The Essay Map. Adapted from

Transcription

1 The Essay Map Adapted from 1

2 What makes an essay? 2

3 An essay:» Focuses on one main idea» Consists of several paragraphs that develop this main idea using supporting evidence with the purpose to explore, explain, evaluate, or reflect 3

4 What is the Essay Map?» It is a visual, easy-to-remember format for creating an essay. EACH and EVERY PART of an essay has a purpose, and connects to the main idea of your essay. Using this format will make your writing clearer and more focused, with better supporting details. 4

5 What are the key parts of an essay? 5

6 Start Taking Essay Map Notes Now! 6

7 Key Part: Thesis Statement (TS)» This is the IDEA that your paper will EXPLORE and PROVE.» It should be ONE SENTENCE long» EVERYTHING in your paper will help prove this statement.» It is based on the EVIDENCE you have found. 7

8 Sample Thesis Statement» I believe in being a good father and provider to my child.» Notice this is one sentence long, and focuses on a life belief of being a good parent. 8

9 Key Part: Body Paragraphs I. Definition of a body paragraph: A. A unit of writing that presents and develops ONE main point which supports the Thesis Statement. 1. EVERY sentence in a paragraph relates directly to that point. 2. A standard essay has three or more body paragraphs. 9

10 B. Body Paragraph s Key Parts 10

11 1. Main Point of the Paragraph (MPP): a). This is the topic sentence. i. It is ONE sentence long. ii. iii. It connects directly to the Thesis Statement ALL other sentences in the paragraph connect to it / help prove it. 11

12 Sample MPP» The day my daughter was born, a whole new sense of responsibility came into my life. ALL sentences in this paragraph will help show what new responsibilities he had as a father. Note how it connects with the Thesis statement -read the MPP, then say helps prove that, he believes in being a good father and provider for his child. 12

13 2. Supporting Sentences a) These sentences give specific information that supports the main point of the paragraph. b) There are two kinds: 13

14 i. Supporting Ideas of the Paragraph (SIP) (a) This is an IDEA that helps prove the MPP. (b) It INTRODUCES specific details that prove the MPP (c) It does not include specific details - those come next! 14

15 Sample SIP (SIP) Now I had the responsibility of taking care of someone else other than myself. This was an entirely new concept for me.» This sentence helps prove the MPP by telling the reader that the writer, for the first time in his life, had to take care of someone else, but doesn t give SPECIFIC details - yet! 15

16 ii. Specific Details with Explanations (SDE). (a) These are SPECIFIC DETAILS that prove or show the Supporting Idea of the Paragraph. (b) Each SDE is an example - it should be more than one sentence long. (c) It contains details that allow readers see, hear, smell, feel, or qualify/quantify the main point of the paragraph. 16

17 Sample SDE (SDE) Now I had diapers to change, bottles to fix, puke stained clothes to wash, and that is just to start. Not to mention that all that stuff costs money. As she has gotten older, she has grown exponentially smarter. I can now see her trying to do all the things that I do. Several days ago I was sitting on the couch reading the newspaper. When I looked to my right, there was my daughter holding a Sesame Street book upside down trying her best to read it. She was trying so hard to be just like me. This gives a specific example that helps prove the SIP. 17

18 3. Clincher / Concluding Sentence (CS) (a) This is a concluding sentence that summarizes your paragraph s main point. (b) It is OPTIONAL - long paragraphs need one, but short ones don t. (c) It is ONE sentence long.

19 Sample CS» (CS) This was an example to me that as her father, I have the responsibility of setting a good example.» Notice that this connects directly to the MPP. 19

20 How do the parts fit together? 20

21 Body Paragraph Map Main Point of the Paragraph Supporting ideas of the paragraph Specific details of the paragraph Concluding Sentence (CS) If you have more than one supporting idea in the paragraph, each one should have its own supporting details that follow. 21

22 How do I know when to start a new paragraph? You should start a new paragraph: When you begin a new idea or point. New ideas should always start in new paragraphs. To contrast information or ideas. Separate paragraphs can serve to contrast sides in a debate, different points in an argument, or any other difference. 22

23 How do I know when to start a new paragraph? You should start a new paragraph: When your readers need a pause. You would create a break if the paragraph becomes too long or the material is complex. When you are ending your introductory paragraph or starting your conclusion paragraph. 23

24 Key Part: Introductory Paragraph 1. Definition: This paragraph introduces your essay. A. It has THREE functions: 1. Catch the reader s attention 2. Introduce your topic 3. Present your Thesis Statement 24

25 II. Introductory Paragraph s Key Parts 25

26 A. Lead 1. Short story, description, a series of questions or facts, or background information 2. Connects to your main topic 3. Gets the reader s attention - makes them keep reading 26

27 Sample Lead» When I was fifteen years old, I was caught stealing a deck of cards from a convenience store. When we finally arrived home, my father said to me, Son, you don t know how much what you have done has hurt your mom and me. But one day, when you have kids of your own, you will know how much you mean to us. I didn t know how true those words were until my daughter Kiara was born. 27

28 IMPORTANT NOTE: **Write the lead AFTER you write the body paragraphs - you can t introduce someone you haven t met!** 28

29 B. Thesis Statement (TS) The final sentence of your introduction is the central idea that your paper will explore and prove. Example: (TS) I believe in being a good father and provider to my child. 29

30 How do the parts fit together? 30

31 Introductory Paragraph Map LEAD Note the shape: the intro starts broad, and narrows to a focused thesis statement. Thesis Statement 31

32 Key Part: Concluding Paragraph 1. Definition: This paragraph concludes your paper. A. It has THREE functions: 1. Recap your thesis statement 2. Review your main points 3. Leave the reader with something to think about 32

33 II. Concluding Paragraph s Key Parts 33

34 A. Restated Thesis Statement (RTS) 1. It is a recap of the central idea that your paper explored and proved. 2. It is worded differently from your TS, but makes the same point Example: (RTS) I have been gifted with the privilege of being a father, and it has changed who I am today. Having a child has made me a much better person than I was before. 34

35 C. Ringer (R) 1. Is ONE SENTENCE long 2. Connects to your main topic 3. Leaves the reader with something to think about. 35

36 Sample R» (R) The only sad part is, she may never understand until she has kids of her own.» Note how this connects to the lead, and leaves the reader with something to think about. 36

37 How do the parts fit together? 37

38 Concluding Paragraph Map Re-stated Thesis Statement Note the shape: the conclusion starts with a narrow focused re-stated TS, and widens out to a broad statement. Ringer 38

39 How does it all come together? Introduction Thesis St. Body Paragraph Body Paragraph Body Paragraph Conclusion 39

40 These are guidelines that will help your writing be clearer and more organized. However, in practice the boundaries between paragraphs may be not as clear, so prepare to deal with doubts and uncertainty as you determine a main point for each paragraph and its connection to the central idea of your essay. An essay is like a quilt where all pieces fit together in harmony. 40