians sacrificed 80,000 lives in one year in an effort to appease their gods to send rain. › A shocking statistic like the one here, is

often a great hook.

Ex. John Steinbeck’s writing is offensive. His novel Of Mice and Men is frequently banned due to its treatment of women, an African American character, and mistreatment of animals.

-This shocking statement uses controversy to gain the attention of the reader. Note: students are encouraged to use more than one hook in their introduction.

Body Structure

There are three types of sentences in body paragraphs. Good paragraphs are 5-7 sentences long at minimum.

› Lead-in or topic sentences› Specific examples› Transition sentences or reference back to

thesis.

Topic sentences: The same type of sentences students have been writing since elementary school. Basically, after readers complete this sentence, they should know the topic of the rest of the paragraph.

› Topic sentences can be questions, quotes, contain relevant statistics, etc. However, writers cannot forget the importance of their function.

Specific Examples: Sentences containing specific examples are the basis of the paragraph. Specific examples can be any one of the following: statistics, facts, examples, stories or anecdotes, quotes, or in a narrative essay, personal experience. The more research done and information presented by the writer, the more convincing, and informative the essay will be.

Transition/Relate back to thesis: The writer needs to give a subtle hint to the reader that the topic of one paragraph is ending and possibly provide them with another hint that a new idea is starting. The last one or two sentences of a paragraph are the optimum places to do this.

Transition: One or two sentences where the writer summarizes the previous paragraph, but also mentions the next topic.

Ex. 1 – “ ½ and ½” Not only does Steinbeck use symbols uniquely, he is also a master of foreshadowing. › The first half of the sentence refers to the

paragraph it concludes, the second half of the sentence gives the readers a hint of the next topic.

Ex. 2 – Refer back to thesis. Paragraph topic: Hemingway’s use of symbolismThesis statement: Ernest Hemingway’s foreshadowing, symbolism, and blatantly obvious religious message make The Old Man and the Sea a curiously classic novel.

Refer back sentence: These symbols are just one aspect of The Old Man and the Sea which make it a widely-read work.

› It is important to know the thesis statement and the topic of the paragraph to see how the example works. A well-constructed refer-back-to-thesis sentence summarizes quickly and makes some reference to the thesis statement.

› Be sure not to repeat exact wording from the thesis, it is too obvious and repetitive.

Methods of Conclusion

Writing a powerful conclusion is not an easy task, but the conclusion paragraph must effectively and interestingly summarize the essay. There are four methods:

Tie the conclusion to the introductory paragraph

Predict using quotes Make a suggestion Restate the thesis statement

Tie conclusion to the introductory paragraph:This method works great with an anecdote. It allows the reader to complete the story or example started in the introductory paragraph which gives the essay great structure.

Ex. Now little Johnny, who use to play with blocks, has used his talent to benefit society by becoming a structural engineer. He also makes between $75,000 and $150,000 a year.

- This is an actual example used by a student for their career essay. The writer created a character, and then finished the story of a boy who loved to build as a child, who now loves to build as an adult.

Predict using quotes: This method uses someone else’s words to make the reader contemplate the future.

Ex. “If we don’t act now, we will be leaving the next generation a global environmental disaster.” This quote by Al Gore….

- Here, the writer uses Al Gore’s quote to remind the reader that global warming will affect future generations as well as the present one. Again, the next sentence which validates the quote is as important as the quote itself.

Make a suggestion: The writer may use the conclusion to make a suggestion to the reader as to how to solve a problem or how to best appreciate a written work.

Ex. The evidence is overwhelming, but clearly if every person does his or her part, global warming and the amount of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere can be curbed. Purchasing fluorescent lights, and unplugging unused electronics is a great way for every individual or family to start. › A practical, well-worded suggestion

encourages the reader to think or act.

Restate the thesis statement: Don’t repeat the thesis, (that’s lazy). Say it in a different way. It can even be broken into three sentences.

Thesis statement: Ernest Hemingway’s foreshadowing, symbolism, and blatantly obvious religious message make The Old Man and the Sea a curiously classic novel.

Ex. Hemingway’s foreshadowing and symbolism are clever and sometimes obvious. However, it is the religious message that often sparks the most criticism from readers.

› Here the thesis is broken into two sentences. Many writers like to restate the thesis in the first sentence of the conclusion paragraph. It gives the reader a clear message that this is the conclusion of the paper.

Transitions and Clinchers

Do not use a transition sentence at the end of the third body paragraph. There is no “next topic,” so there is no need. Just have an appropriate conclusion sentence for that paragraph.

Writers do need a transition sentence between the hook and the thesis statement. Blend the attention-getter to the thesis, if not they will sound unconnected and the introductory paragraph will not flow smoothly.

A clincher is the last sentence of the paper. It needs to be appropriate, and end with a “bang.” Students can use a rhetorical question, a quote, create a clever play on words, or use “pathos” to summon emotion from the reader. These are not the only methods, but they are fairly common. It is the writer’s responsibility to make the last sentence make a lasting impression.