Journal 9/20/11• Get new Table of Contents on back table & write today’s Table of

Contents.• Write Homework. • Journal: (at least 6 lines for journal checks) Write an intro paragraph to a book about the story of your life.

Remember: Hook, Background, & Thesis!

How does a writer structure an effective essay?

Here’s what we’ll learn:

And how to write an effective:

Body Paragraph

So what is the purpose of body paragraphs?

Body paragraphs organize the argument of your paper and supports your thesis statement.

So what is the purpose of body paragraphs?

Each body paragraph explains one supporting detail from your thesis statement.

Body Paragraphs

A body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence based on your thesis statement.

Thesis: Many students take their education for granted because they skip class, sleep in class and they do not complete their homework.

Body Para. #1 Topic sentence: Students who skip class do not care about their education.

Your topic sentence must be supported with strong reasons and evidence from the text that you are using.

Transitions• It is important to begin EVERY new idea with a transition word/phrase.

***Refer to the worksheet***

CSQT• C – claim• S – set-up• Q- quote• T – tie in (to the claim)

Example: The author of the article “Doing Nothing is Something” feels a personal connection to the topic.

She refers to her childhood summers as “the making of me, as a human being and a writer” (para. 2).

She makes clear that “down time” played a significant role in developing her creativity.

Independent Practice

• Complete the Independent Practice on the Body Paragraph worksheet.

Summarizing Activity

• 3 – Name three things you learned about body paragraphs.

• 2 – Transition words• 1 – reason why you should plan your

thesis statement before your body paragraphs.

Essay topic

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Do failures make us stronger or do they hurt us permanently? Write an intro paragraph in which you explain your opinions on this issue.