Formal Writing
Dec 23, 2015
Formal Writing
The Beginning: What is a thesis
statement?A thesis statement focuses on the main idea of an essay or a speech in one sentence.
The Beginning: Where is the thesis
statement?The thesis statement is located in the introductory paragraph and it is explained with supporting evidence throughout the body of the essay or speech.
Example:Which of the following would be an example of a thesis statement?
a. “I am going to tell you all about poetry.”
b. “There are lots of things you can learn about the Periodic Table of Elements.”
c. “Much can be said about converting percents, fractions, and decimals.”
d. “The three branches of government that have its own powers and responsibilities are legislative, executive, and judicial.
Correct Answer:
d. “The three branches of government that have its own powers and responsibilities are legislative, executive, and judicial.”
The Beginning: What is the
Introductory Paragraph’s purpose?
A well written introductory paragraph GRABS the reader’s
attention.
The Beginning:Introductory Paragraph
Includes: Hook
Thesis statement
The Beginning:Introductory Paragraph
Does not include:Concluding statement
The Beginning:How to use
Attention GettersOne way to grab the reader’s attention:
State an interesting or startling fact(Note: This adds curiosity to the introduction!)
The Beginning:How to use
Attention GettersAnother way to grab the reader’s attention:
Begin your essay or speech by asking a question.(Note: This gets your audience thinking about your topic!)
The Middle:What are
Transitions?Select words that are used to provide coherence to supporting sentences and paragraphs.
Transitional expressions allow the sentences to flow smoothly and connect to each other. (Think of a musical instrument being played harmoniously!)
The Middle:Examples of
Transition words
Transition words to use
First of all Because
Secondly However
Finally Meanwhile
Therefore As a result
In addition to For example
The Middle:Where are
transitions found?Transition sentences are usually
found at the first sentence of the paragraph.
The Middle:Examples of
Transitional expressions “Another example is…” (give a personal connection!)
“Although this appears to be the case…” (provide a different perspective!)
The Middle:What does this
element do?Body paragraph
Includes supporting details
The End:What does this
element do?Concluding paragraph
Usually restates the thesis statement in some form
The End:What does this
element do?Concluding paragraph
Lets the readers know that the composition is complete.
The End:Answer the question
“So what?”Concluding paragraph
Pose a new question Connect to a bigger picture Evoke a visual image Suggest results or a call of action
Example:Which of the following would be an example of a concluding statement?
a. “Because it is easy to see that littering is bad for the ozone layer and needs to be stopped, I urge you to consider your actions before making the problems at hand worse.”
b. “I wonder how technology will affect us ten years from now.”
c. “Now you know how this world is full of community service opportunities.”
d. “Depression, drinking, and death are three issues that Edgar Allan Poe dealt with throughout his lifetime.
Correct Answer:
a. “Because it is easy to see that littering is bad for the ozone layer and needs to be stopped, I urge you to consider your actions before making the problems at hand worse.”
How to write a Persuasive Speech
#1 Choose a problem/an issue
to discuss
State your position
What is the problem/issue? Are you FOR it? Are you AGAINST it?
#2 Identify your audience
Speak specifically to the group of people you want to persuade
Who is the speech addressing? How much do they already know about the issue? How much more do you need to inform them on
the topic?
#3 Support your position
Brainstorm facts and examples
What information can be proven? What real world example have they
experienced, heard, or seen about the issue?
#4 Provide a solution or suggest an action
Give specific examples
How many options can you provide to convince your audience?
How does your solution or action benefit your audience?
Persuasive Speech Guidelines
Important information to include:
Answer here:
Issue
Audience
Supporting facts & examples
Solution
PossiblePersuasive Speech
Sentence Format(Fill in the blank)
I want ____________ because ____________________. (claim) (reasoning)
I understand ________________________; however, (parents’ objection)
______________________. If not, ________________. (counter argument) (your responsibility)