Essay Directions
Writing Module:
In this module, you will be writing and submitting 4 different types of essays:
1. Narrative Essay
2. Informative Essay
3. Descriptive Essay
4. Persuasive Essay
*****You will be provided writing prompts to help you get started****(You are to choose four different prompts)
Three of the essays can follow the "3.8" paragraph essay pattern.
The 3.8 Paragraph Essay Pattern is:
1 Topic
3 Points
8 Sentences
Sentence 1--the topic sentence introduces the topic that contains three points
Sentences 2 & 3--develop point one
Sentences 4 & 5--develop point two
Sentences 6 & 7--develop point three
Sentence 8--the clincher--restates the topic sentence.
For one of these essays, you will need to fill out the "Essay Outline" that is included in this Module. For this essay, the OUTLINE AND THE ESSAY must be submitted together.
Structure of a five paragraph essay:
---Paragraph 1 (2-4 sentences)
Introduction:
Hook: Grab the reader's attention with a quote, scenario, question, vivid description, etc. Must be related to your topic. (1-2 sentences)
Thesis statement: Simply and clearly state your position on the issue (1 sentence )
Choose three arguments you can use to convince your reader of your position. Briefly state these arguments here. (1-2 sentences)
--Paragraph 2 (3-6 sentences)
Go back to paragraph one and find your first argument. Then write a paragraph about it.
Use specific examples to support your argument
Write a transition sentence.
-- Paragraph 3 (3-6 sentences)
Go back to paragraph one and find your second argument. Write a paragraph about it.
Use specific examples to support your argument. You could use websites to give facts, statistics, supporting quotations, studies, research...
Write a transition sentence.
--- Paragraph 4 (3-6 sentences)
Go back to paragraph one and find your third argument. Write a paragraph about it.
Use specific examples to support your argument
Write a transition sentence.
--- Paragraph 5 (2-4 sentences)
Conclusion
Summarize-restate your thesis statement and three arguments in different words
Make a closing statement. Tie your closing statement back to your opening hook.
*(Essay Outline form to be used is attached in this Module)*
Narrative:
• Is there a special object or family tradition that is important to everyone in your family? For example, do you have an heirloom that has been handed down through generations, a quilt your grandmother made, or a special way of celebrating birthdays? For a younger relative - perhaps even for someone who hasn't been born yet - describe this family treasure or tradition in as much detail as you can.
• For an audience of your classmates, write a description of a particular time and place that you know well, such as your room on a rainy afternoon, the video arcade after school, or the waiting area at your doctor's office on a busy day. Use as many specific sensory details a you can. Try to capture the moment - and share how you felt about it.
• The Good and the Bad. Think about an event in your life that seemed bad but turned out to be good. Maybe you got injured and while you were waiting for your broken leg to heal, you learned how to use a computer. What makes the event change from bad to good may be something that you learned as a result, something that you did differently as a result, or something that happened that wouldn't have occurred otherwise. Tell the story of the event that you experienced and help your readers understand how an event that seemed negative turned out to have valuable consequences.
• Many comedians make jokes about everyday life. Think about a time in your life that has been funny. Tell what happened.
Informative:
• Think of some things you learned outside of school. For example, you learn from pet care, television, or grandparents. Explain what you learned.
• If you had the opportunity to meet any person (living or dead) who would it be, why would you choose that person, and what would you want to say when you met?
• Your teacher is going to allow your parents to come watch a movie with you in class. Think about one movie you can watch. Write to explain why you would want to watch that movie with your parents in class.
• Think about shopping for milk. Explain what it would be like if there were no standard volumes of milk sold. Explain what you would have to do and how you would measure things.
Persuasive:
• Many people have a favorite place to go in their hometown or city. Think about the places you like to go in your town. Write a paragraph to encourage people from out-of-town to visit your favorite place in town.
• Pretend that you have found out before anyone else about a hurricane or other storm headed to your area. You need to warn people and make sure they are somewhere safe. Write an emergency warning to be read on the radio that will convince people to find shelter.
• Many junior high and high schools around the country now require students to spend a certain number of hours each term doing volunteer work or community service. Some people believe this is an excellent idea that promotes good citizenship and cultivates compassion. Others feel that forced volunteerism is not volunteerism at all. How do you feel about this issue? Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
• Many parents give children a weekly or monthly allowance regardless of their behavior because they believe an allowance teaches children to be financially responsible. Other parents only give children an allowance as a reward for completing chores or when they have behaved properly. Explain what you think parents should do and why.
Descriptive Essay Topics
A rainy day
A natural disaster
One of the Seven Wonders of the World
Your ideal roommate
A good parent
A bad parent
A romantic day
Space travel
Meeting a famous person
A visit to a zoo
The first day of college
Leaving home for the first time
Essay Outline Form
Directions: Use the outline form below to organize your essay. Choose your topic and three arguments to support your opinion. The assignment can be typed directly to the website. Just follow the outline as a guideline.
Topic___________________________________________________________________
Introduction
Create a topic sentence that will draw in the audience
#1 Note subtopic 1 (this will be topic of 2nd paragraph)
#2 Note subtopic 2 (this will be topic of 3rd paragraph)
#3 Note subtopic 3 (this will be topic of 4th paragraph)
Body- First Supporting Paragraph
Restate what subtopic 1 is
1. supporting detail or example
2. supporting detail or example
Body- Second Supporting Paragraph
Restate what subtopic 2 is
1. supporting detail or example
2. supporting detail or example
Body- Third Supporting Paragraph
Restate what subtopic 3 is
1. supporting detail or example
2. supporting detail or example
Conclusion
Restate main topic and subtopics
Overall summary of essay.