HOW TO WRITE AN ESSAY

Statement Proof Commentary

THESIS STATEMENT

This comes at the beginning of your essay. As we develop our writing, we will begin by writing three prong thesis statements. A thesis statement contains the topic you are writing about and your opinion (reasons why).

DO NOW:The three most important traits for survival are ________, ___________ +

_________.

You may choose ONE OR TWO and then two more of your own.

STATEMENTS

In an essay, your statements connect to your thesis. For example, the first reason you discuss in your thesis, will be the first thing you discuss in your essay.

DO NOW: Trait/Reason one is most important for survival because _______________.

PROOF

Proof is a quote from the text! This is what you should have highlighted in pink and proves why the trait is important for survival.

Tip: Don’t forget “Don’t Float Your Quotes!” Don’t forget the page number!

In the article “The 12 Rules of Survival” the author states, “_________”(2).

Make sure your proof connects to your statement! Proof should show why the statement is true.

COMMENTARY

Commentary is your own analysis of the quote and statement. Commentary is your ideas put into an articulate and academic way. This is where you connect the statement and the proof. How do they connect?

YOU ARE NOT SUMMARIZING THE QUOTE!

THINGS TO REMEMBER

oNo HIT LIST words!!!!!!! Use your red paper.

oINTRODUCE YOUR QUOTES!!!!!!!!! Use the purple paper.

oNo Contractions! “They’re, we’re, couldn’t, shouldn’t- any word with an apostrophe (unless you’re showing possession.)

oDO NOT USE “I”- this is NOT a personal narrative

oThis is an 11 SENTENCE essay! Meaning each section should be ONE sentence. Please do not write 10 sentences, please do not write 12 sentences. Follow directions!!

oPlease proof read your writing before submitting it!!

ESSAY DIRECTIONS

1. Using your analysis protocol, complete the outline for the essay. Again, it is 11 sentences. Outline is due by the end of the day on Friday! You will lose points if it is not complete.

2. Homework is to type up your outline, read it, reread it, edit it, perfect it

3. Due by 11:59 PM on Monday 8/10