Writing an Essay

Career Fair Paper

Introduction – 1st paragraphStart with a quote, question, or interesting

statement.Begin with a broad statement about the topic

(careers in general)Begin to narrow it down (picking a career)Begin to introduce topic (using a Holland Code)Discuss topic of paper (what your Holland Code told

you)Narrow topic even closer to what your paper is going

to be about (Holland code options)Thesis statement (clearly states what your paper is

going to be about)

Remember the funnel idea…

Sample Intro. Paragraph… Sally Student

My Teacher

English 8

19 January 2012

Someone once said, “Many people quit looking for work when they find a career.” This is a great thing to consider when starting the search for a possible career. But how do you do that? Take a guess at what you like? Ask a friend what they think would you would be good at? These may seem like options but should someone else’s opinion or a lucky guess be used to guide you into something that you do forty hours a week, sometimes more? What would be more effective would be a tool to help not only figure out what you’d be good at but also something you would enjoy, that matches your personality and that tool is called the Holland Code. The Holland code is a tool that measures all the things that are needed to help you find a career that would meet all your needs and leave you feeling happy. Based on the Holland Code, I should seek out jobs that allow me to interact with and help people as well as use my creativity and organizational skills. Based on my Holland Code and personal interests, the three jobs that I would most like to pursue are English teacher, guidance counselor, and Editor.

 

Writing a Thesis StatementAnswer the prompt thoroughlyTurn the prompt into a statementInclude the point you are trying to make AND the

reasons you will use to make that point.

Example: Based on my Holland Code and personal interests, the three jobs that I would most like to pursue are English teacher, guidance counselor, and Editor.

(this is a general example – there are two ways this paper can be written and depending on how you write it, the thesis statement will be more in depth.)

Body Paragraphs…Each body paragraph should have an introductory

sentence telling what the topic of the paragraph is.The “meat” of the paragraph should be the

important information. Do not leave anything out. Be sure to summarize if necessary.

End the paragraph with a rephrasing of the topic.

REMEMBER: each body paragraph should look the same; HOWEVER, the second and third body paragraphs should each have a transition sentence from the previous paragraph.

Organization of Essay

Two Ways to Write a Comparison Paper

Body Setup By Theme/Topic

Body Setup By PointEach body paragraph

discusses all the details about each topic

Paragraph 1 – everything about topic 1 and only topic 1

Paragraph 2 – everything about topic 2 and only topic 2

Paragraph 3 – everything about topic 3 and only topic 3

Each body paragraph discusses certain topics about all three jobs.

Paragraph 1 – skills, knowledge, etc comparing all 3 jobs

Paragraph 2 – careers, education, etc comparing all 3 jobs

Paragraph 3 – job outlook, salary, etc for comparing all 3 jobs

Examples of Transitions to start paragraph-for second and third paragraph only…

You should choose words that show sequence…

whilefirstmeanwhilesoon thenaftersecondtoday laternextat 

third tomorrowafterwardas soon asbeforenow AboutduringUntilfinally

Sample of body paragraphs… The first job that I found most interesting was that of an English

teacher. According to Naviance, some of the skills, abilities, and knowledge an English teacher must have is….. Some of the daily tasks and activities an English teacher does are… Finally, in order to be an English teacher you must have … degree with … classes. The average salary is … and according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the job outlook is … There are many things to consider being and English teacher and these pieces of information are quite helpful.

The next job that seemed to be a good fit for me is Guidance Counselor. While many people think counselors just sit and talk to kids about their problems each day that is not true. A counselor… The job of counselor is quite diverse and offers a job where two days are rarely the same.

A job that interests me that has nothing to do with the education field is Editor. This job is quite different than teacher or counselor……..

Conclusion…When writing a conclusion YOU MAY NOT

EVER include new information.Think of your conclusion as an upside down

version of your introduction.

Conclusion Continued…The first thing you should do is restate or

summarize your thesis.Your conclusion should only touch on the

main points – you do not need to restate EVERYTHING – just summarize the information you have.

After summarizing, make some kind of statement of what you’ve learned, what impact this knowledge has, something that is meaningful and insightful.

Sample of Conclusion… The world of work offers millions of opportunities and

the jobs of English teacher, Guidance Counselor, and Editor are just three that interest me. Through study of these job descriptions, investigating my Holland Code, and speaking to some professionals in these fields, I realize that any one of these jobs would be perfect for me. They match my interests, my skills, my abilities, and are jobs that would really make me happy. Through teaching others, helping others, and trying to make other’s lives better, I know that I would be content and happy going to work each morning. I want to grow up and not just work a random job, but have a career that I love and I think any one of these jobs would bring me that happiness.

REMEMBER:1. Start with interesting fact or

question or quote2. Start with broad topic then narrow

down to thesis statement3. Thesis statement last sentence of

first paragraph4. Body paragraphs start off with topic

then give information and details5. The second and third body paragraph

should start with a transition statement.

6. Each body paragraph should end with a concluding statement

7. Conclusion should start with restatement of thesis

8. Give brief summary of information presented

9. End with an insightful thought or statement of what you learned.

Sample Paper with Markingssample paper.docx

Paper Graphic OrganizerThesis ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Job 1 Job 2 Job 3

Summary of Job:

Holland Code/Career Cluster:

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities (3-4):

Daily tasks(5-6):

Degrees/Classes/Certifications:

Work Environment/Hours:

Salary:

Job Outlook:

Any other interesting information

Conclusion:Summary of main points of job

Tell which job you would like the most and why

Peer Editing ProceduresT:\8th grade English\Peer Editing Procedures

.docx